You may recall a television sitcom that aired from 1982-93 called, “Cheers.” Whether Norm was cracking one-liners heading to his favorite chair, or Cliff, the know-it-all mailman, was venting about the latest Sears catalog delivery, this Boston bar is remembered as a place, “where everybody knows your name.” Using someone’s name typically conveys a willingness to engage with them on a personal level.
Did you know that dolphins call each other by name? Scientists have analyzed the squeaking, trilling, and clicking sounds of these highly intelligent creatures for decades. They have discovered that each bottlenose dolphin announces its presence with a “signature whistle,” or name.
Stephanie King of the University of St. Andrews conducted additional research around Sarasota Bay from 1984-2009 where many self-identifying whistles were recorded. From this group, four dolphins were temporarily removed to a distant aquarium. As they examined the sounds of the captive dolphins, they distinctly heard them use the signature whistles of their free roaming friends. This breakthrough study confirms that dolphins call out to one another upon being separated.
In addition to staying connected and locating one another, these individualized high-pitched “ee-ee-eee” sounds can be detected up to 12.4 miles away to alert one another to food or danger. This fascinating means of mutual care and togetherness fosters a sense of value and belonging, just as it does for us when someone unexpectedly remembers our name, calls us out in a crowd, or uses our name in a strikingly warm or helpful manner.
It is said that God “stores every tear in a bottle.”* He sees our pain. “He counts every hair on our heads.”* He knows us better than we know ourselves. And, “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.”* He is personally involved and guides us.
“Fear not…for I have called you by name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43: 1
*Psalm 56:8, Luke 12:7, John 10:3