Your name is your reputation and your resume. Your name will be how others remember you and the God they come to know through relationship with you. Your name will be remembered long after you are gone and so will all that is associated with your name. Your name has the power and influence to be a blessing, change someone’s life and effect change within your sphere of influence.
Part two of “The Next It Girl” is about how to have swag from the inside out. Sounds strange, I know! Usually, swag is seen on the outside: what you wear, how you walk, the way you talk and how you carry yourself, which is preciously why your swag starts from the inside out. Let’s take a look at our culture for a moment.
The “next it girl” according to the standards of this world, possess some of the following: looks, demeanor and influence. Take for example, movie and sports stars. Those that are epitomized by media and idealized by humanity, tend to act and dress a certain way. Additionally, they are able to influence others to a certain degree. Their image is everything. Teeth, legs, arms, smiles, hands, fingers and so forth are getting insured for millions; their money maker is at stake and God forbid that something should happen to them, they are covered.
Media does a great job at using and abusing people for profit. Once one “it girl” fades into yesterdays, the “next it girl” is the wing waiting to take her place. Compliments of her team, the “next it girl” has an element of swag that others want to emulate: trendy, seen at the hot spots, showcases the finest accessories and rollin up in the most luxurious ride. Don’t get me wrong, rocking your swag that is unique to you is awesome! Do it, own it, rock it, live it, and whatever you do, do it from the inside out and not the outside in.
When you are looking for the “A Team” to help you with your swag, you are in great hands. First, this team will not use and abuse you, guaranteed. Second, this team will not let you down, abandon you or mislead you. Most importantly, this team has nothing but your best interest in mind; they know the plan, stick to the plan and are patient in the midst of the plan coming together. Your “A Team” is none other than the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. If you don’t believe me, then walk with me for a moment.
Throughout the Old Testament, we are told about the perfect and unconditional love of God for his people; that God knew us before we were a twinkle in the eyes of our parents, our steps are ordered, the hairs on our head are numbered and our paths are in his full view. Ephesians explains the blessings of being a Christian and Paul helps us understand exactly what love truly is.
John tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, the Word is in fact God. Then that same Word became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus Christ. Taking our shame and sin upon himself, he endured the cross and conquered death. Leaving to prepare a place for us, we are given the Holy Spirit to be with us in every facet of our life as our teacher, helper, counselor, protector, comforter and so forth.
If you are looking for swag, God has it in spades. He knows the times and the seasons, the creator of color and is the standard. He knows how all things work together, the beginning from the end. God knows what’s in the heart of man, his needs before he speaks them and sees when we sit, stand, come and go. God’s wisdom confounds the wise, he gives beauty for ashes and joy for mourning. When trials and situations come, he is there every step. He leads us to green pastures, quiet waters, through the valley of the shadow of death, valleys of weeping and to doors of hope.
God knows the philosophies of this world are based on human traditions and principles of man. He is right when he speaks and just when he judges. In wisdom and understanding, God created heaven and earth. When you are looking for power and influence, look to the one who commands the stars, by his very words, rains fall and flowers bloom; nothing moves until he speaks.
What does swag look like? It’s peace in the midst of the storm, it’s perseverance, it’s boldness and courage to stand up for what is right, it’s giving water and food to your enemy, caring for the poor and loving your neighbor as yourself. It’s showing grace, extending mercy, finding a need and filling it.
Paul tells us that our body is temporary, that it’s wasting away daily. Matthew pens the words of Jesus that we should not worry about what we will eat, drink and wear. Whatever hope and faith we put into something other than God, we will be let down.
Swag naturally flows out of your relationship with God; the deeper your relationship, the greater your swag. It’s in your relationship with God that you know who you are in Christ, your unique skills and abilities as well as your purpose. When your relationship with God is deep and abiding, it’s not teetering on the trends of this world.
You may be thinking, I’ve made too many wrong choices and am too far gone for God’s love to be for me too. That is 100% a lie to keep you from receiving all that God has for you. There are lies you’ve believed that have become so much a part of your name and nature that you don’t even realize they are a lie.
· Where is your relationship with Christ at?
· Are you putting your faith and hope in things more than you are in God?
· Are you allowing God to change your name and nature or you trying to emulate someone else?
· How are you developing the unique person that God created you to be?
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