What is Your Name Again, Please?

When we can’t even remember someone’s name how can we expect God to use us for His big plans? Diane shares.

“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

“Hi, Diane. How are?” The woman smiling walks up to me at the store.

“I’m fine. How about you? I reply.

“Funny how we keep meeting at this store, right?” she says.

After a quick conversation we go our separate ways. I say to my husband, “I feel terrible. I can’t ever remember her name! I’ve asked her every time I run into her.”

This feeling can be so frustrating, especially when it’s a new acquaintance, a person who doesn’t know my story. She doesn’t know that while she and I are conversing, I’m racking my brain trying to force her name forward, dredging it up from some tiny corner.

She isn’t aware of the difficulty for me to just stand upright or that I’m holding the basket to maintain my balance and be in a vertical position.

I find myself talking to God when we part. “Lord, I know You must want me to get to know her, perhaps minister to her. It would sure help if You could help me remember her name though! Especially if she accepts my invitation to join my women’s Bible study group!”

Seriously though, it can be quite tumultuous when our brain is unclear, be it from medications, brain fog, or fatigue. I find myself wondering how do I minister if I can’t even remember a name, Lord?

The good thing is God has a plan. He’s given each of us His Holy Spirit, so that in those times when we need some extra help–whether it be a verse from the Bible, an encouraging word, or perhaps just the courage to explain why we can’t remember their name (again)–He is always there to assist.

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for the many God opportunities You give us to meet and make new acquaintances. We humbly ask for Your Holy Spirit to grant us wisdom and grace in those times when our bodies don’t function as we’d like. Help us to overcome and conquer those battles. We love You, Lord, and give You all the praise and glory for the ways You choose to use us every day. Amen.

About the author:
Diane Kalata lives in Central Florida and she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, (who is also her caregiver in illness), three grown children, and 3 grandchildren! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others, looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.

Do you have difficulty with remembering names? How does it make you feel? How have you handled it when it was a new acquaintance? What about if it is a friend? Please share. Let us know if you have any helpful tips.

This is the group 3 For 3 singing “Halfway” and the lyrics reminded me of some of these daily challenges we can face with illness–like remembering names and such. God is going to finish everything He starts. God is going to give us whatever we need to do what He has prepared for us to do. Most days, that may include recalling someone’s name. But perhaps some days… not. Hope you are encouraged. -Lisa