“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
-Isaiah 43:1
How important is your name to you? Does it annoy you a little if someone misspells it or mangles its pronunciation? We understandably take the abuse or misuse of our names personally, because they are symbols of WHO we are!
While doing a little investigative work to surprise one of our young ladies in residence with a gift, Chaplain Chris asked how she liked to have her name written. He had seen it written several different ways on her paperwork and was going to surprise her with a Bible with her name printed on the cover.
Her response was “It doesn’t really matter,” her face downcast and the tone of her voice flat and unaffected. Not skipping a beat, Chris replied enthusiastically—“Of course it does… it’s your name! God loves and calls you by name… When he speaks to you, how would you like him to say it?”
To this, the girl lit up and gave her full name, correcting Chaplain Chris’ spelling on the paper he brought in and showing him which letters should be capitalized.
Just imagine being in a place where you felt like your name didn’t matter, being defined more by your situation and your relationship to temporary care-givers than who you ARE. Now, imagine the joy this child experienced when she received the Bible she requested with her name—HER NAME—written in gold on the bottom right hand corner. There were many hugs, smiles, and “thank you’s,” which were a testimony to how much this gift meant to this young lady.
Our Chaplain’s program reinforces for each child—regardless of their past, the difficulties in their present, or their fear for the future and what it holds—that they have a God that loves them, calls them by name, and has a beautiful plan to bring restoration and healing to their lives. When you support the work of the Chaplain’s program you are helping ensure that this message is shared with each and every child. Thank you for your partnership, financial support, and prayers!
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