Ah…the little conveniences of life for organized folks! You can now get a free Sharpie pen inside every pack of Solo cups. Being a relatively controlling person with Attention Deficit Disorder, my husband is thrilled by this. Everyone gets one cup, writes their name on it and there is organization in the midst of potential chaos and misplaced cups. And its permanent ink… those Sharpies! It’s all very orderly.

Many of us are very orderly. At least on the outside we keep up an orderly appearance. Emotionally and in our minds we have words to describe ourselves that might as well be written with a Sharpie marker. Words like, “Stupid,” or “Worthless,” or “Unforgiveable.” Where do these words come from? They come from our childhood. They come from insensitive people that have said damaging things to us. Unkind words that have been showered on us that are seemingly permanent that have marked us as, “Incompetent,” and, “Unlovable,”

So how permanent are Sharpie markers? They are not permanent. I have removed Sharpie ink with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. And guess what? The good news is God can remove perceived permanent labels you have imposed over your life. Just ask him to fill you with his confidence and pour favor over your life. He longingly waits to heal you of past hurts and prepare you for his perfect will! You are not, “marked,” you are, “made,” in God’s perfect image for his purpose.

So write your name with a Sharpie on a Solo cup. Then lift your glass to God’s grace that you are free to live, love and laugh with a life of purpose filled with the joy of Christ!