When we were children and someone called us a hurtful name, we sang "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." The intent was to diminish the power those words and that person might have had over us. But it was just a way for us to cover up the very real hurt those words caused.
The truth is that words are powerful, and the hurtful names people call us are damaging. And those labels can follow us for years, influencing and affecting our confidence, self-esteem, and ability to interact with others in healthy ways. Maybe the kids teased you on the playground because you were taller, shorter, larger, or smaller than the other kids. Maybe a teacher told you that you would never be any good at reading. Maybe a significant other has told you that you would always be a loser without them.
In Matthew West's song "Hello My Name Is," he reminds us of who God says we are. And that's the only label that matters!
