I Used to Be ___Sample

Loss has a way of gifting us with unwanted titles. Unemployed, barren, addict, widow, divorced, orphan, single. None of us want to be labeled, yet these titles exist. Have you talked with God about any unwanted titles you hold?

As we look at ourselves and explore what lies beneath, we may feel a sting, like we are cleaning out a wound. Take a moment to process which new unwanted title you have been granted through this tragedy. Ask yourself, “Who am I now? Who have I become?” Answering these questions can be painful. But if we never take time to examine ourselves closely, someday we may not leave the legacy we once hoped we would leave.

Gaining the title of widow, orphan, or divorced may leave us feeling alone, unknown. These unwanted titles can be difficult to accept, so give yourself permission to avoid using them if you’d like. And feel free to ask a few members of your support system to avoid using these terms if it helps. Let’s explore some of the reasons unwanted titles feel so painful.

1.We have never identified ourselves in this way, so it feels foreign.

2.These are terms that identify us based on our brokenness rather than our strengths.

3.We may have previously and unintentionally looked down on someone in one of these groups, feeling sorry for them or ascribing weakness to them.

4.We do not like to be stereotyped or placed in boxes or categories, and this new, stereotyped title is a reminder of how our identity has changed.

Do you identify with any of the reasons above? If so, give yourself space to pray, to share how you feel with a loved one, counselor, or friend.

Let's pray.

God,

Some days I can't even think about my unwanted title because it hurts me. Remind me today that I can move past this and that it's okay to want to reject my unwanted title. Thank You that You pour out Your spirit on me when I’m weak.

Amen.

Journal:

Write a few sentences about how you used to think about this unwanted title and how you feel about it now. Name a few things in your life that haven't changed and you can count on during this season.