If you don't read Secwepemctsin, the Shuswap language, the word "Tsi7" doesn't make sense. Perhaps I should explain what it means. The word, Tsi7, means - deer. Pronouncing it would be like saying, "Chee", but ending the "ee" sound quickly.
Last Spring, in the language class, I was nicknamed "Tsi7". It got a few laughs, but then something rather odd happened. A deer walked by the window of the school. That doesn't happen. In the eyes of the Native world view, that was a sign. A confirmation to my "Indian name." So, my name is Tsi7, and that explains the "Tsi7 Report". :)
It doesn't matter how I feel about it, that is how it is; but I wonder how I would feel if the name were, shall we say, a bit tougher sounding? Why couldn't my name be "grizzly", "elk", or "even the mighty "moose"? A cougar is a really cool animal, too. You could imagine naming your sports team, The Cougars, or The Grizzlies; but calling a team, The Deer. Well, I don't think the advertising marketing section would find it easy to get subscriptions.
On the other hand, I wasn't called, "Skeki" - spider, or "Swellw"- fish. Come to think of it, there are many creatures that I could have been named and it is nice that I wasn't. Taking the imagination one step further, I wonder what the Shuswap People would have named our Lord Jesus if he walked among them? The Scripture describes him as one so gentle that he wouldn't extinguish a smoldering wick, or break a bruised reed. Children were always welcome in his arms and they loved to be with Jesus.
In Shuswap cosmology, the Creator can tell a deer when people are hungry, and the deer will offer itself to a hunter. The hunter will get only one shot, but he will need only one, if he is worthy. I believe that God has asked me to leave my country, home, and family and come to serve the Shuswap People. There is a dying to self to accept this call.
So, perhaps being called Tsi7 does make sense after all. I am called to be gentle like a deer, and to offer myself for the good of others. Yeah, Tsi7 is a good name. With God's help, I will live up to it.
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7 comments:
Deer Howard, I have just read this blog and found it to be informative and interesting, I look forward to reading more of the same, and having a real learning experience. Thank you for sharing this.
Sandra Ganert
I think you've got the right idea about your new name. What if they had called you pussy cat. In my church they call me Gopher...go fer this and go fer that. It's the story of my life.
Howard, I love your story. And i like you new name. IN sign laguage the DEAF give a sign name to the HEARING. It represents the most prevelant characteristic.
Sharon
Howard- Greetings from Indiana! Yes, I think something like Mighty Moose would have served you well, but Tsi7 seems more like a divine appointment for you. Please take care up there in Canada. Thanks for the blog. It will be good to see your regular updates.
God bless,
Rob Fox
We have always thought that you had something to do with animals. So this is an apropriate name for you, our "deer" Howard. It's nice to see an update in this blog, so we will frequently check it out.
God bless.....
strange name? i think not.
i remeber years ago when you and i were at the oarb. god sent you to "feed" not only me but many others. the name suits you. i thank you for your obediance.
i also see the name as a great victory in your desire to reach the folks there in the bc. they respect your work and your humbleness to name you.
keep at it,
al
Hi Howard - There is no doubt in my mind that you were created, gifted, empassioned, and called to do what you are now doing. Sure beats staring down rotweillers in Chicago :)
Love ya - Reg
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