BEYOND LABELS

 What was your first thought when you read today's title?  Did you immediately go to consumer labels?  Athletic equipment, clothing, and shoes are known for their labels.  We all know the wearer of a swoosh is wearing Nike.  There are also labels on clothing--the first one that comes to mind is the polo player---no explanation needed.  Many famous brands--the latest and greatest--are known for their innovative labels.  THAT IS NOT the type of label to which I am referring.

One of the things I sometimes scroll through on line is Reels.  Short videos with sometimes interesting content--most of the time---you just keep on scrolling.  Recently I came across a college graduation speech which hit the note of truth for me.  Given by one of the graduates, for someone so young, she has already suffered life altering situations.  In her time coming back from her BIG physical injury, she did some soul searching to determine who she now was with her limitations.  It was inspiring, thought provoking and beyond her age wise.  It was impressive enough that I made a few notes I would like to share with you today.

Her question was "Who am I beyond my labels?"  A collegiate athlete who not only suffered a sport's career ending injury, but was questioning if she would be able to graduate college after a severe brain injury.  Her world was rocked off its foundations.      In my personal opinion, her speech was not only inspiring, but probably one of the greatest things she has done or will ever do.  She had to back up and think again after losing all the labels she held so dear.  She had to look beyond those labels and letters we like to cling to and throw around in an effort to impress.  She had to decide who she was--deep down--below the surface.  She came up with three questions which are profound and I hope you will take the time to think them over personally.

WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE?

HOW DO I TREAT OTHERS?

WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL?

After listening to the short reel and making a note of the questions, I began to consider how this plays not only into our identity in the physical world, but also, more profoundly, in our spiritual identity.  I invite you to pause and answer the questions.  Consider if you are satisfied with your identity----after you are brutally honest with your answers.  AND then, consider this young woman~ who had her entire world turned upside down and forever altered~ made lemonade from lemons by pausing to consider.  SUCH AN INSPIRATION!

"For we are His workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand,

what we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10

LABEL IT

 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