Embedded Files
God With Us
God With Us
by Emmanuel Washington
The day I got my name was when my mother was in Japan. When she stopped by a christian store to buy a souvenir, there it was. A woodcarving of the name “Emmanuel.” Above it, sat a separate carving. A white dove, surrounded by clouds and dolphins. A heavenly sight that resonated with her. So heavenly, it became the reason for my given name. When my mother told me, I was surprised. In high school, I gained interests in Japan from music and anime, making the origin of my given name an ironic and full circle moment. One could say it’s a coincidence but it may be something deeper than that.
Emmanuel comes from the Hebrew name Immanuel with Immanu meaning “with us” and “el” meaning “God,” translating to “God with us” (Muchnik). Immanuel is also another name for Jesus in the Bible. (Wolstenholm). Because my grandparents were former pastors, I always knew the meaning of my name, but I never applied it to my life. It wasn’t until 2022, the year I flew to Japan, that I became closer with God.
It started when I bought a journal before the trip. I never wrote in journals before and it felt out of character. But something pushed me to buy one. Maybe God himself? During the trip, I was having the time of my life. Japan felt different and familiar at the same time. Like a home away from home. I had realized how blessed I was to make it to the place I dreamed of since freshman year. An accomplishment I was blessed to achieve while still in high school. Earlier than I had imagined possible. The realization of God's blessings motivated me to start writing. Before I knew it, I wrote out almost two pages expressing thanks to him. Not only for the trip but for everything he’s done in my life. I slowly started to see God’s presence in my life day by day and from that point on, I started to build my connection with God.
Even though it is only recently that I’ve incorporated God into my life, it has truly made my life feel so much better. My name reminds me that whenever life gets difficult, it won’t last forever and I will get through it. I am reminded that my journey through life is not done solo. I have my friends, family and God with me. By my side.
Works Cited
Muchnik, Kayla. “Emmanuel Meaning: Exploring ‘god with Us’ in the Bible.” FIRM Israel, 13 Nov. 2024, firmisrael.org/learn/emmanuel-meaning-exploring-god-with-us-in-the-bible/#:~:text=Emmanuel%20in%20Hebrew?,and%20separated%20from%20their%20Creator.
Wolstenholm, Jessica. “Who and Where Is Emmanuel in the Bible? - Minno Kids.” Minno Kids - The #1 Source of Christian Content for Kids, 9 Dec. 2021, gominno.com/blog/who-is-emmanuel/#:~:text=Who%20is%20Emmanuel%20in%20the,is%20a%20name%20for%20Jesus.
Washington, Emmanuel. Selfie of Emmanuel. 22 Oct. 2023. Author's personal collection.
Page updated
Report abuse