“Mommy!”

I waken from a deep sleep and stumble to my son’s side.

Names hold power.

“Susan.”

Hurrying down the street, I hear my name, stop and turn.

Names hold power.

Names teach us how to call out to the Holy One. The Bible has over 200 names for God. They provide a deeper understanding of God. They describe His character and His authority.

Names help others identify who we are. Daughter, friend, aunt, student. Sometimes our names come with a label. Good daughter, long-distance friend, crazy aunt, average student.

Our brains latch onto labels as if they are names, as if the label is who we are. Often we allow the label to mold us and to become our truth.

“You are bad” becomes “I am bad.”

“You’re always so hardheaded” and I remember to dig my heels in.

I hear, “You are creative” and begin to surprise myself.

“You are thoughtful” and I search for ways to make it true.

Words. Names. Labels.

How are you shaping the lives around you?