This year we are looking at living our lives through the seasons of nature. We have come to SPRING — New Life!
The birds are chirping, nest building and baby quails are following their mamas across our yards. Lambing and calving season is upon us with the new young lambs and calves in the fields with their moms. A fun note: You may have heard the sheep bleating in the fields or barns in the evening — are you aware every lamb knows the sound of its mom’s bleat! I am sure the calves and cows are the same!
Just as you could pick your child out of a crowd at the summertime fair, your child could pick your voice out when cheering at a summer ball game! Isn’t it amazing how our voice, although distinctive, is heard above the crowd!
This is the Easter season in the Christian Church. The crowd jeers and screams, but there is one voice, heard above all the others — the man upon the cross — “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34); and “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) In each of these sentences, Luke records the words of Jesus on the cross. Jesus was dying a death of suffocation–losing His breath! Yelling was most likely not an option — He was heard above the crowd! It was about the sixth hour, and Jesus said, his last words upon the cross, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46) Jesus gave up His spirit and died!
We know the end of the story, on the third day, Jesus arises from the grave, and meets Mary, and asks, “Dear woman, why are you crying? “Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20:15) She does not recognize him, then Jesus says “Mary!”; at once she knew who he was. (John 20:16)
Our name! The one identifier we recognize when one who knows us, says it! We hear it above the crowd, we hear it in the quiet of the garden. Life — no matter what we are doing, our name is Life to us! We are known by our name!
Have you taken the time to identify what your name means? There was a time when names were given as prophecy or as a namesake for a family member. This isn’t so much anymore. Today names are given by a favorite athlete or actor. Yet, our names mean something.
When I was in high school, we moved from Portland, OR to Lebanon, PA; from the city to the country, not just the country but the Amish country. On my first day of 8th grade, I showed up in class, was introduced as Katy; however, someone, or maybe a few students, said I couldn’t be Katy because I wasn’t Amish so I was called Kathy all through my 5 years of school in Pennsylvania–8th grade through my senior year.
On the other side, we joined a church, the youth group and adults all called me Katy.
What does a name have to do with Life? From this experience, a lot! I went through high school laying pretty low. I remember I did not want to stand out, I didn’t want to be noticed and I didn’t really interact with activities. I had friends, I enjoyed myself, but in my mind, I was pretty shy.
On the other hand, at church, I was myself. I had fun, I was involved, I enjoyed the activities. When the church doors were open for you, I was there. It was through the church I found my comfort zone and Life!
Following graduation, I moved back to Oregon — once again I found Life! A life I enjoyed. It was shortly after I married, I realized my life was not what I had dreamed it would be. Life was difficult, it seemed I was unable to please my husband; I spent my time trying to keep my kids going in their activities, and I was always working so I could “raise” our kids. Once again, not living my life true to me.
Lessons learned — Life is about being true to who you are! A name makes a difference!
Living forward — God will restore what is lost — The apostle Peter tells us, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)
In my Life HOPE has been found as I have been made strong through adversity, I have stayed firm in what I believe and I have remained steadfast to complete the Life God has given me to live doing the work He has called me to. An added blessing, a new marriage following the death of my first husband. YES, God does restore!
In this Easter season, I want you to research what your name means?
Where do you find new Life in your circumstances?
How has God restored you with Strength? Firmness? Steadfastness?
Interested in learning more?
Desiring to experience restoration in your Life?
Connect with Katy through email, Facebook, or Instagram. We look forward to connecting with you!
Katy