TITLE: IDENTIFYING AND CHALLENGING LABELS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (NIV)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.’

Devotional

A 24 year old lady, Abosede only got to understand why she did not like looking at herself in the mirror when she visited a professional counsellor. She had been labelled ugly since she was 4 years old. 

Bosun, a 15 year old boy never believed in himself because his parents always told him he was good for nothing despite the cheers from his teachers and classmates when he achieved a great feat. 

Let us  examine what we can do to identify labels and how best to challenge them. 

1. Be mindful and aware of the labels and stereotypes in your environment. Pay attention to names used to describe you and other people. Have you heard people describing individuals or a group of people by what they think they are and not who they really are just because they are from a particular tribe or race. These are labels and stereotypes!
2. Critical thinking: Question the assumptions and biases underlying labels and stereotypes. Ask yourself whether certain labels accurately describe anyone being labelled.
3. Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of individuals who are treated based on labels and stereotypes rather than their true identity.
4. Speak out against labels and stereotypes when you encounter them. Challenge harmful language and promote understanding and empathy.
5. Lead by example by avoiding using labels or making assumptions about others based on superficial characteristics, and encourage others to do the same.

Here are a few reflective questions:

1. Have I been negatively labelled or I labelled yourself? Have I labelled anyone? Are they empowering or disempowering labels?
2. How do these labels make me feel, and how have they influenced my self-image?
3. What will I do differently to handle labels or discourage labelling wherever I am?

Let us pray

Oh Lord,  help me to build resilience against negative name calling. Help me Lord to be your worthy ambassador.

Please say these words of affirmation. Say them, mean them, own them and live them

I embrace the fullness of who I am. I celebrate my individuality. I trust in God's plan for my life and I find peace in knowing that I am enough just as I am.

Do have a peaceful day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.

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