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By Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, co-chair of the NCC’s Racial Justice Initiative and the Minister of Stewardship & Missions, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Largo MD.


But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” -Isaiah 43:1-3


During the days of “social distancing” I have given a lot of thought to what is really important in my life. The stay at home orders didn’t change the fact that I live over 700 miles away from my immediate family.  It has made me more keenly aware of the need to stay in touch on a more intentional and consistent basis. 

A few days ago, I called to talk to my sister. When I asked how she was doing, she said rather impatiently, I don’t’ know. I don’t know how I feel right now. I don’t know. I just don’t know. I asked if she had a favorite scripture she could read to help her and she said, all I can tell you is “He knows my name!” 

As we ended our call, I sent her a short list of scriptures including Isaiah 43 and the link to the song, “You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. I was trying to lift her up even and I encouraged myself as I listened to Tasha Cobbs Leonard sing a sermon:

Yes, God knows my name. And oh how He walks with me
Yes oh how He talks with me. And oh how He tells me that I am His own…

The stay at home orders may have changed the way we connect with each other, but God’s Word reminds us, He knows us and no matter where we are, He is there to comfort, counsel and confirm that we need not be afraid. God is with us.