Logos and Jingles

logo – a name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition, especially one borne on a single printing plate or piece of type
jingle – a catchy, often musical advertising slogan
http://www.thefreedictionary.com

These two things have become such a part of our culture that for many of us, seeing the one and hearing the other (or a combination of seeing and hearing) puts a definite product or company in our minds. When I see a capital T in a star, I immediately think of the song, “You can trust your car to the man who wears a star…” and picture the gas station this represents. OK, I know I’m showing my age, but there it is. I am amazed to see even very small children recognize the golden arches, and want to stop for French fries.

Today I was thinking what my logo and/or jingle would be – following weight loss surgery. For some people, there are very definite signs that they have had weight loss surgery – besides the weight they have lost. Some people have belly overhang (typically called an “apron”); some people have a great deal of loose skin in the face and neck area; some people lose their hair, or have severe deficiencies that cause it to look and feel like straw; and some people get skin all over that looks like crepe paper. I am more than blessed in these areas: there is a little belly overhang, but nothing drastic, despite my fears there would be; my face looks younger than it ever has, I think; because of the surgery that I chose, my hair has not had any issues; and while some of my skin looks “crepe-y,” it is not too severe, as of yet, anyway. In fact, if I met someone new who did not know my history, it is doubtful he or she would ever think to ask if I have had WLS.

Having the surgery was a dramatic turning point for me, but as I reflect on all of this, I realize that the surgery does not DEFINE who I am. I am many things to many people: wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, choir member, vanpool rider and alternative driver, and the list goes on and on. I have many talents. I have many aspects to my character, which change frequently. None of the things that I AM is dependent on this surgery.

Someone once asked me what I wanted on my tombstone when I die. It was not difficult for me to come up with an answer for that one (even though I really hope there is no tombstone – but that is another soapbox!) After I die, I want people to think of me this way: “She was loved.” That’s all. Nothing else.

I will say this, if ever there were any question in my mind about whether or not I was loved, this journey has shown me just how much I AM loved. The support I have received has overwhelmed me.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:7-8 & 12)