Raise your hand if you are terrible at remembering names.
We’ve all heard this before…
You: “Hi. Nice to meet you, my name is ___(your name)__.”
So and so: “It’s great to meet you too; I’m terrible with names, so I’ll probably forget.”
And just like that, this new acquaintance has already forgotten one of the most significant things about you. How is it that we can remember a full 3-minute song we learned once in middle school and not the name of a person we hugged or shook hands with? You could blame distraction, how you were raised, or maybe you are busy that day. I’d bet that more often than not, it is an excuse.
There is significance in remembering a name.
We aren’t in total control of what we remember and what we forget. We are in control, however, of our efforts to be present. Our ability to be present increases the chance a moment will be solidified into a memory. It’s important to remember that we are ALL human. This humanness comes with all sorts of baggage, including but not limited to forgetfulness.
Let’s put down our defenses about our inevitable forgetfulness. Holy moments happen from remembering something as simple as a name.
Can you recall a time that you were remembered? Think of a time ssomeone recognized you or made you feel seen in a crowd.
Maybe it was a quiet noticing. Fresh flowers on the counter or a hand written note from someone you love.
The teacher who sees you later in life remembers you from second grade.
The clerk at the gas station who greets you by name when you stop in for a Gatorade.
The waiter or waitress who knows your order by heart.
The “friend” you recently made that one day you took the kids to the park.
I was a little skeptical of this Jesus guy before I met Him. Though the first time I heard His name, I remembered it. When you really hear the name of Jesus for the first time, you instantly feel the connection.
I’m convinced Jesus so desperately wants to know you. He already knows and will never forget your name. He is ready to meet you as soon as you turn to face Him.
While working with students over the years, I’ve taken away the importance of remembering a person’s name. An art that I hope to master one day. Remembering a child’s name reminds them that they are important, they are seen, and they belong where they are. My strategy is pretty simple, and I give all the credit for where it comes from to how it went when Jesus and I met.
First, I get at their eye level to greet them.
Jesus didn’t overpower me when we met. He got to my eye level, on the ground where I sat. He wasn’t scared of what He was getting into. He was comfortable meeting me where I was.
Next, I repeat their name back to them.
Jesus reciprocated. Once I introduced myself, He was quick to respond. It’s been said that He speaks to people, visits in dreams, and leaves you with a “gut feeling.” He communicates with a deep knowing.
Sometimes, I’ll say, “that’s a cool name, how do you spell that?”
Small talk starts more significant conversations. Once I started talking to Jesus, I couldn’t stop. Now, I’ll read His word with my guard lowered down and ann open mind. You come to learn that Jesus is more interested in you than most people are.
Find a way to make it stick.
Once Jesus and I met, it was hard to forget Him. The first impression was impressive, and it has had a great impact on my life since then.
My inspiration for remembering names comes from the holy moment when Jesus and I met. His faithfulness in remembering my name changed my life; I’m better in more ways than one because of it. (John 10:3)
Forgetting names is a hard habit to break, so don’t beat yourself up about it. I challenge you to think about the first time you and Jesus met. If you haven’t met yet, I hope this encourages you to reconsider it. There is a change that happens. It’s inward at first and then blossoms into something your soul can’t reject.
Step forward in your faith this week, my friends. Your effort to remember a single name this week may be the first step!
Makenna Curtis
Local Pulse Community Writer
Holy Moments
