Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
John 8:10
She was walking toward me with an angelic grin on her face. I knew her. I welcomed her face. I couldn't remember her name.
What was happening to me? I talked with her almost every week. I considered her a friend. Why was her name escaping me?
Did my brain fall out during the fourth birth?
Would I set a World Record for earliest onset of Alzheimer's?
Does this ever happen to you? Even someone you know can become nameless in a single moment.
I struggle to remember names and I find most people struggle with mine. Just today someone called me Mrs. Milhouse and then peered at me strangely when I didn't respond immediately.
This afternoon Mrs. Milhouse reflected on the nameless women of the Bible. Countless women had life-changing interactions with Jesus but are known to the modern world simply as "woman". As I reflected on these encounters, I saw the dusty streets of ancient Israel with Whitney Houston belting, "I'm Every Woman" in the background.
Nameless men and women cross my path each day. I have the opportunity to stop and see them. But do I?
The woman who needs diapers for her newborn.
The man struggling with identity during a season of unemployment.
The girl who hides her worry behind a smile.
Today I will encounter the nameless, the unknown, Jesus' kind of people. I can choose to see. I can choose to bring His grace into their self-condemnation. I can introduce nameless people like me to the Name above all names.
This is thought provoking...being nameless....Yes my brain has fell out many times:)
ReplyDeleteKim, I could never forget your name...it's standard (pun intended!) :)
DeleteHi Shannon!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed this too, there are so many unnamed women in the Bible! Always following and helping along the way. It make me wonder how much I feel the need to be named and noticed. My life is truly created for bringing glory and a name to Christ! It's not all about me but about what I can give out. How I can share His name. Loved, loved your thoughts girl! -Blessings out, Amy
"My life is truly created for bringing glory and a name to Christ" Love that, girl!
DeleteI love the contrast you've made between nameless women and the name above all names. There is no need to make a name for ourselves when we have His name, is there? Wonderful insight, Sheena. Just kidding. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHis name is a beautiful gift. I think about how a bride takes the name of her husband. Taking His name is an incredible privilege isn't it?
DeleteGreat post, dear lady!
ReplyDeleteI am also thankful that I'm not the only one who sometimes forgets a name!
We all need to remember that name or no name, we all need Jesus.
"name or no name, we all need Jesus" - so true; His name is great & mighty!
DeleteYou have spoken to my heart. Sometimes I find myself spending hours shopping, I get home and realize that I didn't see one face because I was so intent on what was on the store shelves.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. I absolutely loved it. It let me know that I was not the only one that has trouble with names. (I always have) I always wonder what others are up to... how their lives differ from mine... especially when I am driving. To see all the cars on the highway, with their lives inside their car, going from point a to point b.. just like me. God Bless you!
ReplyDeleteI have lost my brain! I called a little girl Harper today and her name is Parker. When I realized what I did, I called my daughter by my other daughter's name!! LOL! What a day. Not Your Ordinary Recipes
ReplyDeleteNot Your Ordinary Agent