I had a comment on today's post (two weeks ago) "Who Am I?". This sweet friend told me a story about her grief journey when she lost her husband after a long marriage. She hit a cord with me with this statement
"The first real shock of the reality of it all came
when I received my first piece of mail addressing me as 'widow'. "
My reply was,
"the world looks upon widows (widowers) with compassion and honor."
There was more to the reply, but this is what prompted today's blog topic. Addressing her as a widow was not a disparaging label, but instead one filled with compassion and admiration for years of two faithfully living as one. It is heartbreaking to lose one's life partner, but it also is a thing of great beauty to know the shared past will sustain you in those dark difficult days.
Two days ago I attended the funeral of a dear neighbor. The common theme throughout the memorial was what a Godly man he was---a man of great integrity. Everyone who spoke remembered the labels associated with this man. Father, Grandfather, Friend, Mentor, Disciple, Servant, and on and on. He was remembered for his life of faithfulness, love, honor, compassion, and so much more. He was a quiet, gentle, humble man of God who was loved by everyone in his path.
We all wear labels. Labels identify who we are.
We have labels which we created and there are labels others have given us. What labels will others place on you with your eulogy? When someone stands before those assembled, what will they say about you?
It is NEVER too late to attach another label to our name. Redeemed is a great one---one who confessed their sin, turned from it and changed their ways. Faithful comes to mind---one who stands in the gap, lifts others in prayer, serves those in need consistently. Enduring --stood firm--even when the times are harsh and hard. I could go on and on. The point--IT IS NEVER TOO LATE to add a label. What labels do you desire to be given as you are remembered?
"Brothers and sisters,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do,
:Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14
I would hope the labels given me by others would be accurate descriptions of how I lived my life and how I loved those around me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
Amen, My Friend!
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