No More Labels

 

Psalm 103:17

“From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him.”

Today at the shelters was another miracle—being able to see and experience the love of God in action. That is something that always touches me; it never gets old.

God is waiting on our obedience and our willingness to bless someone else. Together, we accomplish more when we give from the little that we have.

Today, we touched on a very delicate topic: labels—the names they used to call us. Each one of the ladies received a little “Hello, my name is” sticker. They were asked to write what people used to call them.

I started with myself. I shared my list—the names I was once called:

Crazy. Good-for-nothing. Black sheep of the family.

You’ll never amount to anything.

You’re worthless.

You’re ugly.

You’re stupid.

A liar—just like your father.

I spoke from experience, from everything I’ve gone through and continue to go through. I’m still learning, and I’m in the same boat as they are. We’re all learning. It’s a journey, and we’re all still in the process of sanctification. None of us have arrived yet.

I once heard someone say, “The ground is level at the cross.”

Today was special. The women wrote the labels—the painful things they’d been called throughout life. Then we brought out little hearts, stars, and smiley face stickers. We began covering the labels that had come from family, friends, and husbands.

One of the girls wanted to read her label list aloud—and she did. As she spoke, the shame and guilt began to wash away. The Bible says we are overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. It was amazing to see this young woman speak from the heart the words that had once defined her.

She had been labeled:

Addict.

Slow.

Stupid.

Dumb.

Prostitute.

Crackhead.

Many more names were spoken.

By the time we were done, all the labels were covered with hearts, stars, and smiley faces.

Only God can do what He does.

We prayed with them and reminded them how to see themselves the way God sees them:

Loved.

Beautiful.

Blessed.

Gifted.

Unique.

Powerful.

Enough.

So many positive affirmations are found in the Word of God—when we give ourselves away.

You are not what they used to call you.

Find out who you are in Christ.

Only God can change us.

Ivette Diaz-Yee

www.sisterslovedbygod.net

April 2025