At one point or another, most of us have forgotten someone else’s name. Until we’re more familiar with a person, it can sometimes be difficult to remember their name. I’m sure most of us have had someone else forget our names.
- Have you ever had someone else forget or incorrectly say your name? How did that make you feel? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
- Has it ever been important to you that someone said your name? Tell about that. (Accept all reasonable answers. It might be a correct pronunciation of a name that means the world, or being identified by your own name rather than in relation to your parent or older sibling. It might be that someone you like or respect knew your name, or your name was called as a winner, or you felt known in a new place when a new friend addressed you by name.)
There is power in saying things out loud, including names.
- Has saying something aloud ever helped you work out a situation? Tell about that. (Accept all reasonable answers. Sometimes an unfamiliar word or working out a word problem aloud helps with understanding. Practicing lines, or a speech, or an important message you need to share is best done aloud. Often in counseling giving words to what we are feeling or experiencing is helpful.)
- Have you ever used your voice to speak out for others, or share something you believe in? What was that like? What inspired you to do that? (Accept all reasonable answers. Students may have stood up for themselves or someone else when encountering a bully. Perhaps students have helped advocate through fundraising or through a church or community organization. Maybe they’ve shared their testimony in front of others or with a friend. These experiences may have been difficult, or exciting, or meaningful. Often these acts will have been done for the good of others.)
Part of being a Christian is using our words to speak boldly about Jesus. This takes wisdom and courage, but the Holy Spirit helps us to do this.
