Day 96 – Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can hurt even worse.
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 3 – 5
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be fine with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
From the time we are born, names, nicknames, hurtful names, and funny names can all be bore into our minds because of what others have called us. We may start to believe that we are what others define us as. Or we can take those names and use them as a building block God can use to strengthen us.
Jabez was named by the pain he caused his mother during childbirth. But Jabez fought this name by praying that God would bless him and keep him from any harm or pain. And God heard and answered his request.
As I was growing up I had multiple nicknames. My given name, Kristen, my family names, Kris, Krissy, Kiss, Kissy, my friends names, KP, Smiley and WT (wild thang), and then the names that were placed on me as hurtful – suckup, stuck up, not good enough, used…and all of these weighed on me more than running through burning ashes.
All I wanted was to be liked, to be loved, however, as a defense from past pains, I came across different to others. But once I was done with being hurt, once I gave God the thoughts others had of me, God used these names to make me stronger. He used these names to help others find healing, to be a protector of the broken-hearted, and to encourage others when they got knocked down.
Our bones may break, our knee may hurt, our back may ache, but the names others put on us can build layers around us that shield the person God made us to be. Let God peel off your layers and use those names as a building block to grow a stronger You! Because Sister, your bones can heal, but your soul may be hurt forever.
Running 2 Fly 