Whatever the World Tells You, God Names You Beloved

“Who shall bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." - Romans 8:33-34

Sunday’s message focused on a beautiful and significant moment in Jesus’s life, where before his ministry had even begun, God loudly, publicly declared him to be “beloved.” (Luke 3:21-23) Before he did anything at all, his core identity was affirmed as good, worthy, loved. And God looks at each of us that way, too.

But every day we receive messages, we’re told lies, that can chip away at our sense of love and belonging. Poet Lucille Clifton puts it this way:

won't you celebrate with me

what i have shaped into

a kind of life? i had no model.

born in babylon

both nonwhite and woman

what did i see to be except myself?

i made it up

here on this bridge between

starshine and clay,

my one hand holding tight

my other hand; come celebrate

with me that everyday

something has tried to kill me

and has failed.

What has that struggle looked like in your life? Where you can celebrate that those voices of shaming and unnaming have failed? They tried to convince you of lies, but you know and celebrate the truth. God calls you beloved.

Below is a list of celebrations shared anonymously during Sunday’s service. As you read, perhaps you’ll feel moved to thank God for each of these truths with a simple “amen.”

I've been told I need to achieve and be perfect in order to deserve love. The truth is I am made perfectly and loved unconditionally

I’ve been told: my child can be straight. Truth: he’s an amazing person just as he is!! He is who God meant him to be!

I've been told I'm too kind - that I let others steam roll me and take advantage of me. The truth is I am compassionate and love others and do my best to see the humanity in others. 

I’ve been told that I can’t, but I can do a lot of things.

I have been told by systems that I am a bad teacher, but the care and presence I have with my students says otherwise.

"If you make a mistake you should have made better choices." Truth: No mistake is permanent

I’ve been told I am dramatic and have too many big feelings, but I am just emotionally aware and not afraid to saying how I feel. 

I have been told so many awful things. But God has brought me so far and has healed me over many years of therapy and self work. And I don’t remember those awful things. I know the truth is I love and I am loved. 

What I was told - I am a selfish irresponsible person who takes advantage of my parents and has no love in my heart. What’s true - I am a loving person towards my family and others, and I honor my boundaries. 

Was never told anything, just penalized for what I did. Like telling a child to build a house without teaching them and then condemned when I didn't do it perfectly the first try. But the opinions of others are just that, and I decide who I get to be.

Untruth: God only loves you if you are good. Truth: God loves you no matter what. 

I have been told that achievement and accomplishment is the ticket to happiness. The truth is that happiness is being truly present in the moment.

I’ve been told that I’m a troublemaker because I ask a lot of questions. (Truth: I ask such good, important questions!)

Been told: I wish you weren’t part of this family. Believe: I belong here too. 

I’ve been told I’m critical and fixated on irrelevant details. The truth is I’m autistic and fascinated with clarity

I’ve been told to be quiet, but my heart says speak up

I’ve been told that I am problematic and dramatic because I confront men when they’re being misogynistic or because I speak out against injustices and defend the oppressed. The truth is, I use my voice for good. I have a huge heart and I cry for others and care deeply to make sure others are safe. 

I’m an abomination because I’m gay, truth I’m loved by God

I’m too sensitive, because (truth) i care deeply about lots of things

I have been told that when I enter retirement that I may be too old to try something different on my journey! (The truth -  I am never too old to try something new and take the next step God has for me!)

I've been told that my faith is not legitimate. The truth is that my faith is more genuine than I've ever known and rooted in love and mercy, rather than law and order.