Being Known: A Special Message from Executive Director Amy Horton

Amy Horton

There’s a lot to a name. In a practical sense, a name provides transactional value as a unique identifier. In a deeper sense, a name provides more meaningful intrinsic value. A name can serve as a connector to family, to racial and ethnic and cultural background, to heritage, and to ancestry—it serves as proof of worldly belonging.

As we have witnessed recently, the power of a name can elevate collective awareness and visibility. The heartbreaking loss of black lives has prompted a sorely needed inflection point around racial and social justice in our country. Our systems, collective behaviors, and individual mindsets will be forever changed by the names of our brothers and sisters whose lives have been tragically lost.

As God’s children, we have both the ultimate justice and the best place of belonging in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Each of us is known to Him—we are known before we are born into this world and in every circumstance after until we are called Home. Each hair on our heads is known to God. What a staggering concept that is—that we are known, continuously and at that level of detail, by the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

In normal times, being known by God provides peace and security. During these concerning times of a global pandemic, racial and social unrest, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters, being known may constitute a lifeline to those who are struggling. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine,” the Lord assures His people in Isaiah 43:1. It feels good to be known. It feels good to be His.

For those in our community who don’t have economic means, who are marginalized by our systems, who are victimized, and for whom worldly justice is out of reach, I pray the Clinic provides a place of belonging, where each name is known, where our neighbors feel authentically cared for and have greater access to justice.

From this worldly position, it is my greater prayer that the Clinic and all who represent it, point the hearts and minds of our neighbors upward toward a Father who knows each of us by name, and whose justice is perfect and everlasting.

If you are interested in hearing a powerful story of a woman who survived abuse by a family who refused to call her by name, but whom God knew and never forgot, please join us for our Justice for All Virtual Gala on October 8th. You’ll also learn about how you can support the Clinic in providing greater access to legal education and representation for our low-income neighbors.

Get your tickets here now: nclegalclinic.org/jfa