I grew up in a small town.
My hometown is about 1800 people and it hasn't changed much in terms of population in the last 25 years. When I was growing up, my mom would often send me to the store. The grocery store was a 10 minute walk from my house... about 5 blocks. As I would go through the check out line with my milk, eggs, bread or whatever that we needed for the day, the cashiers would almost always call 12-year-old-me "Mike."
My name isn't Mike... but my dad is. My dad grew up 15 minutes from my hometown. When he and my mom got married, they moved "to town" (if you've ever moved from the country to a small town, you know) and never left. My dad was on the volunteer fire department, involved in things around town, active in our church. The people of my hometown knew my dad. And so... they would often call me by my dad's name. Still do. If I visit my parents for a couple of days and mom sends me to the store... different store... same town... some of the same cashiers... they will still call me Mike.
They know him.
They know me.
It's a good reminder to remember who we are. As we float through life, it's easy to assume our anonymity, even at the grocery store. Allen reminded us on Sunday that our identity and our actions are connected: "If you know who you are, then you'll know what to do." We are beloved children of God, treasured by Him and valuable members of his family. Our identity is not based on what we do, but on who we are. Live out of your identity today.
Jim (also known around Caldwell as Mike)