Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Yesterday I had several conversations throughout the day that really struck me...

One man, as he was preparing to leave the physical church building, came to the desk to turn in his tag to me. His wife was with him and stories started flying. This man and his wife knew my daddy. They loved him deeply. No question, he loved them as well. The man said to me, "You know Camey? Until your daddy came along, I do not think anyone but my wife knew what my name was. Your daddy made a point to call me by name every single time he saw me." The man cried while standing there at my desk.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name....

There was this couple. It was their first time to bring their children to our Wee School. They were crying... the man and woman both... As they were leaving the first time, I told them I would be praying for them throughout the day. They both thanked me... They walked out of the door with the look like they had just lost their best friends.

When they returned, and were signing in, I ask them how had their day gone. They both said it was one of the hardest days in their lives. They have never left their children anywhere before. They are wanting them to have social interaction and thought this one of the best ways to do so. The wife took my hand and said, "Thank you for praying. Please keep doing so. We need it." She then told me their names... and that of their children. She told me they looked forward to seeing me each Thursday and Friday.. (when I'm at the receptionist desk)

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

Mid-afternoon or so an elderly woman called. I have a certain way I answer the phone... So she said, "Camey? I want to let you know they're releasing me from the hospital. They do not know what happened. Further tests are needed." She then thanked me for praying her even though I can't recall ever meeting her face to face before.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

One of the publicity individuals came in to the physical church building. She was putting out publications throughout the building.. especially in the women's restrooms. As she walked past my desk.. I asked if I could have one. There have been several calls lately about all that is happening this semester. So, I wanted the newest and freshest info. I could not recall ever meeting this woman before so I introduced myself to her... Her response truly caught me off guard.. "OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!! YOU'RE CAMEY!" She then went on to explain about having seen my name as one of the Women's Ministry Bible study teachers last semester and then for the one starting this next week. And then, also, that Brother G and I are teaching a class together on Wednesdays night.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

Another couple was talking with me about the church body where Brother G preached last Sunday. They talked about the fact that it is such a smaller body that individuals truly know each other by name including that of their grandmother, aunts, cousins, and animals.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.....

Several of the older women in our church body were quite upset by one of our new security measures. They said to me, "But Camey? I'm not a visitor. I'm a member. You know me." By afternoon the tags had been changed....

There is something to be said for knowing some one's name. For having others know your name.... As long as it is kept in check - nothing wrong with it.

My question to you today is this:

If only one could know your name, who would you want that one to be?


My answer: God.