jakorte's blog

Sunday.

I was so exhausted last night, I had nothing to write. This morning however, the thoughts are rolling, the words are coming. I’m writing so fast, I’m not sure I’ll be able to read my handwriting. (I crack myself up when I make predictions like this. I really didn’t have that much trouble deciphering this entry.)

Mathew 10:2 “His name was Simon, but they called him Peter."

Middle names are like significant secrets; seldom used except in formality or official documents, or when we are in significant trouble.
They are significant in naming who we are; sometimes in honor of someone who went before.
They are an extension of our simple selves, furthering defining who we are; a detail, if you like.

What would happen if we named ourselves during prayer.
Dear GOD, this is Jodi Ann in Michigan.
Suppose we took it further than that? Suppose we identified ourselves to GOD before we prayed. We would remind and present ourselves as an extension of who we are in our simple lives. Suppose we became personal with ourselves before we became personal with GOD? Would we better understand where we are in the moment and in our lives?

“Jodi Ann with the brown eyes and the broken heart, daughter of Judith and Alan."

I thought about my definition for quite a while. I went back and looked at who I thought I was a moment ago. As soon as I re-read it, I wanted to edit one specific part to read: “…and the healing heart..."

Going back, thinking of the names I’ve used before, during those times, how would I have introduced myself to GOD?
If GOD knows who we are, isn’t that redundant?
Nope, we also need to know who we are. Our name is a prayer, also, given to us with love. Our names were given to us, but it is up to us to decide how to use them.

Later in the day, I polled each team member.
This is who you became to me: personal, spiritual, defined in depth:
Amanda Noel, Ann Marie, Ashley Ann, Catelynn Ashley, Christine Elizabeth, Christopher Lee, Eric John, Jessica Marli, Jordan Thomas, Kathleen Elizabeth, Sara Elizabeth.