My dad sent an email yesterday with quotes from children on the topic of love. It’s been around before, so perhaps you’ve seen it. I had, but there was one quote in particular that popped off the page at me; I didn’t remember it from before. It goes like this:
When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.
Billy – Age 4
First of all, if this “Billy” really had a thought like this at age 4, he’s going places! Amen? Isn’t it true, though? We do, typically, handle the names of those we love with care and protection.
But, what if your own name hasn’t been handled with care? Perhaps there’s been a relationship in your life that is, by definition, supposed to be a loving one (a parent, a grandparent, a best friend, a sibling, a spouse), that has, instead, let you down. Maybe your name has been completely mishandled and has been used to precede a litany of harsh, hurtful words.
I’m happy to tell you today, that there is a love SO GREAT, that it isn’t capable of mishandling your name. Our names on His tongue precede a litany of words that fairly drip with love, like so much honey. He calls them out with such care and respect, that we can’t help but follow.
There is no safer place for our names than in His mouth.
…He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. After He has gathered His own flock, He walks out ahead of them, and they follow Him because they know His voice.
John 10:3-4
What a great visual, Melinda. Also, a great audible. Just hearing my Father speak my name is more than enough to make up for all the times when my name was spoken in an unlovely fashion. I will spend the day listening for it…
my name on his lips. And yes, I think little Billy may be going places with thoughts like that! I have a couple of youngins that would give a good run for his money.
peace~elaine
Profound!
I loved the way my mother spoke my name. I loathed the way my childhood nemesis Bobby Yerbury spoke my name.
I will not soon forget this one.
Kathleen
whoa! i’ve read that email or one like it before…that you for making that connection…i;m hanging onto that one and passing it on.
hugs,
tammy
I can’t imagine the joy we will feel when one day we finally hear the audible voice of our Lord!!
Thank you! Love how you put things:)My husband has a special name for me and when he says it–I know everything is right with the world.
So beautiful and encouraging to me today.