I have an amazing friend who’s battled cancer for 6 years! Even when all her tumors shrunk in size and most disappeared, she was still labeled “Stage 4.” One time I got my nerve up and asked her, “Don’t they ever down-grade you?” She looked at me through these very wise-from-all-she’s-been-through eyes, and said, “Now, Anna, do we really need some doctor to tell me I’m being healed? God does not need man’s labels.” Wow, what faith and what an attitude! I saw something that day that I wanted – a living beyond this world.
As I’ve mentioned before our son has dealt with addiction issues. As parents, David and I knew our child needed help beyond our ability and so we sought professional intervention. With that, came labels and diagnosis and terms like “forever” and “always.” Those are hard words to hear about your teenager. We believed our job was to love, carefully nurture and protect our kids. What was happening? Where had we gone wrong?
I decided I didn’t like labels. Then I remembered, I’m a sinner saved by grace. I like that label. I’m called, chosen, accepted, loved-dearly, blessed… and I really like those too. I think my problem comes from words that sound hopeless. But wasn’t this what my friend had taught me? Man’s labels can’t stand up to God’s! His are always full of hope.
Our son has learned that negative behaviors cause him trouble, but good decisions bring him life. He uses the addict label as a guide for his good. God has healed him in so many ways. Will he forever be cautiously aware of potential weaknesses and take measures to stay accountable? Yes, I think so. And so should I. I have weaknesses and situations I also need to avoid.
I am so proud of our young man’s hard work and his 910 days sober! I praise God daily for all that He’s done. I’m not worrying about the future. I’ve learned it’s what I do with today that matters. Today I’ll be thankful, I’ll celebrate and I’ll choose God’s label “MINE.”
ForGlorySake! -Anna
