Yesterday and old friend of mine and I were talking and we were enjoying our southern heritage together. We were really digging deep for nuggets from our upbringing and it was great fun. We come from a heritage that makes the word "help" (ha-elp) two syllables and other fun stuff. Afterwards a phrase came to mind that I don't know about it's origin, "for Heaven's sake". I know my Aunt Gladys says it and she makes "sake" into two long syllables (saa-eke).When she says my name it sounds like Steee-veey and it takes a few seconds to get it out.(I love her so much) I am not sure where the origin of this statement is, but there is a phrase in the bible that it reminds me of and one I have been thinking about.
Throughout the Old Testament I have noticed the phrase "name's sake". Do this for your "name's sake". Let this take place "for the sake of your great name". The idea being that the writer's were praying for God to intervene for the "sake of His name". I wonder how much of my praying, how many of my desires are for "His name's sake" and how much is for "my name's sake".
This morning I was praying as I returned from the airport around 6 a.m. I found myself crying out to God and praying that He would answer my prayers for "His name's sake". I was praying that God would make Himself known so that this world would see His name lifted up. Oh to be sure, I wanted Him to do it for "my sake" as well, but I sensed a real energy as my mind and heart were turned away from my own deep needs and I was moved to pray that God would glorify His own name.
We live in a world that often mocks the God that I serve. That doesn't really bother me because I know who He is. I know what He is about. I know what He has done. I know what He will do. But my prayer today is "Father reveal yourself to the world around me so that they may see you and know you as I do." Make yourself known for "the sake of your great name".
If I know my heart, I really long for Him to do just that.
I don't know, maybe that's where "for heaven's sake" came from. Someone wanting to see God move to glorify His name. I hope so, and way down deep inside, if it is, I hope (ho-oope) it is southern (suh-thern) .
My home's in Alabama
No matter where I lay my head.
My home's in Alabama
Southern born and southern bred.
Thank you Jesus (Gee-zus)!
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2 comments:
Steve, good cup of coffee and thoughts this morning. It's great to have a laugh and enjoy memories.
Steve, I remember a long time ago at Southeastern we were discussing a similar thing about regional accents. You commented that the Virginia accent sounds similar to the one that the folks in Birmingham AL have. Many years later, I went to a conference there and found that the Northern AL accent was indeed similar to the local Virginia accent. Also, I was in Huntsville recently, and they have a similar accent to Virginia. By the way, I have an Aunt Gladys also who says "for Heaven's sake" and "bless his heart" which I don't think is really a blessing at all. (G)
Joe
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