I have always been a believer/respecter of Southern etiquette. I read an article posted by Southern Living Magazine on FB. It was titled— “Seven Things a Polite Person Always Says.” (Search Southern Living Magazine on Facebook to read the article).

One of the 7 things mentioned is “A Persons Name,” which the writer says,

“Once you know someone’s name, be it a coworker or a customer service representative, use it. Not only is it courteous, but calling someone by name also makes a person feel recognized and respected. Dale Carnegie says it best: “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

As Easter week continues, listen and hear A Person’s Name found in the 20th Chapter of The Gospel of John. which reads in part:

”But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “MARY!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).“ (John‬ ‭20‬:‭11‬-‭16‬ ‭NRSV)

JESUS called her by name—Mary. My how exhilarating that must have been. No longer distraught! No longer afraid! No, she heard Jesus say her name—Mary.

Jesus says your name! Rejoice that none of us are so lost or fearful or fretful or distraught or confused such that our name is forgotten.

A PERSON’S NAME! Yours. Mine. We are known and loved by our Lord Jesus Christ! Give thanks! Rejoice!