I first became interested in the many instances of renaming in the bible when I changed my last name to honor my grandmother’s ministry many years ago.  This concept took on a new urgency when I attended a conference held by and for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks in January of 2023. I was surrounded by people longing to be known by others as they know themselves to be, including my former spouse. This hymn is for her and for all of us who desire to have our full selves recognized and blessed in sacred spaces. It could be used whenever we may feel the need to be renamed or reclaimed: at baptism, after a gender transition, following divorce, or beyond. Whoever we are, and whatever has changed, we are always God’s beloved children.

I wrote this text to be used with the tune WOODWORTH which for many has an association with the text “Just as I am.” You can preview or purchase the text and music for this hymn here. It is also a part of my collection Elemental Joy. and the United Church of Canada resource Then Let Us Sing.