Baby Kitty/Snowball/Casper/Neo
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)
While in Florida, I became a foster home for dogs. Occasionally a bird or two and never did I foster a cat. To be honest, dogs were the easiest to care for and they brought me great joy. My heart breaks when pets are abandoned or abused. In my care, that never happened. Lori Hatcher (All God’s Creatures) has a wonderful story to tell and does an exceptional job of reminding us of the importance of names.
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A picture of a snow-white cat with orange ears and tail appeared one day on our neighborhood Facebook page. The post read, “Does this little sweetie belong to anyone? I opened my back door, and she strolled right in. Made herself comfortable on my sofa and let me rub her belly.”
One neighbor commented, “She belongs to a lady on Goldleaf. Shows up at my house regularly an snacks on my cat’s food. I call her Snowball.”
Another chimed in, “Yep, she has a happy home but likes to visit around. My kids named her Casper.”
Finally, her owner put the question to rest. “That is Neo. She and her brother, Jack, belong to me. Thanks for looking out for her.
Another said, “I met the playful kitten one day as I walked the neighborhood. She ran up to me, flopped down, and rolled over a few times, inviting me to stroke her soft fur, from then on, I called her Baby Kitty.
Like Baby Kitty/Snowball/Casper/Neo, I’ve been called a dozen names in my lifetime. Some have made me smile: Smart, Creative, Patient. Others have made me cry: Failure, Worthless, Hopeless. The only names that truly matter are the names God, my Father and Master, has given me: Precious (Psalm 116:15), Beloved (Romans 9:25), Redeemed (Romans 3:22-25), Treasured (Deuteronomy 7:6), Forgiven (Colossians 3:13), Masterfully Crafted (Ephesians 2:10), His Child (1 John 3:1).
When the world tries to give me a name that isn’t my own, I remember God’s names for me. With His voice resonating in my heart, I’m free to rest in confidence and love, no matter what anyone calls me.
The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. —Isaiah 62:2 (ESV)
Loving Lord, thank You for giving us a special name by which You know us. Help us to remember who we are and what we mean to You. Never let us forget who You are to us! AMEN.