New Dog...New Name!

Yesterday, Kim and I took the plunge, we got a new dog.  She’s a 3-year old mixed breed with a gentle temperament who likes to be with people, yet who is somewhat active. She, along with her litter of puppies (all of whom have been subsequently adopted), came from an over-crowded shelter in South Carolina. Once having decided to adopt her, we needed to quickly come up with a name for her.

When she arrived at the shelter here in Monmouth County, she had the name Rosie. They weren’t quite sure if that was actually her name or if the shelter down south just pinned it on her.  The problem was, this shelter already had a Rosie, so they gave her the name Cherry Blossom for their own advertising purposes.  It was a name, however, to which she had no connection. In fact, when we first met her, she seemed not to respond to any name.
So again, our first task was to come up with a name. And, that we did; we named her Sadie—which my Aunt Sally told me is a nickname for Sara (as is Sally) which means princess.  I think it’s very appropriate for our new dog!   

Sadie loves to be with Kim!

So, now with a new name, Sadie is beginning a new life here in our home.  Rather than living her life in one shelter or another, both of which were meant to be temporary, Sadie now has a permanent home.  Not only that, but rather than having a host of people in and out of her life, Sadie has a home with Kim and me wherein she will experience the stability of long-term relationships.  We know she’s going to enjoy being part of our family. And, she’s already beginning to respond to her new name. 

Many years ago, through the prophet Isaiah, God said to his people, “…and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.”  (Isaiah 62:2-4 – ESV) By changing their name, God was telling his people he had in store for them a new life and a new future to which they could look forward.  And, that is what God does for each of us as we come to him through Jesus and put our trust in him. 

Sometimes we allow the world around us to pin names on us that discourage us and speak defeat into our lives. Too often we receive names that remind us of our failures and weaknesses. But God wants you to know that he has a new name for you and thus, a new life for you—as well as a new future. He sees you as valuable, loved, and precious in his sight. If you will trust him with your life you will hear him speaking to you a new name for you are his child.

“And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”  (Isaiah 62:12 – ESV)

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris