There’s that verse … the one about a prophet not being accepted in his hometown (Luke 4:24). That may be true, but at least someone knows their name.
The writers of the TV series, Cheers, had it right about humanity in the lyrics of their theme song:
“Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came
You want to be where you can see
The troubles are all the same
You want to be where everybody knows your name”
I admit that I have always gotten a surge of adrenaline when I encounter a new setting. That is … until more recently. Now I find walking into a new setting, with new people rather daunting. I struggle with having to push myself into circles, conversations and volunteering at events. I struggle with having no one know my name.
There is a passage of Isaiah 43 (v. 1-3) that I have … paraphrased a bit, for times when I am struggling with being the new kid, in whatever situation I might be:
“Right now, this is what the Lord says …
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through the doors of
a new job,
a new church,
a new family,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the crowd of strangers,
who don’t seem to want to get to know you,
this will not destroy you.
When you walk in, shaking in your boots,
you will be okay;
keep going, it’s the only way to build a new future.
And remember, I am the Lord your God,
and I know your name.”
Isaiah 43:1-3
Cliche it may seem, but what lies ahead is far greater than anything we leave behind … but we have to keep moving forward … ’til we are in a place where it seems that everyone knows our name.
itsawonderfilledlife 