What's in a ...... Label??

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

This is Juliet's line when she is telling Rome that a name is nothing but a name and it is hence a convention with no meaning behind it.

Do names really matter? Each of us were given a name at birth, thoughtfully considered and chosen by our parents. There is great significance behind our name, whether we're named after distant kin or whether it's original. It was picked especially for us. Our name also has meaning. Have you ever looked up the characteristics/personality that go along with your name? It can be quite entertaining, and sometimes spot on!

On the most basic level, names are how we differentiate from one another. Names also define our relationships. You can always tell the depth and value of a relationship by what you call someone. 'Mom' or 'Dad' implies a close, special bond. 'Grandma', 'Grandpa', 'Aunt', 'Uncle' all say 'you are a special person in my life', closer than a friend could ever be (hopefully ;). 'Husband' or 'wife' should be the most significant human relationship we ever have.

We were made for deep relationships; ultimately, one with our Creator. Our earthly relationationships are a practice field really, to cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. If we can figure out how to get along, give grace, encourage, and forgive (just to name a few) our fellow human beings, how much easier is it to love our Savior who is flawless and so much more to us in return. Fruits of the Spirit are the goal! But we struggle. Because we're human. And because we're co-existing with other humans. Every one of us are sinful and flawed. That makes it a little messy some days. God knew that, that's why He sent His son, Jesus, to come and rescue us. What a Gift! At the end of the day, our deepest need is a relationship with Jesus.

So if our name is what we are known by, where do labels fit in? We can often intertwine names with labels when it comes to thinking we know someone, even ourselves. A label gives information about something or someone; it's a classifying description applied to a person or thing (yet not always accurate).

I give all my soaps a name (Pumpkin Spice, Lemon Shea, Lavender, Tea Tree Mint, Non Scents etc), but the label really tells about the soap. It tells the ingredients and sometimes the beneficial properties of that specific soap (without making claims, of course ;). It is required in making homemade products that are sold, that there be a label stating what it's made of (which is important, especially for those with allergies to certain ingredients).

But what about people? We already know that names have great importance. Labels, however, tend to have a negative connotation to them. Nobody likes to be labeled (unless of course it's something that eludes to an admirable quality...then we'll take it!). I, personally, strongly resist the idea of 'labeling' conditions. Especially when it comes to emotional struggles. To say 'I have anxiety' or 'I have depression' etc. gives great power to the very thing that someone with this symptom is trying to overcome (presumably). I say presumably, because there's probably some that simply don't want to overcome, they'd rather walk with the 'I have' crutch (ouch, I know). I am not at all diminishing the fact that people suffer with these symptoms. They are very valid. But when it comes to our emotions, they make great servants but poor masters. They can serve us by letting us know there is something that needs to be addressed and/or healed, but to allow them to master us can lead to devastating and debilitating results.

I know this may sound harsh and is probably hitting some in the 'I have's', BUT what if your thinking was challenged today? What if you looked at whatever you 'have' in a different light? For example, when you say, 'I have anxiety', you're really saying 'anxiety has me'. We give it power over us and let it define us. What if, INSTEAD, you say, 'I'm having symptoms of anxiety.' That changes the whole paradigm. That says, I'm NOT anxiety, it's just something I'm dealing with right now. Anxiety doesn't define me.

What does define you? What do you want to define you might be a better question? Even better yet, who?? We are all susceptible to allowing ourselves to being defined by what the world is selling. The world loves selling labels. Labels come in all shapes and sizes that reflect our careers, our positional status (mom, dad etc), our education level ... to name just a few. We all tend to carry one or more of these labels, it's unavoidable really, it's just good to keep the perspective of it's what we do, not who we are. The more precarious (emotional stuff) labels are the ones that can entangle and trap us into thinking there's no way out. We accept the chains that bind us in whatever label we've allowed to be slapped upon us. We believe the lie that that is who we are, forever.

But there is hope! But God. But God is the One who made you. But God is the One who defines you, if you let Him. But God sent Jesus. Jesus can heal all things, if you let Him. Yes, ALL things. So let Him. If you haven't yet, let Him.

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt 19:26

What have you got to lose? Only the chains that bind you and keep you from being defined by the God who loves you and wants to set you free.

"...the truth will set you free." John 8:32