I've told you before that I've been trying to learn names and that these guys sometimes give me their street names, rather than anything their parents may know them by.
For me, it's ok to call them whatever they tell me I should call them as long as a) it's not offensive and b) they listen when I say 'their name'.
The breakthrough came a few weeks back when some of them gave me their real name. That's a big deal for them.
Names are powerful. We see that already in the Bible where names hold a certain meaning about the life of the individual.
Names give us identity and therefore these guys like their street names. It's their identity. It's what they are known by, by their friends and also by their enemies. If they know how to handle themselves in tricky situations, then their street name carries importance and makes them feared by others.
And that is also why giving me their real name is a sign of trust. And it makes me excited every time it happens.
Today it didn't happen. I tried to learn all their names again and couldn't for the life of me remember the name of one of the guys. So they started 'helping' me.
In the end, he 'suggested' to be called 'smurf' (They all wear blue!). I warned him that that's what I will call him unless he tells me his name (street name or real thing) and he decided smurf was ok with him.
So I called him 'Smurf' the whole lesson long. And I grew quite fond of calling him that. And I think he did too! This might be the first 'cute' street name ever.
I hope he keeps it!
Good night Smurf! Hope you know how much Jesus Loves you!
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