Names (10/09/2025)

I was facilitating a staff building gathering one day with over 20 people. Before the activities and my presentation began, I was given 10 minutes to walk around and introduce myself to everyone and learn their names and some details of their ministry. Then, as our interactions began, I found the individuals were surprised when I called on them by name. Afterwards, several came to me and asked, “What’s your secret? How do you remember names?” I explained that they were memorable.

And I stick with my answer. But what made them memorable? First, I introduced myself and asked the individual’s name. I then asked about their ministry at the parish. I watched them closely as they filled me in. Then I extended my hand, looked them straight in the eyes, and as I shook hands, I said, “It is so good to meet you” and I would say their name.

I learned a long time ago that the reason we don’t remember names is that we are too distracted. We are thinking of what we are going to say next. We are looking around to see if there are others to meet. It is no wonder we don’t find others memorable when we aren’t even treating them as ones we want to know.

My method involves all of me. I listen to them as they tell me about themselves. I watch them and their expressions. I look them in the eyes. And I touch them – the handshake. The meeting was experiential and engaged my vision, my hearing, and my sense of touch.

And it works. But I mention it not because it is a gimmick, but because it isn’t. We are human beings, and every human being deserves to be encountered and engaged by others. Everyone deserves to be remembered.

Where did I learn this. Would you be surprised if I told you Jesus? Truly, that is where I learned so much about relating to others. Jesus “saw” a person. Jesus “listened” to a person. Jesus “touched” others and allowed them to touch Him. He was present. He was alert. He saw each one as a sister or brother.

I believe that we are called to pay more attention to those in our presence. I believe we are to be more present to them, listen, watch, extend a welcoming handshake. It will require openness to others, but it can be rewarding as we find we remember others’ names, faces, eyes, and smiles.

As we continue our journeys of faith, buoyed by hope in our LORD’s promises, let us allow the love of the LORD to fuel us and to open us to the wonders woven within those whom we encounter. It might help us to better consider them sisters and brothers in Christ. It might help us to build a sense of community more quickly and more authentically. And it might make us smile more as we recognize how amazing the LORD is for having created so many memorable people.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.