New Names

**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
 
“Often we cling to our old names because our new names, our new identities, may point us in directions we would rather not go.”
                         Compassion by Nouwen, McNeill, Morrison

    New names come at various times and new names can be both expected and unexpected. Living into a new name and identity requires great faith, trust and dependence.

    Faith is involved as we step forward in our new names because we have no idea what we are doing. God has called us into a new identity yet we have no idea what it feels like or who we are to be. We are used to our old name and the old name seems safer, predictable, we are familiar with it. This new name is unknown and we are not quite sure we are up for the task of living up to this new name.

    Trust is also involved in accepting and moving forward with our new name. To accept an identity requires that we trust God. We trust that through this new name is not a mistake. We trust that this new name is a greater reflection of who we are and a part of who God is calling us to be.

    Dependence is also required as we step into this new name. Dependence on the Holy Spirit to direct us in our new identity and trust the He knows what He is doing.

    What new name is pointing you in a direction you would rather not know? What old name are you clinging to? How will you step into your new name in faith, trust and dependence?
 
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**