He calls me by my name

We've all heard the phrase and have probably said it once or twice ourselves, "He calls me by my name." This phrase took on a deeper meaning to me today. I was talking to one of my favorite gals that I have had the pleasure of developing a relationship with through my job here at the shelter. She popped in to see me this morning and was happily telling me about her new boyfriend. Now typically I cringe when she tells me of her boyfriends; I have watched her go from one abusive relationship to another, often evidenced by a bruised and shame covered face. But today was different. She was all smiles as she said this to me, "He doesn't ask anything of me and he calls me by my name." Now normally I do a pretty good job of handling lots of things at work but this one took me by surprise girls. My hand immediately flew over my heart and the tears in my eyes gave me away as I realized the implications of what she was telling me. Do you hear what she was saying?Relationship after relationship has brought her nothing but pain and heartbreak. This one is different. Now I don't know how "healthy" the relationship really is but I do know this: she is learning some important life lessons. She is soaking in some things that are new to her; a boyfriend that doesn't take advantage of her and he calls her by her name. Makes you wonder what she's been called in the past, doesn't it?


I thanked God today for the reminder that He calls me by my name. I don't want to forget the sweetness of it, the tenderness of it. If you have ever been called things that were cold and hurtful, I hope that you will relish in the truth today that Jesus calls you by your name. What an amazing Savior.

I love you all dearly.