Explain to children that each person has unique gifts
"We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
- Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
The school bells are ringing, the doors are open and the students are rushing in. The halls are crowded with pupils wearing jeans with the popular labels. The sound of gym shoes squeak across the floors, bringing attention to the name brand written on the leather.
Our society has become overwhelmed by labels. Besides the labels on gym shoes, jeans, and other items, some of our children are wearing the labels of life.
Some of life's labels are harsh, designed to designate them as "stupid" or "least likely to succeed." Oftentimes, these labels can brand them for life.
Some labels may have been placed on them by life circumstances. Others come from classmates or are due to their own lack of self-esteem. Either way, labels can cause discouragement.
Helping our kids identify that they are wearing labels is the first line of defense in removing them. Building up their worth and value by pointing out their strengths can help place confidence on their hearts.
Explaining to our children that each of them was made by God for a specific purpose can help reinforce their emotional and spiritual well-being. Sending them off to school each day with a message on their tags that says, ".… wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) is another positive reinforcement.
Doing all we can to foster an understanding in our children that they are important is our responsibility. Instilling God's plan into their minds can help change their thoughts and feelings about any wrong labels that have attached themselves to their lives.
By giving our children truth, time, and tenderness, we can set them on the path to success.
• Annettee Budzban is a local author, inspirational speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be speaking at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach. She is available for speaking to church and civic events. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.