I am grateful for a co-worker who thought of me when cleaning out her closet and gave me her discarded items.

I am grateful for fun at Bingo last night.

I am grateful that Anissa’s fingers are not broken and she is better today after having the door slam shut on them.

I am grateful for the anticipation of seeing my Dad tonight.

I am grateful for this quote that I will carry with me: “It can only bother you if you let it.” – Sam

***

My Mom used to call me Rhonda Donda. Kids in grade school used to call me Rhonda Honda. When it was cool to speak in “pig latin” in 5^th grade, I was known for a week or two as HondaRay.

I’ve been sung to all my life with this: Help me Rhonda, help, help me, Rhonda…

I went from Rhonda to Mommy, to Mom, to Mrs. Goering, to Mrs. G, to Ama, and now I’m back to Rhonda. There were times when my name was not spoken – I was just whistled at like a dog. You know, the “Hey you” whistle. And somewhere in all those years, I lost my name. I was no longer known as Rhonda, except by my parents and siblings. Everyone else knew me as a “title,” not a name.

I could fashion a name after that weird singer who changed his name to “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” and make my name, “The Woman Formerly Known as Mom, Rhonda Goering, or Mrs. G.”

It has been a process (and still is) to get to know the real Rhonda again. It has been a process to unearth the little girl who grew up and lost herself.

I am grateful for that process, for my counselor, for the prayers of many, and for the support and acceptance during the journey.

I am grateful that God knows my name, knows everything about me, knows where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going, and He still loves me in spite of all of that.

I am grateful for this song:

He Knows My Name 

But now, says the Lord—
the one who created you, [Rhonda],
    the one who formed you, [Rhonda]:
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched
    and flame won’t burn you.
3 I am the Lord your God,
    the holy one of Israel, your savior…
4 …Because you are precious in my eyes,
    you are honored, and I love you. – Isaiah 43:1-4 (paraphrased)

 My name is Rhonda Scofield, Child of the One True King.