Today, August 9, is Woman’s Day in South Africa. Here’s something for all the women out there.
As women we are know by many different names. Ma, Mom, Mommy, Ouma, Granny, Sussie, Stay-at-home-mom, Career Woman, Spinster, Widow, Somebody’s wife, Somebody’s mother or Somebody’s daughter. There’s names aren’t always positive or upbuilding and we so easily allow these labels to stick. In the Bible there was a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. Her accusers were holding stones ready to stone her to death when Jesus came to her rescue. Even though she was set free she is only remembered as the woman caught in adultery. Her label stuck for more than 2000 years.
How often we allow something we did to label us for the rest of our lives. Something we’re ashamed of can hold us back from reaching our potential. Why? Because we believe the lie that it defines and limits us and we allow it to. Have you ever done something your’e not proud of? Have I? Of course the answer is yes! We have all done the wrong thing and not only once either. We have also allowed that single act to give us a label. Some labels are private and some are displayed for all to see. Sometimes we are the ones who label ourselves and them we allow that label to determine the outcome of every choice we make. Other times people label us as accept that label and start living by it.
Labels like, “you had an abortion; you’ll never amount to anything; you’re stupid; you’re just like your mother; you’re too fat; you’re ugly; stop dreaming, get a job and settle down.” Then there’s the label that most of us have worn at one or other stage, “you’re not good enough.”
Why do we accept these labels? Because we believe the lies of the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The enemy comes to attack your mind. And your mind is what is holing you back from reaching your potential. It’s not people and its not your circumstances. It’s your mind and what you allow into it that is holding you in the position you are now.
What is the solution: Very simply
- Don’t entertain any negative thoughts. Be aware of and analyze every thought. Do no invite negative thoughts in for coffee and biscuits and for goodness sake don’t let them stay overnight.
- Find positive things to think about. Find things that make you happy and think about those things. Make it a habit.
- Find your purpose and set goals. Your purpose might change as you go through different stages of your life but make sure that you have goals even if they start short term. Make a list which is easily attainable.
I have decided that I will not be labeled and I will not allow my circumstances to define me. The only label I will accept is that I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and only God will define me. Then I can face all the challenges that come my way and I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
alexfromalexblog 