The Labels We Wear

Imagine you are wearing a jacket with Velcro patches. (I promise you, these are luxury pieces and the patches don’t look cheap, ha ha ha.) You can choose the color and style of the jacket. I am thinking of a perfectly tailored, black blazer for myself. I know it sounds basic, but it’s a staple!

Each Velcro patch has specific words and/or phrases of your choosing, written in bold print. There is a catch though. The only words and/or phrases you can select are the negative things you say and believe about yourself. What would be written on your patches?

Would any of the phrases above be on your patches? Reflecting on these phrases makes me want to throw this imaginary jacket in the trash, pronto. The truth is, while said jacket may be stuffed at the bottom of a trash can, the impact of every word still lingers if not addressed. We are still “wearing” those words, whether we “see” them or not. 

You may be wondering why I started with such a heavy exercise. Let me explain. I have been intentionally asking God to reveal the lies I have believed about myself over the past few months. This has been an eye-opening experience, to say the least.

Here’s the thing: there is a daily attack on our identity and how we view ourselves. It is one thing to recognize areas where we have room for improvement – that’s self-awareness. However, these lies and negative words often find themselves connected to our very identity. 

On the journey of debunking the lies we believe, there are some questions we can and SHOULD ask the Lord. Where and when did these lies enter my life? Was it due to something that was said about me? Was it in response to disappointment or trauma? Did I compare myself to someone else and make unmerited conclusions?

There is a plethora of ways these lies creep into our psyche and become labels we wear quietly, or sometimes loudly. I highly encourage you to take some time and ask God these questions. Create a space where you can listen to His responses and speak to your heart. I know I have mentioned this briefly in previous posts but I believe it bears repeating. 

Now back to the conversation about identity. Books can be written about this topic but for today’s discussion, I will keep it short and sweet. (I did add a phenomenal book you can read on this topic below under “Additional Resources." It’s geared towards women primarily (sorry guys!)  The thing is this, our TRUE identity is directly correlated to who GOD says we are. Not the culture. Not our ex. Not our family. Fill in the blank.

The thing about finding identity in people’s perception of us is that people are fickle. They like you one day and the next they don’t. Besides, wouldn’t you want to know what the manufacturer had in mind when He created you?

There are a substantial number of scriptures that speak to our identity. I will share a few below, however, I want you to find more on your own. When you find them, ask yourself, do I believe this? If you don’t believe it, ask God to help you to believe. 

I have heard people suggest writing down the scriptures and speaking them over yourself while looking in the mirror. This may sound like work but it is a worthwhile endeavor. Confronting the lies we have believed about ourselves and walking in the truth will transform your life! As you go on this journey, feel free to share what you find in the comments!

So, remember the jacket from earlier? The good news is that these patches can be switched out. That’s the beauty of Velcro! After pondering what God says about you, what would those patches say now?

I would definitely wear this jacket with pride! I recognize this is a simplistic example, but my hope is you would realize that the false labels you have attached to yourself can be replaced with the truth of who God says you are! 

Scriptures about Identity

You were made in His image | Genesis 1:27

You are seen by God | Isaiah 43:1b

You are loved by God | Romans 8:35-39

You are blessed | Ephesians 1:3

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that my identity is found in You. Reveal to me who I am. Reveal to me every lie I have believed about myself and where it steams from. Heal me from the pain caused from believing lies about myself. Reveal the truth of who I am through Your Word. Give me the ability to believe completely who You say I am. Give me Your eyes to see myself as You see me. Thank you for your amazing love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi

Additional Resources: “Wear the Crown” by Melody Joy Davis: “Wear the Crown” is a beautifully written book that successfully tackles the well-known bumps in the road to a proper identity. It is available here on Amazon!