The Labels I Carried and The Truth I Found

“Really, Ali? Another mistake? Do you even pay attention? Are you dumb, or slow? Or is it something else?”

“Seriously, that’s what you’re wearing today? Isn’t that a little tight around the middle since the baby? Maybe something a little less form-fitting?”

“You’re slowing the group down. You’re so high-maintenance. When we go out, we have to accommodate all your physical needs, and you’re always in pain.”

These were the constant thoughts that berated me—the labels that had been assigned to me. I didn’t realize how detrimental they were until I started therapy and began to identify them and fight back against them.

And then, I started to remember the labels that Jesus gave His life to assign to me.

He chose me. That means I am a chosen child of God, full of value. That makes me beautiful in His eyes.

I am free from the yoke of slavery. I am also free from the prison of my own mental abuse—and from the constant lies the enemy tries to feed me.

I am forgiven for my many flaws. Jesus paid that debt for me on the cross. And I am forgiven for the damage I have done to myself.

Even in sickness, I am still a wonder. I am still fearfully and wonderfully made.

The mental battle is still very real, and it may continue on this side of eternity. But the more I focus on the truth—the labels given to me by my holy Savior—the more I will remember who I am.

And maybe, in time, you will too.