Earthquakes and Tsunamis

This morning I woke up to the news about the earthquake in Japan. The scenes of destruction that were shown were horrific. The tsunami wave flooding the streets and washing away buildings, boats, and cars was just as bad or worse. The fires and threats from the nuclear plants all added to the drama of the day.

My mind was not on the hundreds or thousands affected by this disaster today. Of course I thought of all the people who were caught up in the tragic events of this day, but one name kept coming to me.

Yukio Yamaguchi was a foreign exchange student years ago. We were her host home and we fell in love with this amazing young woman. She was very open to learning all about us and our culture. She worked hard with us to communicate. Yukio became very dear to us. Though she was not required to attend church with us, she insisted that we let her come. She was so intrigued by the Good News of Gods' love for us in Jesus, that she asked for a bible. Later a friend from church provided her with a bible in Japanese.

It has been many years since we have heard from Yukio, but today her name was in my prayers. I thought about all the other people and wondered if anyone cared for them by name? Certainly their loved ones did, but was there anyone from far away that cared? The answer most assuredly is "yes." Jesus cared. Jesus prayed to His Father for all the lost and broken people who were calling out in their terror. Jesus knew their names.

I enjoy a special song that speaks of "The King who remembers my name." I love that thought. no matter how many Carolynn's come to Jesus, He knows my name. He knows me. He can pick me out of a crowd and call my name with just the right nuance so that I know it is me He calls. Whatever part our Yukio had in this event, if anything at all, Jesus knows her name. He knows each person who had died, lost a loved one, or has had their lives turned upside down. I can pray for the people of Japan, but only one soul by name. God is more than enough for each and every person there.

Father, You are still in control. You are aware of every life and every name that has suffered today. You have loved each of them. You have always been there for them if they asked. Though I do not understand it all, I know that You are good. I believe, Lord, Help my unbelief! Thank You for being present even in the disaster. Help those who would call for You to find You quickly and believe wholeheartedly. Lord, if our friend Yukio was touched by the earthquake and tsunami, please help her, be with her. Thank You.

Labels

What labels do you wear? Are there some labels given to you that you wish were not there? Maybe there are some labels you don't even know about. Labels remind me of the children's' verse : "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never harm me." I think we all can agree that words can hurt and can break our spirit, and a broken spirit is a difficult thing to heal.

Labels seem to work the same as names, but there is a difference. Names are labels that identify us for who we are. My name indicates that I am different from most others. I have special names that only certain people use to describe me: Grommers, Mom, Sister, friend. etc. Labels, however, seem to get stuck on us for a single action, or impression that was made. Labels are meant to put someone down so that we can be lifted up. They focus on the negative and forget the positive. They do not give an accurate picture of the person, because they do not include the parts that balance out the label making trait.

My Granddaughter has a label of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) that I constantly try to explain or soften by telling others how amazing she is. She really is amazing! Her inability to focus on one thing could very well be a gift. She sees much more than some of us do! She is a dreamer, and once she does focus in on a dream, she sees potential where others see obstacles. She sees a diamond when all we see is a rock. Though her label may prevent others from seeing her fully, she never stops being herself. Oh yes, the label sometimes pokes and scars her. She is often hurt and held back from being her true self because of a label. The word has gone out, and even when she is in control, her vivaciousness and excitement for life makes others look at her in a negative way. I want to introduce you to my Granddaughter, Paige. She is an amazing dreamer and if you want to have an exciting fun life, make her your friend!

We all carry labels given by others. Our challenge is to overcome the label and fully be the person God wants us to be. My challenge to you is to take the label of ADD, widow, high cholesterol, clown, lazy, black, white or brown, adulterer, etc. and tack it up on a bulletin board. Keep your eye on it so it won't get stuck back on you and change who you really are. I promise I'll do my best to look for your true identity.

God of Truth, You are our Father. You are the Maker of our bodies, souls and spirits. You designed us to be unique so that we can make a difference in the world. I confess that I have labeled others before getting to know them as You see them. I forget sometimes that You are the best one to judge all of us. Thank You for making our world a variety of experiences seen through a variety of persons! Help me see Your creation as You see it! Help me name others by who they truly are and not by those things I want them to be so that I can say I am better. It is You who can choose the perfect name for each of us! I need to have Your eyes, Lord!

Someone Else's Name

My granddaughter, Paige, looks so much like her Mom that my husband and I often call her by her Mom's name, Erin. It happened again yesterday while driving Paige to a program. We apologized when we realized our mistake. Paige chuckled a little and said, "That's okay, then I don't have to hear Paige, Paige Paige, Paige all the time!"

This little incident made me think about how nice it is for someone else's name to be called after I have been called on to do a long list of helps for others, "Carolynn? Grommers? Mom? Could you?"

There is Someone who never seems to tire of hearing His name called. In fact He has a list of names you can call Him! He is ready to help, ready to listen. His name is bigger than any other name! He is able and faithful! He is good!

O, God, Your name is above all names! You are worthy of every name that exalts and glorifies! I bow to You in humility, knowing I need You every day! Thank You for revealing Your name to us so that we can call on You for help! Teach us to honor Your name in all ways and at all times!

He Knows My Name

I've recently shared that I've been mistaken for friends. I don't like that much. It makes me feel invisible. I've always thought of myself as unique and different enough to stand out a bit in a crowd. But maybe I'm not as unique as I'd like to think.

Knowing that God knows my name and never mistakes me for someone else, makes me feel so loved, important, and to put it best, His treasure. to know that He is so awesome, powerful, and all knowing, and still considers me important enough to call me by name is enough for me to fall on my face to worship Him forever!

HE KNOWS MY NAME!! He knows me! He loves me and treasures me! He delights in my frail efforts to please Him.

Almighty God, I feel like a speck or a wisp of air compared to you, yet You search for me, find me, save me, and love me! You care about every detail of my life. I must consider that You deserve the same. I will seek You, and love You! I will search for every detail I can find about You and I will delight in knowing You. I will learn Your name and who You are. You are God.