LABELS

We are all guilty of putting labels on others---why even ourselves-




They can be quite innocent like 

Thin


Or hurtful and mean like

Fat


Or some days


Lazy


And other days

Athletic (Exercise Nut)


Some labels are earned over time, like

Sassy



And others we wear with pride, like

Eccentric



And there are those who do not care what you label them, like

Different (Nuts)

I was asked at church if I was divorced today.  I suppose that is a label.  I did not say "I Do" with the intention of divorcing at some future time--like all of you, I thought it was "Till death do us part".  I cringe when asked if I am divorced.  I have friends who have lost their spouses through death, these friends are labeled, but it carries a gentler ring.  They are alone--but they fulfilled their vow and lived their covenant.  This label I wear smacks of failure and gives me the feeling I should step to the back of the bus.  Perhaps I over-react--but remember the generation I was raised in.  Divorce did not happen during those days--and it carried a stigma.  Leaving behind the social mores instilled during a lifetime is not easy. 

I have learned a valuable lesson about labeling others.  God does not label us, but knows us all as distinct beings.  Divorce does not define who I am in His eyes.  There is much-much more to me than being divorced.  I pray for wisdom to look at others with the same vision He uses when seeing me--with the eyes of Jesus --Who sees me as His Beloved.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17


6 comments

  1. I'm so saddened to hear that you feel labeled, dear friend. For you are not defined by your divorce. You are defined by your Savior.

    And you are precious, precious indeed.

    Hugs.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda and you are absolutely correct!

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  2. Some people even label themselves "Christian", but they are not really, judging from their behavior.

    Next time someone asks you: Are you divorced? Answer: Is that a proposal? Because you're not my type!

    It is stupid to label and pigeon hole each other. We're all different individuals each loved by God individually.

    God bless.

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    Replies
    1. Well, Victor, good reply, but it was a woman that asked. I am NOT going to marry another woman--we are too difficult to figure out! Who needs that grief! I agree about labeling and thank you for your defense of me!

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    2. You're a wonderful woman Lulu. And you know it.

      God bless.

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    3. I label you, Kind---Victor!
      Thank You!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!