If you are stopping by after reading my Damaged Goods devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries, thank you for stopping by to say hello.
Labels. The world slaps the sticky words on and they are hard to remove. We tug and pull and eventually shake free but the label residue remains waiting for the first opportunity to latch back on to to our weary heart. What's your label?
Divorced?
Addict?
Liar?
Cheater?
Depressed?
Loner?
No matter the label, can I share something with you?? Labels were never meant to isolate, they were meant to identify. No matter what you've done, that's not who you are. Just like the label on canned goods, God's label for you tells the value of what's on the inside. He says you are holy, dearly loved, honored, precious in His sight, valued. But, the world only judges what they see on the outside. God knows you better than that.
So today, I would like to challenge you to let God's label identify you. You are His. Identified with Him. Chosen for Him.
If you struggle with your confidence in Christ, you are not alone. Renee Swope's book, A Confident Heart is a book I would love to put in your hands. If you will simply leave a comment, with your favorite quote or verse that gets your through those hard days, you will be entered into a drawing on Oct. 7th for Renee's book, and with every comment, know that I will be praying that you can shed the label that the world has given you and walk in the freedom of God's identity for you!
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52 comments:
As I reflect on your blog I have tried thinking of the labels I have, and one comes to mind, "abandoned". I lost my mom when I was 16, emotionally more like 14. My family died that day. Our dad wasn't ever there for us emotionally, and when he was it was often with a belt in his hand. Our sister disappeared for more than 20 years. Eight years ago we went to trial and her missing person case was changed to "possible homicide." Her husband was charged with her murder and found not guilty. Then 2 weeks ago we watched as our brother lost his fight with cancer. Your blog spoke to me. I have been working hard on my focus. Changing it from things around me to God. Today and for the coming days I want to focus on the label, "His." I can tell you one thing. Even though I have felt abandoned in the past, I know I'm not alone. He promised He would never leave me, nor forsake me. And He always keeps His promises.
For you are a chosen [woman], you are a royal priest, a holy [daughter]. God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Labeled or "damaged goods" that couldn't have described me better. I am extremely overweight and "damaged goods" is exactly how I feel at times.
Each day I wake up in hopes and prayer that this day will be different. What gets me through each day is knowing the Lord has a purpose for me and that one day I hopefully will find out what that is. The other is seeing the children I have, knowing what miracles each is
As I read your short list of labels the word "loner" stood out to me. I've actually been calling myself that lately, because it seems though I have many friends, I'm always alone. I often feel alone, but I know that the Spirit of the Lord is always with me, so I am never truly alone. I often find comfort in God's words to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5 as He told him, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...". To be reminded that the Lord had plans for me even before I was created tells me how intentional His love is for me.
Anne,
God has promised never to leave you or forsake you. I hang on to that one on a regular basis. So sorry for your pain. Praying for you today.
Sue,
I've struggled with my weight my whole life. So, I know exactly where you are coming from. Youbare more than a number. You are more than a size. You are loved, chosen, valued. Praying for you friend.
Wisdomvirtueandrubies,
You are not alone here. :) feel like that sometimes too. How about we hang out?? Praying for you.
your thoughts are labels are so true. to get me through I think, "This too shall pass."
Psalm 121- I will lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from, it comes from the Lord..this verse has helped me since I was a little girl. Thanks so much for your encouraging words, I don't think any one of us escapes life without being "labelled" and it helps to remeber the labels of love that God places on us.
Wow! I've been trying to figure out who I really am. I've been through so much the past 10 years that I don't even know who I am anymore. I've been whoever I was told I needed to be and in the end my world still fell apart because I didn't measure up. So who is it that I am, who am I supposed to be. I'm to old to start over. God made me but who am I? I've been begging God to show me who I am, who does He think I am?
Today this was meant for me; it was God "speaking" to me. Thank you
"For we (I) am God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which God prepared in advance for us (me) to do." ~ Ephesians 2:10
He makes all things beautiful in HIS time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). ALL things. Even damaged, mislabeled, and forgotten things.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words today. HE speaks through your writing so powerfully. I follow your blog from time to time and am always touched and moved by your words. HE is using you whether you realize it or not.
Sweet Blessings,
Pam
There are sooo many verses that have spoken to me at various times: "For I know the plans I have for you..." and "all things work together for good to those who love God..." but I guess my all time fav. passage that reassures me of God's closeness and His hand in my life would be Psalm 139.
abandoned, fearful, loner...
But, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning for great is his faithfulness! He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Elaine
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Somedays I wake up feeling defeated and have to hand m day over to the Lord to show me His plans for my day. Thank you for your devotion.
Emily
Mine isn't so much a verse or a quote, but some information I learned recently about the "green pastures" talked about in the Bible. I've always pictured these as Ireland-like brilliant green expanses, whereas in the Middle East, a green pasture actually looks brown from a distance; it has just enough grass for the sheep for that particular moment. I'm an often-overwhelmed SAHM of 3, and my husband is gone a lot on work trips...when I look ahead and think I don't have the energy to get through the next week/month/etc, I remember that God has given me just enough for THIS day, and that tomorrow He will give me enough for that day, and so on...He'll always provide enough for the moment I'm in.
Psalms 27:13,14
What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!
As a "damaged goods" gal it is easy to get discouraged and believe the lies of the enemy that you are unloveable, unsuccessful, good for nothing and that the mistakes you made or the people that walked out on you exempt you from living a good life. This verse is so powerful in reminding us that we will see the goodness of the Lord in our live this side of heaven! You must only have the faith and believe!
Thanks for the awesome devotion today on Proverbs 31!
~ L.Nicole
thejourneythroughfaith.blogspot.com
Your devo spoke to my heart.
Thanks for sharing, always.
Mama Lu
I am with Sue L. Extremely overweight and after 30 years of marriage my husband left. I attach the labels "fat" and "divorced" to myself. I was so screwed up in my thinking that at the time my husband left I told myself I would leave me too.
Luckily over the last 5 years some very special friends have pointed me to the very thing the devo and blog talk about today. I have to label myself as "God's beloved".
My verse is Zephaniah 3:17 --For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs
At times I do not feel worthy but I am slowly coming to grips with the fact that God loves me just as much as He loved Jesus. He has an unfailing love for me.
This is the verse I go to most often:
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.-Proverbs 3:5
Thank you for your devotion, I relate on so many levels and am overcoming this with my faith in God.
Thank you for this, it came just at the right time.
So did this quote today that spoke to me in volumes
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Hi Carol, your devo at P31 really touched my heart. You included some of my favorite verses as your power verses. I recently blogged about names. If you have a chance, check it out. Thanks for sharing your heart! Debbie
http://www.debbiegiese.com/2011/09/name-calling.html
Hi Carol, your devo at P31 really touched my heart. You included some of my favorite verses as your power verses. I recently blogged about names. If you have a chance, check it out. Thanks for sharing your heart! Debbie
http://www.debbiegiese.com/2011/09/name-calling.html
My verse is Jeremiah 29:11. I know that is a lot of people's verse, but God gave that to me when I was struggling with the "what if's" in my life when my husband was having trouble with his eyes.
Often I think "I am too damaged" and feel broken and hopelessness.
Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Thanks so much for the analogy - loved it! My go to verse is Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, the the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go".
When overcome by sorrow/heartache,
think on God's great love. He knows every heartache and sees every tear. He is close by. He will comfort.
Deuteronomy 14:2
"for you are ... holy to the Lord your God.
Out of all the peoples of the face of the earth,
the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession."
This verse make me feel special, chosen, treasured!
I read these devotions everyday at P31. Thank you for sharing with us and reminding us that labels are not always what they seem.
After 34 years of marriage to my high school sweetheart, I just learned that he had been sexually abused by a priest when he was 12 years old. It certainly explains many, many behaviors I have wondered about over the years. Your blog today certainly makes me stop and reflect that any labels I had put on him over the years......only God's love can change a person who has been "labeled" and abused.
Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
You never know when one you meet has been "mislabeled" and really needs to see and experience God's love through you.
Awesome devo this morning!! I loved it so much and was so appropriate to just how I was feeling last night. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 1:6
God loves me and he has good plans for me!
you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Carol 5/10/11 "However, the damage that I have suffered has made the contents of my heart so much sweeter, so much more compassionate, so much more in pursuit of Jesus."
The words in Jeremiah have been a ray of hope in many a challenging problem. The words of Carol today have given me a ray of sunshine and appreciation just like her can of peaches did for her. I have had so many dreams. Most of the time I tell myself they were little girl dreams, now I need to pursue big girl dreams.Sometimes I still feel some hurt of disappointment, but I know underneath it all I have grown so much more depending on the Lord to provide and the saving Grace of Jesus to mend the hurts of my mistakes.
Thank you Carol for your devotional today. I am looking forward to reading you more often. Your sharing has touched me.
It's difficult when those who are closest to us, and whom you would expect to be our best supporters, are actually the ones labeling us and pigeonholing us. Those are the labels that are hardest to shake off!
I am thankful that God is working in me. I feel He is creating me anew. He is the God of second chances (and third and forth...)
Excellent devotion, Carol. I would love to have Renee's book. I am beginning a new career, a new ministry, and a new hope. I could use all the confidence I can get!
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
I have many, but I especially like: Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will Soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. :) Cindy
Recently I have been going through a time when I have felt rejected by someone very close to me. As I typed the word rejected on my mobile the predictive text said selected this had a powerful impact. Even when others reject God selects. Also reminded of Isaiah 41 9-11. "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. i said you are my servant I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thank you so much for your devotion Carol and your blog post that speaks such straight-forward truth!! Praying for each woman who read it and esp those here who have shared their hearts. Praying A Confident Heart will minister deep, healing, unfailing love into the broken, dented places of many hearts that reach out for His today because you helped them see what is hurting inside. You are such a hope-giver. Honored to call you friend!
Hugs,
Renee
I simply say "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Oh how that puts peace in my heart. He can get me through anything! I also love singing my grandmother's favorite hymn, "I've Got a Mansion". It can make my worse days seem brighter.
Well the enemy has stopped me from posting twice! I've been labeled as a divorcee once & now almost twice..my husband is disabled & abuses me mentally for the suffering he's been thru. My first husband abused me physically for 7 years & then I met my Christian husband who fell, broke his back, got addicted to meds & now when he's in pain takes his life out on me. I started to question my Christianity because I didn't see the Lord coming to my "rescue" then I knew what I have been saying for nearly all my life..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding, but in EVERYTHING acknowledge Him & HE WILL direct your paths...." Lord I need you right now more than ever...I don't know how to handle Mikes addiction anymore & no matter what he says about divorcing me..I don't want to feel as if I'm a label because I've made myself one...forgive me for not trusting You even when You carried me every day & Holy Spirit intervene this home, allow Peace to dwell even when the enemy tried to stop it...Thank you Lord & Bless this household & keep me from sinning in my hurting times of being scared & not trusting always..I Adore You..."
There has been so much ridicule, pain and unkindness directed toward me in my life. I just cannot understand how people can be so un-Christlike. There are so many verses from God's Living Word that have encouraged me..."Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." Psalm 126:5. God is faithful to honor His word. I rest in his Hope.
attacked, yet blessed. For the last 7 years, I have felt attacked by so many things. And when I feel like we are catching a break, something else happens. Right now, I am sitting in a hospital room at Children's Hospital in Atlanta with my 7 week old who had surgery this morning to look at some potential problems with her GI tract. Thankfully, they did not have to do any repairs and she is sleeping peacefully, with an occasional whimper. But I am blessed to have 2 Princesses to raise. That God gave me despite difficult pregnancies.
Your devotion about damaged goods hit home with me. For 20 years I have struggled to overcome emotional abuse from my parents and four year of sexual abuse as a young girl followed by four more of being stalked. I have worked hard in counseling to overcome the" damage" but lately have wondered if I can overcome PTSD as I still have times of feeling worthless. I want desperately to believe my God is bigger than PTSD.
Thank you; perfect timing--God knew I needed this today, as I sometimes skip over the Encouragment for Today emails. I've been "damaged" & consequently "labeled"--losing my job, being judged by physicians,co-workers & those I thought were friends. I prayed for God to help. It's lasted for 18 months & I have wanted to die--for the pain to stop. After a long ordeal, I was finally provided the correct medical treatment & am now almost back to me. GOD hears your prayers,you just have to be patient for the answer. I have felt so damaged & labeled thusly; tomorrow I have my first job interview in 3 years & with GOD's grace, I will rejoin the workforce & hopefully, prayerfully "re-label" myself.
One of the labels I have been experiencing off and on for years is depressed with low self esteem. But on verse that comes to ming is Phil. 4:13-
I can do all things trough him who gives me strength.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4
Last night at bible study, a lady talked about her loving dad that made loving God so much easier. Two ladies shared about a cold, rather reserved dad. My mouth clamped shut as I thought of the dad who left shortly after my birth and the alcoholic step-dad that always let me how lucky my mom was that he married her with a GIRL in tow. Family members gave me a nickname..clinging vine..because I longed for affection so much.
One day my Heavenly Father took the time to let me know He likes that quality in me. I do cling to Him...a lot! My motives can be questionable but He is truly all I have and He'll never leave me. I know in time He will even redeem my motivation and make me more like Him. That gives me hope.
Great post...Thanks for the encouragement ..God Bless
Karen
Psalms 3:3
But Thou, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Truly it is verse 3-6 that really surrounds me.
Thank you Carol
Julie
julie_rickard@bellsouth.net
Over the years I have had many labels. Most of them given to be by other people. A LOT of them given to me by the enemy. He knows that I am a child of God and he can't have me. But that doesn't stop him from attempting to keep me in defeat or steal my joy away. I have to give each and every day to God and I have to chose to walk with Him. I know He will never leave me nor forsake me and I rest in that promise!! He is before me, beside me and behind me. Thank you for your burden for us!!
Yes, we all have multiple labels and fortunately we are blessed to have a God who doesn't use labels. Beautiful blog with such a great message. Thanks for sharing.
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