The church that I have the privilege of serving at as Lead Pastor has had a great opportunity for a number of years. In our town is the state school for the deaf. There is also a larger than normal deaf community because of this. I am grateful for one certain lady in our church who helps us with ASL interpretation. She has a passion for the deaf community to hear and know the gospel. It has been said that the deaf community is the third largest people group in the world that has limited access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Since I came to FBC Fulton, MO two years ago, we have been in a process of trying to find a name for me with the deaf community. My given name has a lot of letters for signing. This can prove difficult and tiresome for the one interpreting. It is quite common within the deaf community to give a nickname that reflects the person’s personality. One of the pastors on staff at our church stands head and shoulders above most in our congregation. He was given the nickname, “tall.” I’m still not sure why…

I have enjoyed the process that we have been going through with the deaf community in our church to “name me.” I was told that I could not choose it for myself. It had to be given to me. This took me back to my high school days when a few of us in the youth group decided to get CB radios. We couldn’t come up with our handle on our own; it had to be given to us by others. Some 25 years later, here I am again at the mercy of a group of people to give me a name that I will forever be known by to them.

I was informed this past Sunday that I have been named. I was excited about the news. This group is a fun group. I was a little worried about what my name would be. I thought it might be “baldy” since I am follicly-challenged, but that wasn’t it. The name I was given humbled me greatly. I was given the name “Rock”. I will be honest in saying that when it was shared with me and the why behind it, I got a little choked up.

I was told that I was given the name “Rock” for a couple of reasons. First, the ASL for my initials when put together make the sign for “rock.” I would have been happy with that, but there was much more. The other reason for being named “Rock” was that I have been seen as one who is solid and wants to be solid. (Pardon me… I have something in my eye… darn allergies).

I proudly now will carry the name “Rock” within the deaf community of our area. My prayer is that I can live up to that name and continue to seek to be solid in my faith as I stand on the Solid Rock of Christ Jesus.

Something to think about: what nickname would the deaf community give to you? What is there that stands out most in your life that would describe you?