«Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it» (Revelation 2:17, NLT).
Yesterday, a friend sent me a poem she had written about the words we use to define ourselves. They’re labels and tags we have been carrying around since childhood. Words our parents or classmates used to describe us, and they stick to our hearts like velcro. If you take a few seconds to think, I’m sure you will know exactly what the word you have been carrying around is. The word Carrie O’Toole had hanging from her neck was «stupid.»
Carrie O’Toole is an American counselor and author. When I interviewed her for Adventist Radio London, she told me that during a spiritual retreat the presenter asked those attending to spend time alone with God to receive a new word. He gave each person a stone that was painted white, so they could write what they heard. Carrie was worried; she was not used to these kinds of exercises and was afraid she might be the only one who wouldn’t hear God say anything. However, she sat in nature, as the presenter had suggested, and asked God which word best defined her. She was surprised when God told her: «Bright.» That word not only depicts intelligence, but also the light that reflects on someone. Carrie wrote the word on the stone and it on her home office desk. Now, God reminds her who she truly is every day.
What are the labels, tags or words you have been carrying around your entire life? The Bible says that knowing the truth will make us free (see John 8:32). If you draw near to Jesus and ask Him, He will tell you who you are. With His own hands He will take off the velcros and thorns, heal your wounds and give you a new name.
Dear Lord, You know who I really am. I draw near to You With all my past labels and tags. I am your daughter. It is Your privilege as a Father to give me a new name.