The Name Game
How are you at remembering names? I’ll reveal my “issue”. Remembering names hasn’t been one of my positive assets. My granddaughter was with me at an event. I asked her to “work with me on introductions”. I said, “If I remember their name, I’ll simply say their name and introduce you, but if I don’t, please tell them your name: “Hi, I’m Alexia! What is your name?” She agreed. The plan worked well!
Perhaps you know that feeling of panic when you see someone you know, but for the life of you, you can’t remember their name. I confess, I have! Usually, I’ll try to carry on a conversation without even having to say their name and without admitting I forgot, or I go ahead and admit that I have completely forgotten their name, begged forgiveness and asked them to remind me.
Oh…there is a third thing that I don’t like to admit. I may act like I don’t see them. I know! Not one of my finest moments! On the receiving end, I think I’d prefer the other person to just admit that they don’t remember my name.
It does feel really good when someone remembers our name, especially if we don’t expect them to. I have a little way that helps me recall names. It is name association. Here in this 55+ community where I live, I’ll often say: “Hi, my name is Donna – not Madonna!” In turn, they might say: “Hi, my name is Betty – not Betty White.” It’s a great way to help remember our names.
I attended the Perspective Leadership Summit led by my Larry and Staci Wallace at Allasso Ranch in Hawkins, TX a couple of weeks ago. Staci requested that I give my talk on the importance of names and the meaning of the attendees’ names.
For each of the 38 attendees and leadership team, I placed their first name at the top of a card, added their name’s meaning, spiritual connotation and the scripture that went with it. I was thrilled when many came to me in amazement at what their name meant.
I believe that God has special reasons for our names. They are important to Him. Names have meaning. God calls us by name:
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord Who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
“And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one.” Isaiah 45:4
There is also instruction in the Bible to greet others by name:
“But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Greet the friends by name.” 3 John 1:14
It looks to me like God, who knows us each by name, wants us to amp up the “name game” for the sake of knowing/remembering names. In so doing, we are doing our best to build each other up by giving attention to details. We do that by slowing down long enough to show we care enough to know that person.
God started this name game with His own beloved Son. Gabriel announced to Mary and Joseph that she would give birth to a son and they were to give Him the name, Jesus. Turns out that His name includes all these names: Jesus – Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father. Oh, there’s just something about that name!
And, BTW, whether we’re crazy about our names or not, remember this, we are always known by our Father as “Child of the One True King”!