I’ve been called many things in my life. Molly, Molly G, Molly Anne, Miss G, Miss Teacher, Groovy, Cha-Molly, Moll-doll, Mols, Little Goose, but never sister. Granted I am in fact a sister to 3 brothers, but I was never nicknamed ‘sister’ or ‘sis’ as many siblings do. I also was just plain Molly for most of my life, an occasional Molly G. On the race, Molly is rarely used by my teammates, nicknames have become a common practice. My favorite has been given to me when I am sassy and dress in my apparent ‘chollo’ (Mexican Ganster) attire, Cha-Molly-Sac. Thanks guys! But as much as that name does not define who I am, even when I act sassy, it has caused me to think.
Names have such a hold on a person’s identity.
“Sister” was the term of endearment to get my attention while working with the refugees in Greece, and I thought it was hilarious. Here I am, sticking out like a sore thumb in the refugee camp, and they call me sister. To me sister meant of same blood relative. To them, it was just a different way of saying ‘hey, you’. I always smiled when I was called sister, but never gave it much thought.
On my way to Victoria Falls, riding on a train that has already broke down, we stopped several times throughout the night at little ‘train stations’. I was woken up several times with the term ‘sista, sista’ being called out. Same as with the refugees, I chuckled thinking of an obscure way of getting my attention… until it hit me.
I am currently surrounded by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am a DAUGHTER of my Heavenly Father. I know this because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I know with all my heart that Jesus is the son of God, and because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, I am a child of God. “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith’ –Gal 3:26
It hasn’t hit me, God has been sending me giant neon flashing signs, reminding me who I am. I might not necessarily be sisters with the refugees or Africans in blood, or in Christ, but it’s my reminder. I need to stop defining myself as plain Molly. I am a CHILD of God, and just that fact alone makes me more precious than any jewel.
Call me sister anytime you want, but I would love it to mean sister-in-Christ with me. I have found that no other worldly bond can mean as much as brothers and sisters-in Christ. I have had great relationships with a lot of people, but I have found nothing greater than a friendship based with the same love from Christ!
