A few years ago a friend of mine made me a shirt that said, "My thoughts have been replaced by Hamilton lyrics". This is so true. However, my non-Hamilton loving or knowing friends (I can't even believe there ARE those people but it's true) don't get my references so it's not as much fun. Side bar - I am FINALLY going to get to see it on April 14th! --The opening number is entitled "Alexander Hamilton" There are a lot of names given as to who Hamilton was. In the song, it asks "What's your name, man?'
Last Sunday the message was titled "Renamed". It was so good and timely. I have written about the lies that the enemy will tell us and we believe. My entire adult life (and maybe during school too) I was convinced I was a horrible student. I mean, I really went for the social aspect - shocker if you know me- so academics weren't my total focus. I don't say that out loud too often since education is my livelihood! Maybe it was more comparing myself to my best friend who was (and still is) totally scholarly. She was in the top 10, always made good grades, got into A&M... all the things. There was never a time she made me feel inferior at all. She always cheered me on with whatever I was doing. Fast forward to present day- March 23rd. I went to my sister's house and she had a package that our other sister and mom and sent us. My mother had gone through some things and thought we might want them. The first of the items was my kindergarten report cards - one for each six weeks. Each indicated I was progressing satisfactorily. I loved Peggy Harmon. She was an amazing teacher. Then on to the next item, my 1st grade report card with Mrs. Calhoun. She noted that each six weeks I excelled in writing and math and then in the spring semester reading was added to the excelled column. I think it's also good to note that I behaved myself accordingly with good conduct marks and also was never tardy that year - thanks, Mom! It's good for my people to know I was on time at some point in my life. Then, I pulled out another paper and it was from 10th grade. I had all A's and B's until the spring semester - which is when I turned 16 and had a boyfriend so I guess I didn't care as much about English II and my grades dropped to high Cs. (Sorry, Cheryl Brown). Then, I thought about college - I mean we are not going to talk about my first semester but after that it wasn't so bad. During my masters program, I only had one B. I was a little disappointed that I didn't have a 4.0 overall, but that was the class I was taking when my dad passed away so I'm ok. With all of that-- why did I tell myself I wasn't a good student? I am not believing those lies ever again. I am renaming myself a good student who excelled in writing, math and reading (thank you Mrs. Calhoun).
So many times I am guilty of allowing my circumstances to create names for me such as inadequate, not equipped, poor leader etc... I am so thankful that God has surrounded me with wise counsel who speak into this to open my eyes and show me that these are names the enemy is giving. I am tossing out all of those names and leaning into the promises our heavenly father has given. I encourage you to do the same and RENAME yourself according to the Word that says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14) among others.
In the words of Hamilton, "There's a million things I haven't done but just you wait-- just you wait.... What's your name, man?"
Have a great week! Be BLESSED, Be BRAVE, and know you are EQUIPPED!
XOXO Stacey