Nine times out of ten, when referring to my granddaughter I use her special nickname, “Binky-Bo.” To be perfectly honest, I don’t remember the first time I used that designation or why; but it is firmly entrenched in our family’s vocabulary. She actually has four perfectly good names, including the all-important family name at the end, but we rarely have to use the whole thing. Perhaps you can guess what sort of occasion might call for using her “full” name.

Think back to your childhood. Recall your mother’s voice as she loudly proclaimed your entire moniker. In my case, “WILSON JAY TYREE!” was never followed by a rational discussion of our likes and dislikes. It was, without exception, uttered just prior to a “come to Jesus” meeting, followed by an opportunity to undo, redo, or just plain “do” what she had laid out for me to accomplish. However, the elevated vocals she used to call out my birth certificate credentials was slightly less upsetting than the whispered repetition of my middle name.

“Oh Jay, Jay, Jay” was never followed by a chewing out. It was a quiet reproof – most often accompanied by a look of shame (or disgust) – prompted by one of my less intelligent life choices. In the midst of the loud, full-name rebuke, my ego could muster its forces and guard the citadel of my pride. Mother’s anger was often met with anger of my own. (Mind you, I did what she told me to do. I was proud, not stupid.) But that soft, mournful plea; that shaking of the head; that look of shame could blow away my defenses like dropping a hydrogen bomb on an ant hill.

I wonder if that’s how Martha felt when she tried to “tattle” on her sister Mary. Martha was hard at work in the kitchen, trying to please the Master’s stomach, while Mary was seated at His feet, soaking up the wisdom. When the cook attempted to call the learner into greater service, Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 NKJV).

See you Sunday.