The Importance of Names and Personal Connection

Isaiah 43:1 reminds us of God’s words: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” This verse underscores the deeply personal nature of being called by name. God knows each of our names, making this connection profoundly significant.

Recognizing this importance, I have always made it a priority to learn the names of the women I meet and address them personally. While I do not always get it right, I notice their faces light up with joy when I do. This was especially true with Melinda.

When we arrived at Melinda’s cell, we offered Bibles to anyone interested and explained that we would be reading from one during our Bible study. Melinda did not initially ask for a Bible and seemed sad. Although I had never met her before, I recognized her name from a list. She was lying on the top bunk in a ten-person cell, listening to contemporary Christian music that was meaningful to many of the women there.

The music played included requests from women who had spent significant time in jail, as well as selections chosen to complement our Bible study. Melinda listened closely to both the Bible study and the testimony shared by a woman accompanying me, who had experienced a dramatic transformation after accepting Christ in jail, overcoming a twenty-year drug addiction.

After we extended the opportunity to receive Christ, we offered the women Bible studies they could complete in their own time. At that moment, Melinda requested a Bible and a set of Bible studies. As I handed these items to her, I said, “here you go, Melinda.” The smile she gave me was full and genuine, lighting up her eyes and face.

Just a few days later, during free time in the cell area, Melinda approached me as I was heading to another cell. She excitedly shared, “I’ve done six of the Bible studies you gave me! I never could understand the Bible before, but I can understand the easy to read one you gave me. Thank you. I’m learning a lot and having fun doing it.”

Melinda went on to express how meaningful it was that I called her by name. She said, “Anywhere else I’ve gone; no one calls me my name. How did you know my name?” This moment highlighted the profound impact that calling someone by their name can have, especially in places where personal connections are often overlooked.