Today’s Reflection
“I am writing on behalf of Caroline, whom you last met in 1968. She would like to be in touch with you.”
The message was in code, and my hidden, unused birth name was the key. …
My birth mother gave me “a good, English name with no baggage,” as she described it when we met, which I interpreted to mean that no one in the family would object to my taking it away with me. I did not know I had borne that name until I was a teenager. It had never occurred to me to ask. When I did ask, my parents readily shared what little information they had. I was given two names to be going on with: a beginning and a middle, Caroline Anne; no last name.
—Rosalind C. Hughes, A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
What is your favorite name for God, and why? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”
—Genesis 32:27-28 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
God of infinite love, thank you for loving us even before we were born. Help us to realize that your family has room for each of us. Guide us to accept ourselves and others as we seek to grow closer to you. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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4 Comments
God is God, all the other names are descriptive attributes for me. I’m thankful for them, they expand my understanding.
The first Sunday in Advent, the church looks wonderful. Advent study starts Tuesday followed bythe nativity scene/ cookie walk this coming Saturday from 12-4.
Mail you all be blessed this Advent as we patiently wait for the remembrance of a special birth 2000 years ago thankful that God is with us always. Thank You, Lord
May this Advent
My favorite name for God is El Roi l: The God Who Sees Me. During a time of deep despair, I cried out to God, asking God, “do you hear me, do you see me?” In 30 minutes’ time, God sent help in the form of a person I did not know, who had a prophetic word for me. I told friend about it and she said it reminded her of the account in Genesis when Hagar and Ishmael were cast into the desert with nothing. Hagar cried out to God, using the same words, and God sent them an oasis with flowing, fresh water. Hagar called God El Roi, the God Who Sees Me. When o think of this encounter, I feel like falling to my knees because I am humbled again by God’s provision. Today, the UR writers blog addressed something similar: God will neither leave us or forsake us. It may feel God is silent, but in those times of silence, I try to remember that God is near.
This has been a week. David fell at PT and seemed sore at first. Last Sunday, his pain was worse, even though he tried to minimize it. I took him to ER Wednesday and attending physician was a little dismissive and sent him home with Tylenol. By Friday, he could hardly walk. I took him back to ER and the attending was a doctor we like and trust. Caring nurse practitioner saw him too. They ordered CT scans, which showed fractures in his pelvis and a cracked tailbone. No wonder he was in so much pain! Also, his heart rate was high, so they did blood work and a CT of his heart and lungs to rule out congestive heart failure and blood clots. No clots, but he does have a thickening of bronchial walls, is probably from having Covid. This is probably the cause of the swelling he has if he doesn’t take Lasix. Because of his heart rate, he was admitted. Cardio saw him yesterday and ordered monitoring in form of EKG’s and blood work. Physical therapy assessed him also and recommended at least 10 days of in-patient rehab for therapy. Our hospital has Avery good in-house rehab unit, so at some point he will move to that unit. We are happy he is where he will get good care and can heal. The scan also revealed some osteoporosis this could explain the breaks. We pray that a treatment regimen will begin for that. The legal issue regarding David’s ex will be out on hold until we can deal with it. I have prayed for God to work in her life and soften her heart. My prayers now will focus on David and me, that we will have peace and serenity. I thank the Lord for the provisions we have received and that God is working.
I wished to be in worship on this first Sunday of Advent, but I’m at home resting a bit before heading to the hospital to visit David. He’s been experiencing nausea please pray he can keep his food down. Love to all.
Sorry for all the typos. I forgot to proof before publishing.
Yes, Ally – that was the name I chose as well – the God who sees – El Roi. It is such an encouragement to think of Him seeing me, forming me, leading me. Psalm 139 is a wonderful reminder of this.
Throughout much of October I was crying out to Jehovah Rapha – the God who heals. I do a very poor job of asking for healing for myself. But, this ongoing issue with my inflammation and discomfort is too prolonged, and I decided I would pray boldly to Jehovah Rapha. He has chosen not to heal me to this point, but I take comfort that He still sees me. I am trying to be patient and endure. Trying to have eyes to see what He wants me to through this. More dependence on Him.
Both church services were lovely this morning. At the first church, I tried a different venue – and it was quieter, more contemplative. My friend joined me and she preferred it as well. I will be attending this venue from now on. Both churches delayed starting Advent this week, and will begin it next week with the fourth and final week falling on Christmas Day.
Got a walk in after lunch, the last few minutes in the rain. Have been doing schoolwork, hanging with the kittens and enjoying another day at home.
The week ahead is a busy one…PT, conferences Thursday, two of my god son’s basketball games. It has been good these past few days to be home.
Ally – praying for David’s recovery and your strength as you advocate for him.
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