Power of a Name…
“When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.
When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. After he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Seth lived a total of 912 years, and then he died.
When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan. After he became the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enosh lived a total of 905 years, and then he died.”
If you have ever read scripture, you may have come across something like what is above. The above is actually only four generations of more than ten that tell the genealogy of Adam to Noah. If you are anything like me, you may have skipped over these seemingly endless lists of names and numbers whose only purpose seems to be to overload the brain with words and numbers that it will never use. These genealogies are throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, in fact the New Testament opens with the genealogy of Jesus, traced through forty different men; there are over fifty names in these first 17 verses. Today, many people are not able to get much value out of these lists.
Whenever I am training people to work as cashiers at Porkland I first focus on getting them comfortable with the basics, taking orders, checking food, sanitation, etc. After a couple of weeks once they have become comfortable I always look at them, smile, and tell them now is when the fun starts. I challenge them to memorize the name of one regular every week. It is one of the things that I believe is extremely important at Porkland. It is one of the things that helps transform restaurants into communities. It is the difference between having customers and having neighbors.
The reason that those long genealogies exist in the Bible is because names have power. Many times they hide Hebrew meanings within them that enrich the text. Names also track the covenant and blessing of God’s people that pass through the generations, from Noah to Shem, Abraham to Isaac, Isaac to Jacob. They also create strong bonds, Adam is allowed to name the creatures who he is meant to be steward over, God renames Abram to Abraham, and changes the name of Jacob to Israel, a name strong enough to last millenia and have meaning all over the world.
When it came time for me to give our student cashier her new assignment of learning names, her jaw dropped and she said, “How am I going to remember all of these names? I’m never going to be able to remember as many names as you!” I assured her that she is going to be great, and she is doing great. Out of the couple hundred people who come into Porkland every week, I can confidently say that, between our whole team we are able to greet at least 80% of the people who come in by name. One of my favorite things is when one of us is able to greet them by name for the first time. There is always a shocked look on their face, like they just witnessed a magic trick. “You really remembered MY name” asked Mr. Dee this past week. Of course we remember, you’re one of our neighbors. How lonely would the world seem if we didn’t know our neighbors names?
I know some people say they are not good with names. But names are powerful, and are worth it to take the time to learn. Names create bonds, and pass blessings. Names contain old stories and help create new ones. They show someone that they are worth remembering, and shows them Love. Names help create communities and start relationships. The best news, anybody can learn the name of their neighbors, whether you live in Portland or not. It is a way for neighbors near and far to get a taste of Love City, a taste of God’s Kingdom. It is amazing the power of a name.
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
School Supplies List!!!
A great way to help support Mighty Oak Academy is through our Amazon Wish List. We have items on there for $1 and items on there for $200 so no matter how much you are able to give you can get involved. We appreciate you, support here https://a.co/4IDGPaN.
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.