Names…Everyone has one! Some may even have a few names—first, middle, and last. How about a nickname? What about…mom, dad, aunt, grandma, mister, miss, or sir. All of these names become part of you. It helps identify us and differentiate between others. There are stories behind some of our names. Is it a family name? A name with Biblical meaning? Does it come from your friends or your parents?
When being introduced to someone, do you listen for the other’s name? Do you remember it? Do you have the courage to say…”I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening. Could you please repeat your name?”
I am sure that everyone has experienced having their full name being used to be reprimanded. When I pulled out my kids middle names…they knew I meant business!! They also knew which one I was yelling at even if I called them by their siblings name and even the dogs when I was reprimanding them.
Names are important, but what if your name is not called when accolades are being given? What if your name isn’t mentioned when something good has been done? What if you are not recognized for a good deed? It can be disappointing, but is all lost? Is it the end of the world?
If we look in Genesis 6-8 (Noah and the flood) we see some amazing things from Noah and his family. Did you ever notice that we never hear Noah’s wife’s name?
Genesis 6: 18
But I will set up my covenant with you. You will go into the ark together with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.
Genesis 7: 7
Noah, his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives with him entered the ark to escape the floodwaters.
Genesis 8:15
God spoke to Noah, 16 “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you.
We are never told Noah’s wife’s name, she is always called ‘your wife’ or ‘his wife’. Is she any less important? God knows her name! God knows the things she has done. She is not forgotten!
We are not forgotten!! God knows our name!!
A group of young people has caught my attention over the last few years. It is a children’s choir from Uganda called Watoto Children’s Choir. Each child in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents and now lives in a Watoto village. Accompanied by a team of adults, the choir presents Watoto’s vision and mission by sharing personal stories, music and dance. As orphans in a struggling country, these gorgeous children could feel lost and alone, but instead they bring a message of being known by God. They are not forgotten!
Click this video to watch a Watoto Children’s Choir sing with such joy!! I think these orphaned children will teach you a little about faith, love, and singing with joy!