Perfectionist. Pragmatist. Pessimist. These words have described me, have labeled me. No matter where our labels come from, we become our labels if we don't change them. Our identity, our personality, and our character can become wrapped up in our labels. I'm not a fan of change. I don't even like updating or upgrading. Change is hard, but so very important. First, we should turn to Jesus for healing and replacing past wounds with truth. We receive a new name, a new identity. Daughter. Heir. Child of the one true King. Then we can grow, change, and develop new personality. Our new character shows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. My new labels should be understanding, compassionate, and positive.
What if your labels were orphaned, abandoned, or deformed? Children are sensitive to words spoken around them. Some kids may claim false labels, leading to negative self fulfilling prophecy. As parents we must help change our children's labels. We must create an environment of grace, mercy, and trust in our home. We must destroy hatred, regret, and unforgiveness. We must display maturity, health, and strength. We must speak truth by openly communicating with our children. We must speak hope by telling our children that God has a plan for their future. We must speak life by praying over our children. And we must speak love to remind our children of their Heavenly Father's unconditional love.
Inspired by http://subsplash.com/
"Speak life to the deadest darkest night
Speak life when the sun won't shine and you don't know why
Look into the eyes of the broken-hearted
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope, speak love, speak life"
A great video to discuss labels, bullying, and the impact of our words with kids.
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