Our names are such sacred, and deeply personal things. The first word most babies recognize is their name. As an adult, we can hear our name through the midst of noise with no difficulty. Names have power. If someone knows your name, they have the power to command your attention, if only for a moment. Our first names are chosen for us, and bestowed upon us by our parents. A first name is a name that lasts a lifetime. Our last names are a product of our family of origin, and have the opportunity to change or be added to as we become parts of other families in our lives. In the United Methodist Church, when we preform a baptism, we name the baptismal candidate by their first name, or first and middle name only. We do not use their last name. The idea is that through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, we are all initiated into Christ's holy Church, and become part of the family of Jesus Christ. In essence, as baptized Christians, all of us share the same last name: Child of God. This is where the Christian tradition of referring to one another as brother and sister developed.
Today, I pray for you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. May you find honor and joy in being a part of the family of God!
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