He knows his name...

I've been thinking about names lately and today I read this quote on another blog from David Platt, the author of Radical.  We saw a DVD of David Platt preaching yesterday and it was powerful.  Here is the quote

We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes 

The thing is, we don't know our little guy's name.  We don't know the name that his parents gave him.  We don't know what they wrote on the hospital form before they had to/choose to/who knows why they walked away.  We don't know.  We know the name he has now- the same last name as everyone in the orphanage.  His name is one chosen by the orphanage.  For us it has meaning as his name means "treasure" and he is such a treasure.

We call him lots of things- the sweet baby (because oh, this little guy is sweet).  We call him "Monkey Boy" because he has gotten so active.    We have chosen to keep his Chinese name rather than a Western name for two reasons. One- we thought that his future would be in China and he he would need to keep his Chinese name.  Two-if the possibility for adoption opened up, we thought his forever family should choose his name.

But the name his parents chose...maybe full of hope at this son's birth- we will never know that name.  Somewhere out there are parents who know his name and I feel so sad at what they are missing with their sweet little son. 

When his forever family comes, he will get their name- a name that identifies him uniquely as part of his new family.  That is a wonderful thing.

Several years ago we worked at a camp way to the north of us.  While we were there, the kids sang this song a lot.

He knows my name

I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hand

Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

I have a Father
He calls me his own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yROBWzGXy4

In speaking to Israel (and also to us)

But now thus says the LORD,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

(Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

So fear not, our sweet baby,  You have a name and a future.  The most important One knows you and knows your name.  You are a treasure to us...and to your family that is coming soon.