Recently I was asked, “What do your grands call you?”
The question caused me to remember a conversation with our 3YO granddaughter. She is in the midst of trying to figure out family relationships and what they all are called. Who goes with who, and why each is called what they are.
“Mimi, you are my Mimi, right?”
“Yes, Eliza. I am your Mimi.”
And with a smug look on her face, she responded, “And you are my grandma. You are both of them.”
I was just about to correct her and say I was Mimi, when it dawned on me, Yes, I am her Mimi and her grandma.
There is nothing incorrect about her statement. I am her Mimi and I am her grandma.
She is a most curious child and wants to sort out who is who and their roles in her life. The preciousness of the conversation has stayed with me for a few days now.
Names carry significance. When we think of people, remembering their names, we also remember their personalities, their physical appearance, and their character. Their impact on our lives is recalled, their accomplishments, and perhaps even their failures. But all of this is wrapped up in their name.
There is much to be remembered as we recall the many names of God as well. He is our all in all and each name conveys a different aspect of His character and activity in our lives.
“I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving.”
(Psalm 69:30, NASB)
- El-Roi – The God Who Sees Me: God knows everything about you – past, present, and future. He knows the very number of hairs on your head. He is aware of every detail both known and unknown. You are always under His watchful care as His eye is never off any one of us.
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.” (Psalm 33:18, NASB)
- Yahweh Rophe – The Lord Who Heals: God is the source of all healing. He is the healer of our bodies and souls.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:2-3, NASB)
- Yahweh Tsuri – The Lord is My Rock: When so much of the world around us is shifting and changing, this is a beautiful reminder of the unchanging nature of our God. He is permanent and faithful, and His plans remain firm.
““The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (2 Samuel 22:2-3, NASB)
- Yahweh Roi – The Lord is My Shepherd: Shepherds protect their sheep. As our Shepherd, God is watching over us day and night, and leading us in safety.
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (Isaiah 40:11, NASB)
Often I find myself like Eliza and asking a similar question of God, “You are my God, right?”
And He gently responds, “Yes, I am.
 “I am also the God who sees you,
heals you,
holds you steady,
and leads you.”
Usually I share a post from last week’s link up in this space. But this week, I’m sharing a post that brought beautiful encouragement. Katherine Pasour reminds us that once we’ve been rescued from brokenness, we recognize God’s infinite love, mercy, and grace. You can read her post “Broken but Loved” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo taken by me and was overlooking our backyard.
Today I am joining …
Those are all lovely names of the Lord. Thank you for the reminder and the sweet story about your granddaughter!
Thank you, Amy. The sweetest lessons have come from my own children, and now my three granddaughters 🙂
There are so many associations with names. The study of God’s names is a rich one.
This week I was reflecting on all the different names of God. His names have every aspect and detail of life fully covered. Absolutely amazing and humbling to reflect on.
I love the way you did this! 😉
Much appreciated, Susan!
Oh… yes he is, and beyond all naming, he is the name above all names!
Amen and Amen!
It took me a lot of time to settle on my grandmother name. 🙂 I was going to choose Mimi but my granddaughter already had a grandmother on the other side of the family named Mimi, so I went with Granna. It’s been so fun to hear her call my name (again and again, lol). I’m so grateful God calls our names too and that he has so many names we can call him!
Joanne, I love the story about your grandma name. I am Mimi to my sweet granddaughter in heaven & thought I would be Mimi to my little Grace. But it was too funny, she never identified me as Mimi because her lovey, which my daughter calls “Lamby” translated to “Mimi” for Grace. Whenever my daughter pointed to me & said “Mimi” she looked at Lamby & became confused. So I became “Gigi”, now my name rings all through the house when I arrive with laughter.
Such a sweet way to mention those three beautiful names for God! He is so many things to us, such a lovely blessing today!
Oh, how I love this! The names of a grandma – and the names of God! I am so glad God is a God is many good, good names! Sometimes, I think being a Muddy is all the best parts of me rolled into one!
I’m a MiMi, too, and now somehow it seems wrong to be called grandma! I do love studying the names of God since each one reveals a different part of His character. I love calling Him My Shepherd, because, boy! I need a lot of tending.
It’s always nice to meet another Mimi 🙂 I am so grateful God tends to us, gently and lovingly.
I love the questions from our grandchildren that make us stop & think! Lol!
Great post Joanne!
Bless you,
Jennifer
I have always said that toddlers are my favorite people 🙂 Seeing life through the eyes of children has been such a blessing in my life.
I love studying the names of God to study His character!
Isn’t God good to give us children (and grandchildren) to help us remain as little children? Thanks so much for sharing this sweet, thoughtful post.
I love the names of the Lord. I guess I never really thought about names in the way your grand daughter does. I’m trying to recall when my girls were young. It makes sense the processing of it all from a child’s perspective. Blessings.
Joanne, I am “Mimi” to two littles. And I love that name and what it means in my life. Because of my foundness for Psalm 23, one of my favorites is Yahweh Roi ”“ The Lord is My Shepherd. It’s so comforting to know God as Shephered and what that means in my life.
Joanne, I love hearing about what grandchildren call their grandparents … each relationship is so different and special. And focusing on God’s names is such a wonderful way to get to know Him, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing these today. 🙂