Something About That Name
The school year is officially started, and I am getting back into the swing of things. My week was full of meeting professors, starting classes, buying textbooks, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. So far, junior year of college is off to a great start!
As I am getting back into the swing of things at school, I'm also getting back to work. I am beyond blessed to be part of a vibrant children's ministry in Chattanooga at Hixson United Methodist Church! This past Wednesday was my first night back. I was excited to see some of the precious kids I taught last year, and some new faces. I love that I get to be a part of seeing the body of Christ in action towards the children of this church. I get to be Jesus with skin on for these kids--whether that's through reading books, playing a silly game, or even just asking them about their day.
This past Wednesday, my co-workers and I were playing games with the children, and just keeping them occupied. All of a sudden, one of the precious little girls begins to cry. After several minutes of the child not calming down, I picked her up and carried her to the other room to sit in the rocking chair.
I decided to sing worship songs to her--that always calms me down! So I thought, "Why not? No harm in it." I began to sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus We Love You. Then, it hit me: whenever I sang the name of Jesus, she would stop crying and breathe a little bit.
In that moment, I felt the Father gently say, "Don't you realize what power My name has? Don't you realize that when you choose to speak My name, atmospheres change and hearts are calmed?"
I smiled to myself and began to sing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.... There's just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus... Like the fragrance after the rain.
The more I sang the name of Jesus and prayed for this little girl, the more she began to calm down. I was reminded just how much He cares for us. How much the Father loves to let us lean against His chest while He holds us in His arms.
Today, be comforted. While the world swirls around you and it feels like you're struggling to stay afloat, remember that you have a Heavenly Father that cares deeply for you! When you speak the name of Jesus over your life and situations you encounter, realize that you are inviting Him right into the center of it. When we are brave enough to invite Him into the deepest corners and shadows of our hearts, true change begins.
Between the Shadow and the Soul: Blogging through the journey.