Thank you Donny for this prayer walk in a beautiful autumn setting and about an interesting topic. Labels, titles, descriptions are those things by which man and the world measure us. We are assumed successful, and we assume success, or value and worth by appearance, titles, influence, material things, number of followers, all those things we can see, feel and experience. It is much more difficult to see what God sees in us, our heart, our soul, our true intent and purpose. I was considered a success by man when I had a business card that said Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer. I was considered a child of God from my very beginning and a faithful servant when I committed my life to Him and Jesus. The discipline of God is used often to humble me to remember that His labels are what matters. I recently withdrew from a lot of social media because the labels, approval, and likes of man became more important to me than those of God. I need to keep my eyes and my heart on what matters, how God labels me. I love the descriptive word God used when He said we are precious. What a beautiful thought. Thank you again, Donny, and continued blessings on your journey.
Nov 15, 2023·edited Nov 15, 2023Liked by Donny Mac
Growing up, I placed "false" labels on myself that made me feel unworthy filled with low self-esteem. I've shared many of those reasons to many here in the community. All those "false" labels I believe were lies from the enemy, but I made the choice to believe them. In the past, I've also placed labels on others, and when they didn't live up to those expectations or labels, I ended up getting hurt, not them.
Fast forward and growing in spiritual maturity, I don't have all the answers and still have many flaws, but God has taught me to let go of the past, stop putting those false "labels" on myself because all it did was hold me back to God's calling and His will for me. It's not easy facing up to those lies (which in my case included a lot of fears), but I had to in order to move forward. God disciplined me through this, but what it taught me was invaluable and was due to God's love for me.
Towards the end of our video, you mentioned some of the names I would say God calls each of us. Two names that really resonate with me due to my past believing I'm not worthy of His love or anyone else's are the names "Chosen" and "Child of God." I thought I would share with you Ephesians 1:3-12 (NIV) as it speaks to being unified with Christ and to these two names that God gives to each of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 1:3-12(NIV) - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment - to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we who were the first to put ur hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
Each morning, I have my morning devotions and prayer alone time with God. Those devotions mean digging into God's word to see what he wants to share with that day. I do my best in seeking God first and ask Him to reveal His will and/or calling to me for that day to be used to embrace His love for me and share that love with others. That is the label that I hope and pray that has been and will always be given to others by me being used as His vessel. He gets all the glory and praise.
Anne, so so true! Spending time at the beginning of the day and/or through the day, is so important to help in centering, who I am and whose I am. To bask in His fountain of love, or, as He says: drink from the well, taste the Living bread! Aaah to thirst no more and be satisfied at the soul level. So important. Otherwise, I jump into my day like a whirlwind and become all those labels. i.e., launderer, cook, crafter, yada yada and 'if' I don't do those things, perhaps I am lazy. It is never ending the titles I could strive for, or try to avoid. Does it come down to, the only thing that matters; am I pleasing Him. Is it true, 'whether I eat or drink or whatever I do am I doing it to His glory?
Ah, defeated slimeball tries to get in there and breathe condemnation down my back. Nope, if I stay close and in His Word those fiery darts bounce off.
How glorious! Taste and see the Lord is good. His mercies never end. His love endures forever. He wants nothing more than to be with us and hold us. We are His beloved. Wow! We are His precious, beloved children. Amazing. 🙏🏼
Amen and Amen Deborah! Thank you for sharing! Even this morning, before I read this and started my devotions, the fiery darts of Satan were firing them fast & furious, but when I calmed down and got into His word, those darts stopped! It all boils down like Donny says the labels we can place on ourselves and others, but if we remain true to God and what He says about us, that is absolutely all that matters. God bless you!
our enemy is a defeated foe and he is furious and wants to wage war and confuse, distract or weaken us. Keeping that full armour on, or as in my case, remembering to constantly check I still am wearing it.
I think labels are what we do to try to figure out who people are and the best ways to interact with them. Introvert/extrovert, leader/follower, reserved/flamboyant, pessimist/optomist, Christian/non-Christian, etc., etc. The problem with labels is that very often they don't hold true 100% of the time and people are not always necessarily the way you think they are. I have a few labels that have gotten stuck in my head about who I am, both positive and negative. I started thinking about how God sees me and whether there are any labels attached. He knows me intimately and sees all my strengths and weaknesses and loves me unconditionally. But often I think He tries to grow us out of our labels and is always teaching us how to look more and more like Jesus. It's hard to become more like Him when we stay stuck in those labels we put on ourselves or allow others to put on us. All the more reason to listen to God when His Word tells us who we are. Beautiful place to walk for this week's video and I love that you encountered an inspiring someone on the path!
When I was in high school the art teacher said I copied my work from someone else’s work. This was the first of several lies.
When I was 19 to early 20’s I was told not to trust God too much. I was going to a different church I had joined a cult. Mark wanted to be an architect and was told he would never be one. Some things people tell us we have to allow God to show us that He is our guide and He is the one who knit us together. Just because the world doubts us we need to trust God doesn’t. Mark and I both believed lies then God showed us each our own values. Msrk can listen and follow instructions better than reading them. I had to go to God and ask what my gifts are. I serve and design the beautiful tables that serve people and when someone needs something I do all I can to help that happen. I won’t let others label me and if I hear someone else labeled I study them to see if the label fits. My motives are for this from the psalm you shared.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah”
One of the pastors of my church told me I was one of the strongest women he knew. He said people were watching me. My sister tells me she doesn't know how I have the strength to get through each day. I tell her I start each day with God, by reading his word and praying. She knows I miss my husband and have to go on without him and she knows how hard that is for me. Thank God I can depend on Him and let Him guide each day as I go on without my husband.
Thank you for this Prayer Walk and the lovely spot you chose to do it in. I think the main label I have told myself and it also has come from others as well is that I am not good enough. I am coming to realise that although I may not be able to do certain things that doesn't mean I am not good enough it just means that like everyone there are things that I can do and things I cannot. However if they are things GOD has called me to do then I need to remember that HE is more than able to to get me through whatever it is He asks of me because He is the one who is more than GOOD ENOUGH. I actually wrote a poem about this last year when GW put out the August challenge. I have posted it here:
Good Enough 16/08/2022 Inspiration came during time of prayer.
I am happy to hear your perspective on yourself is changing. You are more than "good enough". God allowed Jesus to be sacrificed for YOU. If that doesn't show your value, I don't know what would.
You are such a capable person and gifted at many things one of which is being a friend and encourager. When God looks at you He sees Jesus living in you and that will always be "good enough".
Nov 15, 2023·edited Nov 15, 2023Liked by Donny Mac
I mentioned on other walks the phrase that my therapist often tells me "you are not what people or circumstances say you are, you are who God says you are".
It has been a struggle with myself and before God, in prayer, as I tend to accept some labels, especially those that circumstances insist on bringing.
Since these situations are almost always full of signs that are not clear and this ends up being a trigger to take me to those internal places that have not yet been healed.
Normally, I face life's dilemmas with strength and hope, but these repetitive events that "insist on appearing" have been obstacles in my journey.
I know that God allows this to happen repeatedly to treat the wounds, I also know that healing can come in different ways, sometimes instantly, but also in stages, little by little... I feel like I am going through this process a little “slower” ”, but full of divine compassion, and this is perfect, as it is free from the contamination of sin and perfectly balanced.
Thinking about your question, what makes you believe in these labels? These are the evils of the soul and everything that the “fall” brought to human existence.
I like this passage, Hebrews 4:14-16, especially the verse that says: “we have a great priest who was tempted in the same way as we are, but he did not sin. Therefore, let us have confidence and draw near to the divine throne, where the grace of God is.”
Oh this place is so beautiful and you captured amazing images, I absolutely love the autumn leaves lying on the ground.
There is a secular song by a Brazilian singer that says “The leaves on the ground that one day the wind will carry away, my eyes will only see that everything can change”.
Sorry to quote a song that is not Christian... But this verse seems so appropriate to the message that this walk brought me.
I think the way I wrote it wasn't clear, I'm sorry. As you know, English is not my language.
But, if you can, read the paragraph again where I say that I believe I am being healed but at a slower pace. If you identify errors in the writing, please correct me.
Your heart is in the right place and it is glorious you are being healed. God knows your heart and hears your heart, He knows exactly what you need regardless of your ability to put it in English. May you just see and KNOW how loved you are and continually taste His goodness.
Thank you, Débora, for your kind words full of brotherly love!💛
I am absolutely certain that I am being healed and that I am loved by God and that He cares for and protects me like the apple of His eye! Paraphrasing Psalms 17:8
P.S. your comment was the first message I read today and it was so encouraging, thank you!🙏🙂
You are cared for and protected like the apple of His eye. 💞
Go forth blessed sister, and continually receive His healing.
What fills your soul?
For me, it's walking in the forest or along the beach. It is a wondrous thing to have His love pour over and it feels like how it was created to be; communing with Him, sensing His love in the Garden of Eden. The stuff and cares of our entangled sinful world fall away.
I encourage you to find what fills your soul. Where you sense Him to be oh so close, and be there.
Sometimes, it may even just be a glance of something beautiful, a fleeting moment or an extended period. Nonetheless, every drop of time is precious and feels lime forever. 🙌🏻❤️
“I am a child of God” that was my first thought as you mentioned labels/identity!!!
There was a time that wouldn’t have been my first thought.
Growing up nothing was ever good enough with my Dad. I can’t remember a single positive, encouraging word he said to me, he would always find what was wrong and point that out. Unfortunately he is still that way; so I have limited contact with Him. So growing up that’s what I heard “I wasn’t good enough”
But as I’ve grown in Christ; He has given me the tools and strength to fight those labels in my head, cause I am good enough! Recently He has been giving me a new label “Courageous” because as He reminds me “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!” I still struggle with the thoughts but God has given me His Truth to fight that battle!!
It seems like the battle has intensified lately which I believe is because it’s close to the holidays and that is family time and many will be absent because of labels/judgments.
I've been labeled a number of things in my life, often the worst labels put on me by myself. Lately I've found that labels of any kind just get in the way of my ability to grow as a person, and to accept myselfgr and others. I ask God's help to be present to those whom I interact with in a way that is non-judgmental and opens my heart. I 'm stil workingft through some old painful images of myself that come up when I allow myself to become overly tired, stressed, or don't make sure I'm eating properly.
Control is still, and always has been, an issue for me. Probably because I've felt fearful since I was a little girl. This just became worse as I encountered incidents that were truly horrifying such as my husband being shot and left for dead, then needing to take on a different identity since those who shot him were still at large. That was a perilous time for me, too. I began to accept
the victim label that some of my friends and family wanted to saddle me with. It was so tempting to just give in and become the victim part of me I'd been fighting. I knew if that happened, my attempts to grow would be thwarted, perhaps never to return again. People around us were praying for us, but I could feel nothing. The label I heard was Frozen.
Over time my feelings have moved out of the deep freeze, with the help of others who are truly loving, compassionate, and wise. This thawing hasn't been easy for me. As each new layer of ice melted away, I struggled to maintain some kind of balance. Nature helped me, the courageous example of my husband helped me, and now the community that is THC is helping me. The spiritual part of me is much deeper and my faith in God and Jesus is returning. Thank you THC members. Thank you Donny. Thank you Jesus for always being there behind the walls and labels I put up. 🙏
Yes it is. There's much more. I didn't want to fall into the victim label trap. Thank you for acknowledging my journey. It's taken a lot to be where I am today. I know now that this has only been possible through the help of the triune God. I am grateful , 🙏
Pam, yes you have endured such an awful tragedy and trial. My prayer is all the labels the enemy whispers, or yells, fall off in the name of Jesus. I bind the lies and loose the truth of who you are, in Jesus upon your life.
May you go forth in victory as you are changed from glory to glory. You are His. ❤️🙏🏼🙌🏻
You are loved.
You are precious.
May you see His glorious purpose from your trials.
Yes, I am really different, I don’t think about labels. I am who I am. I am happy to be me. I have an always been this way, but I definitely have been the last five years and it feels so good! My life started completely over when I was 70. Most people don’t think that a 70 year old person can start over, but it’s very doable, and I am proof of that. I had to work through a toxic relationship of 10 years and I did the audiobook mathamagical And I got rid of all of that other stuff. Blessings to all.
When I was in first grade my mom and dad found out that I was deaf in my right ear. The illness that I had at 6 months old led to my hearing loss. My school told my mom that they wanted me to see a psychologist. Mom took me to the psychologist the man after testing me wanted to meet with my parents and my teacher. So they all meet at my house in the living room. Needless to say they did not know I was in the hallway listening. The psychologist told my parents and my teacher that I was unable to learn, I needed to be in a home for the deaf and I was unable to learn anything. That labeling from that psychologist turned my life upside down. It lead to learning issues and very low self esteem. I even put labels on myself that I was not good enough or smart enough. I was labeled to be classmates and being bullied by them. My mom was and is my hero. Shes my strength my friend and my defender and believe it or not a good discipliner( and I mean that) don’t get me wrong in that comment. When we needed it she gave it. But she has always supported me in everything. She told me to take my anger and put it towards good. So that’s what I’d did. Though through the years I have become CNA(Certified Nurses Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant.) I did go to school for Massage Therapy though that was not what God wanted for me. I’ve been married and it’s hard to believe but thirty years have a wonderful husband two beautiful children and a granddaughter I adore. I have to be honest I fight with my insecurities on a daily basis. I pray everyday to God for guidance and strength. I know in my heart my past is just that in the past and I’ve proved those who said I couldn’t do things wrong a thousand times. But when you’re still trying to love yourself it’s so very hard. I know God has me and I believe in him with all my heart and soul. I’m going to concur my insecurities with Gods help. I know that I am worthy and worth so much more. Thank you Danny for this prayer walk on this particular subject you picked to talk about. Have a blessed day.
Thank you Donny for this prayer walk in a beautiful autumn setting and about an interesting topic. Labels, titles, descriptions are those things by which man and the world measure us. We are assumed successful, and we assume success, or value and worth by appearance, titles, influence, material things, number of followers, all those things we can see, feel and experience. It is much more difficult to see what God sees in us, our heart, our soul, our true intent and purpose. I was considered a success by man when I had a business card that said Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer. I was considered a child of God from my very beginning and a faithful servant when I committed my life to Him and Jesus. The discipline of God is used often to humble me to remember that His labels are what matters. I recently withdrew from a lot of social media because the labels, approval, and likes of man became more important to me than those of God. I need to keep my eyes and my heart on what matters, how God labels me. I love the descriptive word God used when He said we are precious. What a beautiful thought. Thank you again, Donny, and continued blessings on your journey.
beautiful. thank you for sharing
Thank you Donny. 🙏. Have a good week.
Growing up, I placed "false" labels on myself that made me feel unworthy filled with low self-esteem. I've shared many of those reasons to many here in the community. All those "false" labels I believe were lies from the enemy, but I made the choice to believe them. In the past, I've also placed labels on others, and when they didn't live up to those expectations or labels, I ended up getting hurt, not them.
Fast forward and growing in spiritual maturity, I don't have all the answers and still have many flaws, but God has taught me to let go of the past, stop putting those false "labels" on myself because all it did was hold me back to God's calling and His will for me. It's not easy facing up to those lies (which in my case included a lot of fears), but I had to in order to move forward. God disciplined me through this, but what it taught me was invaluable and was due to God's love for me.
Towards the end of our video, you mentioned some of the names I would say God calls each of us. Two names that really resonate with me due to my past believing I'm not worthy of His love or anyone else's are the names "Chosen" and "Child of God." I thought I would share with you Ephesians 1:3-12 (NIV) as it speaks to being unified with Christ and to these two names that God gives to each of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 1:3-12(NIV) - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment - to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we who were the first to put ur hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."
Each morning, I have my morning devotions and prayer alone time with God. Those devotions mean digging into God's word to see what he wants to share with that day. I do my best in seeking God first and ask Him to reveal His will and/or calling to me for that day to be used to embrace His love for me and share that love with others. That is the label that I hope and pray that has been and will always be given to others by me being used as His vessel. He gets all the glory and praise.
Wonderful scripture, thank you for sharing. I like " who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Amen to that! And so true!
Anne, so so true! Spending time at the beginning of the day and/or through the day, is so important to help in centering, who I am and whose I am. To bask in His fountain of love, or, as He says: drink from the well, taste the Living bread! Aaah to thirst no more and be satisfied at the soul level. So important. Otherwise, I jump into my day like a whirlwind and become all those labels. i.e., launderer, cook, crafter, yada yada and 'if' I don't do those things, perhaps I am lazy. It is never ending the titles I could strive for, or try to avoid. Does it come down to, the only thing that matters; am I pleasing Him. Is it true, 'whether I eat or drink or whatever I do am I doing it to His glory?
Ah, defeated slimeball tries to get in there and breathe condemnation down my back. Nope, if I stay close and in His Word those fiery darts bounce off.
How glorious! Taste and see the Lord is good. His mercies never end. His love endures forever. He wants nothing more than to be with us and hold us. We are His beloved. Wow! We are His precious, beloved children. Amazing. 🙏🏼
Hugs.
Amen and Amen Deborah! Thank you for sharing! Even this morning, before I read this and started my devotions, the fiery darts of Satan were firing them fast & furious, but when I calmed down and got into His word, those darts stopped! It all boils down like Donny says the labels we can place on ourselves and others, but if we remain true to God and what He says about us, that is absolutely all that matters. God bless you!
Amen
our enemy is a defeated foe and he is furious and wants to wage war and confuse, distract or weaken us. Keeping that full armour on, or as in my case, remembering to constantly check I still am wearing it.
Go forth in victory, precious sister. 🙌🏻🙏🏼✝️
I think labels are what we do to try to figure out who people are and the best ways to interact with them. Introvert/extrovert, leader/follower, reserved/flamboyant, pessimist/optomist, Christian/non-Christian, etc., etc. The problem with labels is that very often they don't hold true 100% of the time and people are not always necessarily the way you think they are. I have a few labels that have gotten stuck in my head about who I am, both positive and negative. I started thinking about how God sees me and whether there are any labels attached. He knows me intimately and sees all my strengths and weaknesses and loves me unconditionally. But often I think He tries to grow us out of our labels and is always teaching us how to look more and more like Jesus. It's hard to become more like Him when we stay stuck in those labels we put on ourselves or allow others to put on us. All the more reason to listen to God when His Word tells us who we are. Beautiful place to walk for this week's video and I love that you encountered an inspiring someone on the path!
You're right. It's hard to become more like Him when we stay stuck in those labels
When I was in high school the art teacher said I copied my work from someone else’s work. This was the first of several lies.
When I was 19 to early 20’s I was told not to trust God too much. I was going to a different church I had joined a cult. Mark wanted to be an architect and was told he would never be one. Some things people tell us we have to allow God to show us that He is our guide and He is the one who knit us together. Just because the world doubts us we need to trust God doesn’t. Mark and I both believed lies then God showed us each our own values. Msrk can listen and follow instructions better than reading them. I had to go to God and ask what my gifts are. I serve and design the beautiful tables that serve people and when someone needs something I do all I can to help that happen. I won’t let others label me and if I hear someone else labeled I study them to see if the label fits. My motives are for this from the psalm you shared.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah”
Psalms 24:10 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.24.10
Going to God and asking what your gifts are is wise because He's the one who gave them to you.
Too bad I’m a bit late to start but I’m excited to start even at 69.
One of the pastors of my church told me I was one of the strongest women he knew. He said people were watching me. My sister tells me she doesn't know how I have the strength to get through each day. I tell her I start each day with God, by reading his word and praying. She knows I miss my husband and have to go on without him and she knows how hard that is for me. Thank God I can depend on Him and let Him guide each day as I go on without my husband.
A fantastic testimony to your sister and others.
Thank you for this Prayer Walk and the lovely spot you chose to do it in. I think the main label I have told myself and it also has come from others as well is that I am not good enough. I am coming to realise that although I may not be able to do certain things that doesn't mean I am not good enough it just means that like everyone there are things that I can do and things I cannot. However if they are things GOD has called me to do then I need to remember that HE is more than able to to get me through whatever it is He asks of me because He is the one who is more than GOOD ENOUGH. I actually wrote a poem about this last year when GW put out the August challenge. I have posted it here:
Good Enough 16/08/2022 Inspiration came during time of prayer.
Challenge accepted
To do some writing
And step out of my comfort zone
Then they came
From the corridors of time
Words that say
You can’t do this
You are not good enough
So many times, these words have echoed
A response to something that was said.
Words that have hindered growth over years
BUT!!!!
Time to put those words to rest
Time to move out of the comfort zone
Time to step up and do something different
Time to write no matter how it seems
Time to believe ”You are good enough”
THAT TIME IS NOW
I am happy to hear your perspective on yourself is changing. You are more than "good enough". God allowed Jesus to be sacrificed for YOU. If that doesn't show your value, I don't know what would.
You are such a capable person and gifted at many things one of which is being a friend and encourager. When God looks at you He sees Jesus living in you and that will always be "good enough".
I mentioned on other walks the phrase that my therapist often tells me "you are not what people or circumstances say you are, you are who God says you are".
It has been a struggle with myself and before God, in prayer, as I tend to accept some labels, especially those that circumstances insist on bringing.
Since these situations are almost always full of signs that are not clear and this ends up being a trigger to take me to those internal places that have not yet been healed.
Normally, I face life's dilemmas with strength and hope, but these repetitive events that "insist on appearing" have been obstacles in my journey.
I know that God allows this to happen repeatedly to treat the wounds, I also know that healing can come in different ways, sometimes instantly, but also in stages, little by little... I feel like I am going through this process a little “slower” ”, but full of divine compassion, and this is perfect, as it is free from the contamination of sin and perfectly balanced.
Thinking about your question, what makes you believe in these labels? These are the evils of the soul and everything that the “fall” brought to human existence.
I like this passage, Hebrews 4:14-16, especially the verse that says: “we have a great priest who was tempted in the same way as we are, but he did not sin. Therefore, let us have confidence and draw near to the divine throne, where the grace of God is.”
Oh this place is so beautiful and you captured amazing images, I absolutely love the autumn leaves lying on the ground.
There is a secular song by a Brazilian singer that says “The leaves on the ground that one day the wind will carry away, my eyes will only see that everything can change”.
Sorry to quote a song that is not Christian... But this verse seems so appropriate to the message that this walk brought me.
Thank you for this inspiring walk, God bless you!
Thank you for sharing Angela. What do you think is keeping those internal places from being healed?
I think the way I wrote it wasn't clear, I'm sorry. As you know, English is not my language.
But, if you can, read the paragraph again where I say that I believe I am being healed but at a slower pace. If you identify errors in the writing, please correct me.
Angela, you are beautiful.
Your heart is in the right place and it is glorious you are being healed. God knows your heart and hears your heart, He knows exactly what you need regardless of your ability to put it in English. May you just see and KNOW how loved you are and continually taste His goodness.
Thank you, Débora, for your kind words full of brotherly love!💛
I am absolutely certain that I am being healed and that I am loved by God and that He cares for and protects me like the apple of His eye! Paraphrasing Psalms 17:8
P.S. your comment was the first message I read today and it was so encouraging, thank you!🙏🙂
You are cared for and protected like the apple of His eye. 💞
Go forth blessed sister, and continually receive His healing.
What fills your soul?
For me, it's walking in the forest or along the beach. It is a wondrous thing to have His love pour over and it feels like how it was created to be; communing with Him, sensing His love in the Garden of Eden. The stuff and cares of our entangled sinful world fall away.
I encourage you to find what fills your soul. Where you sense Him to be oh so close, and be there.
Sometimes, it may even just be a glance of something beautiful, a fleeting moment or an extended period. Nonetheless, every drop of time is precious and feels lime forever. 🙌🏻❤️
“I am a child of God” that was my first thought as you mentioned labels/identity!!!
There was a time that wouldn’t have been my first thought.
Growing up nothing was ever good enough with my Dad. I can’t remember a single positive, encouraging word he said to me, he would always find what was wrong and point that out. Unfortunately he is still that way; so I have limited contact with Him. So growing up that’s what I heard “I wasn’t good enough”
But as I’ve grown in Christ; He has given me the tools and strength to fight those labels in my head, cause I am good enough! Recently He has been giving me a new label “Courageous” because as He reminds me “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!” I still struggle with the thoughts but God has given me His Truth to fight that battle!!
It seems like the battle has intensified lately which I believe is because it’s close to the holidays and that is family time and many will be absent because of labels/judgments.
Perfect timing for the subject!!
Thank you for sharing Laura.I'm sorry that your relationship with your dad wasn't uplifting. I am glad to hear you have found the truth in Christ.
Amen! That was the phrase that came to mind as I listened to Donny's prayer walk. I am a child of God! ... and we are not slaves to fear.
I've been labeled a number of things in my life, often the worst labels put on me by myself. Lately I've found that labels of any kind just get in the way of my ability to grow as a person, and to accept myselfgr and others. I ask God's help to be present to those whom I interact with in a way that is non-judgmental and opens my heart. I 'm stil workingft through some old painful images of myself that come up when I allow myself to become overly tired, stressed, or don't make sure I'm eating properly.
Control is still, and always has been, an issue for me. Probably because I've felt fearful since I was a little girl. This just became worse as I encountered incidents that were truly horrifying such as my husband being shot and left for dead, then needing to take on a different identity since those who shot him were still at large. That was a perilous time for me, too. I began to accept
the victim label that some of my friends and family wanted to saddle me with. It was so tempting to just give in and become the victim part of me I'd been fighting. I knew if that happened, my attempts to grow would be thwarted, perhaps never to return again. People around us were praying for us, but I could feel nothing. The label I heard was Frozen.
Over time my feelings have moved out of the deep freeze, with the help of others who are truly loving, compassionate, and wise. This thawing hasn't been easy for me. As each new layer of ice melted away, I struggled to maintain some kind of balance. Nature helped me, the courageous example of my husband helped me, and now the community that is THC is helping me. The spiritual part of me is much deeper and my faith in God and Jesus is returning. Thank you THC members. Thank you Donny. Thank you Jesus for always being there behind the walls and labels I put up. 🙏
That's quite the journey you've been on. Thank you Jesus.
Yes it is. There's much more. I didn't want to fall into the victim label trap. Thank you for acknowledging my journey. It's taken a lot to be where I am today. I know now that this has only been possible through the help of the triune God. I am grateful , 🙏
Pam, yes you have endured such an awful tragedy and trial. My prayer is all the labels the enemy whispers, or yells, fall off in the name of Jesus. I bind the lies and loose the truth of who you are, in Jesus upon your life.
May you go forth in victory as you are changed from glory to glory. You are His. ❤️🙏🏼🙌🏻
You are loved.
You are precious.
May you see His glorious purpose from your trials.
Hugs. 🙏🏼
Amen!
Yes, I am really different, I don’t think about labels. I am who I am. I am happy to be me. I have an always been this way, but I definitely have been the last five years and it feels so good! My life started completely over when I was 70. Most people don’t think that a 70 year old person can start over, but it’s very doable, and I am proof of that. I had to work through a toxic relationship of 10 years and I did the audiobook mathamagical And I got rid of all of that other stuff. Blessings to all.
Amazing and encouraging! Thank you for sharing
The first word is supposed to say Guess instead of yes. I don’t know how to edit this. Could someone explain to me how to edit? Thank you very much.
to edit your own text click the "..." on the right side of your comment?
Sorry friend, that just says to hide comment, share link, or Delete a comment. But thanks for trying Donny Mac. 😊😍🫂
When I was in first grade my mom and dad found out that I was deaf in my right ear. The illness that I had at 6 months old led to my hearing loss. My school told my mom that they wanted me to see a psychologist. Mom took me to the psychologist the man after testing me wanted to meet with my parents and my teacher. So they all meet at my house in the living room. Needless to say they did not know I was in the hallway listening. The psychologist told my parents and my teacher that I was unable to learn, I needed to be in a home for the deaf and I was unable to learn anything. That labeling from that psychologist turned my life upside down. It lead to learning issues and very low self esteem. I even put labels on myself that I was not good enough or smart enough. I was labeled to be classmates and being bullied by them. My mom was and is my hero. Shes my strength my friend and my defender and believe it or not a good discipliner( and I mean that) don’t get me wrong in that comment. When we needed it she gave it. But she has always supported me in everything. She told me to take my anger and put it towards good. So that’s what I’d did. Though through the years I have become CNA(Certified Nurses Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant.) I did go to school for Massage Therapy though that was not what God wanted for me. I’ve been married and it’s hard to believe but thirty years have a wonderful husband two beautiful children and a granddaughter I adore. I have to be honest I fight with my insecurities on a daily basis. I pray everyday to God for guidance and strength. I know in my heart my past is just that in the past and I’ve proved those who said I couldn’t do things wrong a thousand times. But when you’re still trying to love yourself it’s so very hard. I know God has me and I believe in him with all my heart and soul. I’m going to concur my insecurities with Gods help. I know that I am worthy and worth so much more. Thank you Danny for this prayer walk on this particular subject you picked to talk about. Have a blessed day.