I’ll admit it: I tend to define myself with labels.
Writer.
Singer.
Wife.
Doggy mama.
Wannabe dancer.
Those are fairly straightforward and innocent labels, right? And they do speak the truth about who I am. At least in part.
But what about those other labels I wear? The not-so-innocent ones? The ones I give myself based on past experience?
Like
Fat.
Ugly.
Not good enough.
Not popular.
Weak.
Undisciplined.
Unfortunately, I could go on and on.
Too often, I let those other labels define me. And not just define me, but affect my entire perspective. Because when I’m focused on my failures–and how they make me feel so utterly wretched–then I’m not allowing God to use me effectively. I’m self-centered. I don’t see others’ needs, because I’m too worried about how I’m perceived.
I love “Hello, My Name Is” by Matthew West (see below), because it names the identity we should be most focused on: Child of the One True King.
Let’s work on replacing those “other” labels with the ones that matter, like
Saved.
Redeemed.
Precious in His sight.
Beloved.
Your Turn: What label(s) do you want to work on replacing? What label(s) would you replace it with?
What's fun about this post is, I've had an idea for a nonfiction book called "Hello, my name is…" in the back of my head for a year or two now. Probably there's already one out there…who knows…but anyway, now I need to listen to the song! 🙂
Ooo, what would said book be about? I'd love to know!
Girl, love this post and that song. And you are so right. Focusing on the negative labels keeps us back from accomplishing things God wants us to do. Been there and still find myself there. Love you!
It's far too easy to focus on the negatives, and that's a fact. Love you back!
Matthew West's songs are incredible. So are the questions you pose here, Lindsay. People so often want to slap labels on us that stick for life that aren't very flattering and certainly don't reflect how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." I'm so thankful that you reminded us we receive labels from God that give us life and hope. Sometimes I reject His labels because I want to wallow. But He keeps giving them out until they stick. Amazing grace.
You're right about rejecting labels as an excuse to wallow. And thank goodness for His grace! Don't want to know where I'd be without it.
LIndsay, this is a beautiful post. So achingly transparent. I have worn many labels placed both by me and by others over the years. One of the hardest things for me to walk out each day is the truth that I am God's daughter, His girl, in Christ. I'm not Jeanne the writer, the mom, the failure, the insecure. I am Jeanne, precious daughter of God.
Our church's ladies retreat is going to deal a lot with the masks we wear. I've been thinking a lot about this. For the record: You are one of the most beautiful women I know—inside and out.
You already know this, but your comment made me tear up. Thank you, my friend!
Great song! I heard it yesterday in the car!
How about, "not good enough." Oh, I've heard that one my whole life! Yuck!!
God says otherwise. 🙂
Oh, yes. That one's a doozy. And so, so prevalent in our society, because we're constantly comparing ourselves to others, aren't we?