Jesse has become fond of getting to know other children, though we discovered that he often claims a new friend without even knowing their name.
We were at the Chic-fil-A playground the other night where he would have a chance to practice making new friends. I gave him a simple script for exchanging names, and he was all for it. (Where has my shy little boy gone?)
The other mom in the playground overheard his first attempts and informed me in her delicate drawl, “They’ been introducin’ themselves.”
“Who started it?” I just had to know.
“Your son—he said, ‘my name is Jesse, what’s your’s?’”
I gratefully told her what exciting progress this was for Jesse. Then she told me that Claire had chimed in with,
“I’m just Claire. And–God made me.”
Wasn’t that a great way to introduce herself? She just cut to the chase and told her new friend the most important thing about her identity. She is a child of God.
Wouldn’t it be great if we started every new relationship with that focus? Instead of worrying about outward appearance, cultural credentials, or networking potential, what if we just told people who we really are, and let them form their impression of us based on God’s perspective?
- Hi, I’m Trina. God made me. This way. On purpose. I’m learning to be ok with that.
- Hi, I’m Trina. I was bought with a price. And I’m daily being redeemed.
- Hi, I’m Trina, and I love because He first loved me. How can I love you?
Let’s just be ourselves, the one God made, not the one we think we have to look like or act like. It’s the simply elegant way to make friends.
I’ve been thinking about identity and how it plays into one’s personal brand as a blogger. You can read my thoughts over on Allume today, The Best Personal Branding Advice I Ever Got {Or Gave}.
What’s the first thing you like to tell people about yourself? Where you’re from? Your relationship status? Where you’re going? All these things are an important part of who we are, but they aren’t the most important thing, right? Thoughts?
out of the mouth of babes…
Love that Claire introduced herself like that…if only we were all so free with our God-glorifying 🙂
Oh Trina, this must have been a very good mommy moment :). Our babes, they do get it straight. Many a times, straighter than us!
Girl, you are talking my language! I get this post through and through and I love Claire- first because God used her in such a powerful way and because she was just fulfilling scripture: the kingdom of God belongs to such as these!
I love the honesty of children and the way they cut to the chase!
Thank you so much for sharing this!! I’m Nancy, God made me this way on purpose. and I’m ok with that! N
What a wonderful post; the best I’ve read in a long time. I’ll have to think on my answer; but, generally, when I meet someone, I ask questions about them so I can get to know them a bit better. Usually, God comes up early, very early, in my side of the conversation. I’ve reached senior citizen status and there’s not a lot of time left for telling folks about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. “Using” Dave’s death, which was last November, I tell how God has provided, protected and cared for me; that’s a huge way to let people know about Him.
“Hi, I’m Trina. God made me. This way. On purpose. I’m learning to be ok with that.” What a fabulous response! All any of us want, really, is to be, kindly, caringly, lovingly called by name.
“Kindly, caringly, lovingly called by name.” beautiful. thanks, Sandra!
Give that Claire girl a big hug and tell her how special she is! What a wonderful reminder. All that we are is insignificant without the Saviour. God has me here, right now, in this challenging place, and has made me who I am for this very moment. Lord, help me to be this innocent and sincere and unashamed to mention YOU.
That is SO awesome! I once knew a woman in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship who had led many many people to Christ. When people asked her “how she did it,” she said that she brought up God very early in the relationship. Thank you Claire for reminding and teaching us!
Beautiful, I love it.
Thanks, Michelle. yeah, I’m still glowing about the whole thing. 😉
One of my college classes (marketing or leadership or something of the like) years ago was taught by a guy who was a partner in a law firm and also both a CPA and CFA. The guy had credentials out the wazoo, but on his letter of introduction what he wrote was: “Hi, I’m Jamie. I’m blessed. I have wife and children that love me and a God that loves me more. The rest of my credentials may be relevant but in truth they are unimportant.” He was a firm believer that one shouldn’t waste too much time or effort in the roles that they are not irreplaceable in. We are defined by the roles that God gave us, not by what we strive to achieve ourselves even if the efforts have been blessed. Great class.
Also, do they have Chipotle in Alabama? They are a good, mostly natural option to fast food. Love you!
Love it when people ditch protocol for authenticity!
Chipotle–I’ve heard of that. Gonna have to keep an eye out, especially on the drive home. Thanks, friend.