Called By Name
I remember it clearly: I am standing in the airport concourse as people rush past me. I am a young teen traveling alone for the first time, and I have missed my connecting flight. I have no idea how to continue my journey. I feel bewildered and scared. And I am completely alone. What should I do now? Suddenly someone calls out: “Marion! Where are you headed?” I turn to see a family friend, who happens to pass me on her way to her departing flight. She stops. Sensing my distress, she knows just what to do. She guides me to the service desk, where I receive an alternate flight to reach my destination. Sixty years later, I still recall the surprise of hearing my name in that airport. Someone noticed me! Someone knew me by name! Someone was there to help. I imagine Hagar also felt alone and bewildered on the desert road. An Egyptian maidservant, she had run away from the harsh treatment of her mistress. In the weariness of e