He calls me by name. The name He gives… not the one I sign.
The phone rang. (Do phones actually, still RING?) OK- The phone BEEPED. I answered.
“Hi- Tracey, This is ____________, good to talk to you!”
The call went on without surprise. What was surprising, however, was how I felt about being called by my name. “Tracey”. It made me smile.
I felt recognized. I felt “Known.” It was a good feeling. That surprised me. I was surprised, because this hasn’t always been my response to my name. I used to hate it.
As a teen, I made up all sorts of much more (at the time) romantic sounding names…. “Patricia Lynetta” was a favorite. In French class I chose “Gabriella” as my nom de’classe. (class name) I had a small circle of friends- and we had nicknames for each other- There were 7 of us…. go ahead, take a guess what our groups nickname “theme” was!) My made up names (well, with the exception of the nickname thing) sounded so much more impressive than “Tracey Lynn.” I just didn’t like it. (Sorry, Mom!)
However, this week, when the phone rang, and I was recognized by name? I liked it. It felt good. As a stay at home (in theory) mom, I am more often called “Mom , Mother, Mommy” in varying tones of imploring, love and incredulity. (This is what happens when you have teenagers and a kindergartner, you’re called all sorts of things.) When my husband is home, I hear “Honey, babe” and a few other sweet things. (A Girl’s gotta keep her romantic secrets;) But, my name? My actual name? It may be weeks before I hear it again.
Whether you like you’re name or not- for most of us- there is just something special about being called by your name. It is personal. Especially, when it’s God who is calling.
The day of the phone call, during my devotions, I came across this:
Isaiah 43: 3-7 (ESV)
I will give you the treasures of darkness
and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the LORD,
the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
For the sake of my servant Jacob,
and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name,
I name you, though you do not know me.
I am the LORD, and there is no other,
besides me there is no God;
I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know, from the rising of the sun
and from the west, that there is none besides me;
I am the LORD, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness,
I make well-being and create calamity,
I am the LORD, who does all these things.
HE knows me by name. HE calls me by name. ALWAYS. Whether my ears hear it or not- my heart does. What He calls me, isn’t just what I sign on checks and permission slips. He also calls me His child. As my Heavenly Father- He’s also chosen a new name for me- one I’ll learn in heaven.
Revelation 2: 17
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”
Today- when (or if) someone uses you’re name-I pray you’ll be reminded of the one who knows you and loves you and calls you by name. I also pray that you’ll be reminded of the one who has chosen a new name for you, one that only He knows. A name waiting for you, if you trust in Him, in heaven. (Mine will be more romantic sounding, I’m sure)
His name, is Jesus.
Dear Jesus- your’s is the name above all names. I love and honor you. God, I pray that all coming here would hear you call their name and would trust in you, someday receiving a new name in heaven, especially chosen by you. I love you Lord- amen.
Very beautiful, bless you.
Sweet post, Tracey!
Oh yes–I have the same response. When it has been ages since you have heard your actual name it is very sweet to hear (and being in a school where there were 4 other heather’s in my class I longed for something better.)
What a beautiful devotional Tracey. It really is very special to be called by name, and to think that the Father does that is just amazing. Thank you for blessing me today.
Tracey,
If I had your phone number, girl, I would call you. I would tell you how much I loved this post and the scripture from Isaiah is one of my favorites.
Love you, me
I love this post! It’s so wonderful to know that He knows our name.
What a neat post. I’ve never really thought much about my name before. I wonder what God’s name for me is…hmmmm. Also never thought about how staying at home means I’m not really called by my given name any longer. Funny.
Have a blessed day!
I read this and recalled when I was serving at my local soup kitchen how one gentleman with mental health issues came to me and said ” Thank you for remembering my name, and I want tio thank you for acknowledging me everyday. You make me feel worthwhile” I dealt with thousands of people in my 9 years there and made an effort to remember their names and say hello____ daily, not realizing it really did make a difference.
Its so wonderful our God call us by our names, glory be to him forever