When I was expecting our second child, we found out I was going to have a boy. We explained this to our daughter Megan, who was almost 2. We also explained to her that, when her brother was born, his name would be Joseph. Megan was an extremely bright child (aren't all children?), and we knew she understood this.
However, when people would ask her what her new brother's name was going to be, she would tell them quite matter-of-factly, Noopy. I have no idea where she heard the name Noopy, but that was the name she decided her new brother should have.
The thought that goes into a name is amazing. Just as amazing are the different names we have for one person. Take my name, for example. My birth and baptismal certificate reads Patricia Ann Babler. Growing up I was called Patty, with the exception of my Dad, who called me Patsy.
When I reached high school, I felt I was simply too adult like for the name Patty. I initially tried to take the name Tricia, which I thought had a beautiful sound to it. For some reason that name would not catch on. I guess to go from Patty to Tricia was too big of a jump. So I settled for Pat. Seemed simple yet straightforward, and much more adult like. I have a best friend who will call me Patricia now and then, but for the most part my name is Pat. If someone calls me Patty, I know they have been a friend for a long, long time. The only problem is occasionally before someone meets me they wonder if I am male or female.
In the 10th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us He is the good shepherd, and we are told He calls His own sheep by name.
I wonder what name will Christ call me by? Will it be my formal name, or perhaps my simple, straightforward name - Pat? Will he call me Patsy, like my earthly father did when I was young? Will it be Patricia Ann? The important thing is to develop a relationship with our Lord so when He calls our name we respond.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, God called Samuel. He called him by name. Samuel did not immediately respond because he did not realize it was God calling. As followers of Christ, we must develop a close relationship with God so we hear Him when he calls our name. God speaks to his people in many different ways. Developing a close relationship with God allows us to sense when he is speaking to us in whatever way he chooses, whether it is by His voice, through his Holy word, the voice of others, or circumstances. May you grow in your faith, find a church of your choice and celebrate the greatness of a God who knows you by name.
Editor's note: Reflections, a column of commentary on the religious scene, appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group and the Times. Pat Soddy is pastor of The Albany United Methodist Church.
However, when people would ask her what her new brother's name was going to be, she would tell them quite matter-of-factly, Noopy. I have no idea where she heard the name Noopy, but that was the name she decided her new brother should have.
The thought that goes into a name is amazing. Just as amazing are the different names we have for one person. Take my name, for example. My birth and baptismal certificate reads Patricia Ann Babler. Growing up I was called Patty, with the exception of my Dad, who called me Patsy.
When I reached high school, I felt I was simply too adult like for the name Patty. I initially tried to take the name Tricia, which I thought had a beautiful sound to it. For some reason that name would not catch on. I guess to go from Patty to Tricia was too big of a jump. So I settled for Pat. Seemed simple yet straightforward, and much more adult like. I have a best friend who will call me Patricia now and then, but for the most part my name is Pat. If someone calls me Patty, I know they have been a friend for a long, long time. The only problem is occasionally before someone meets me they wonder if I am male or female.
In the 10th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us He is the good shepherd, and we are told He calls His own sheep by name.
I wonder what name will Christ call me by? Will it be my formal name, or perhaps my simple, straightforward name - Pat? Will he call me Patsy, like my earthly father did when I was young? Will it be Patricia Ann? The important thing is to develop a relationship with our Lord so when He calls our name we respond.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, God called Samuel. He called him by name. Samuel did not immediately respond because he did not realize it was God calling. As followers of Christ, we must develop a close relationship with God so we hear Him when he calls our name. God speaks to his people in many different ways. Developing a close relationship with God allows us to sense when he is speaking to us in whatever way he chooses, whether it is by His voice, through his Holy word, the voice of others, or circumstances. May you grow in your faith, find a church of your choice and celebrate the greatness of a God who knows you by name.
Editor's note: Reflections, a column of commentary on the religious scene, appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group and the Times. Pat Soddy is pastor of The Albany United Methodist Church.