As we sat in the hotel coffee shop preparing for a meeting, I caught myself focusing on the faux orchid in a vase. Something about the fun reflections on the vases surfaced contrasted with the not-quite-real appearance of the orchid. I wanted to believe it was real. The display’s appearance and energy (lack of) told me otherwise. I was not quite sure how I should describe it without prejudice. It was nice. However, I do not think anyone would place the orchid on the same level as the hotel and its five stars.
Labels, in themselves, are simply descriptions. It is what we do with them that matters. Far too often, I have seen and experienced the impact of labels and automatic thinking. Conclusions are reached, biases play out, and discriminations take the form of decisions without any connection to the character within. Anything is possible if someone is willing to hear the story and experience the character within it.
Labels matter. I used to laugh at my father mixing up the names of his sons. When I repeated the mistake as a father, I was horrified. I laugh now, wondering what triggered my confusion, given the fantastic uniqueness of each child. There is a repeating irony in how many things wear a god label in my life. You might think there is only one. My actions reveal that there are many, some of light, many of darkness. In contrast, Divinity is clear. “Did God ever say to an angel, ‘You’re my Son; today I celebrate you’? or, ‘I’m his Father, he’s my Son’?” (Hebrews 1.5).
Labels bring choice. I find myself making life more complicated and difficult than it already is. As I slow down, I have an opportunity to let go and focus on the heart of the matter. I find myself facing off against a God of beauty and wonder, compassion and kindness, sacrifice and restoration. I discover God’s divinity label is also an invitation to embrace what she stands for. What happens next is the reality of exercising freedom in each moment.
