in the Father's NAME

Yesterday I had the fantastic opportunity to reconnect with a dear friend. A kindred-spirit-treasure, however, life path's seem to keep you passing.  She's coming, and you're going or vice versa. The day was blissful and easy to be entreated. For hours we inhabited an outdoor table delighting ourselves with acorn squash ravioli, fresh garden salads, pitchers of iced tea; Overflowing our hearts and taste buds sharing a decadent taste of tiramisu. We made up for lost time. As the afternoon called us away, I took the opportunity to do a little Portland shopping, refreshing my rural self with the felicity of the city. Flocks of folk were cruising the air-conditioned malls. Malls have changed since my retail days; I was glad to see the Sees candy store still holding her own. Many unfamiliar names of shops and the presence of security guards. Reminds me earlier my friend and I walked into a cosmetic store, and there was a bored stiff, young security guard sitting on a high stool.  I asked why did they need that kind of attendant? The sales clerk responded: to protect there $400 a bottle lotion made by some manufacturer I'd never heard of,  Two sides of that coin, who buys 400 dollar cream and I found myself apologizing to this young man that his job security reinforced by dishonesty. He thanked me.
Back at the mall: Strolling and watching people I ventured past a center kiosk and was approached by a handsome young Mediterranean sales clerk. He immediately started to point out the wrinkles around my eyes and would I like a "free" sample guaranteed to rectify the problem. I kept dribbling out the, no thank you's, and he followed suit with well-versed sales turn around. I don't think I ever stopped walking past. 

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Amazingly enough, he caught me again on my return trip; I continued with, no thank you among our now generating conversation. I bent close to him and said, it's rude to point out a mature women's wrinkles anyway, making his co-workers bust a gut laughing. I took charge of the questioning, put him at ease and tuned into Holy Spirit. Listening as he answered my barrage of questions. What is your home country? He responded, Israel, I asked, Jewish or Muslim? A frown creased in his brow as he said confidently, Jewish. I said cool, we have the same Abba! He asked me again, what did you say. Repeating, we have the same Abba; clarifying, I mean Father. Yes, he said, I know it means Father, but you spoke in Hebrew. Yes, Jehovah Elohim, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Nissi and a few more. 

I should know my Father's names. Shocked with tears welling up in his eyes he shared intimate details that he had not been home for four years, nor had he heard anyone speak Hebrew outside of phone calls with family. We shared more particulars in this refreshed atmosphere, a true salesman voiced just one more time, are you sure you don't want to try a "free sample" I said no thank you. 
As I walked away from my acquaintance, astonished at "Abba's" small assignment. Can't say that I considered my small Hebrew repertoire a conversation but the sound/frequency of His name stirred and filled a homesick countryman. He is a good Daddy! 

Nothing resembles your previous identity as Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, Billabong or Gucci; now you are all defined in oneness with Christ! He is your significance and makes you stand out!
​Galatians 3:28 Mirror Bible 

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