The first time I really understood branding involved a new image campaign at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. I worked in the library and the new branding concept floated around in snippets from professors, employees, students, and alumni. Everyone was involved in the process. I still don’t fully grasp the total marketing and advertising function, but I was a part of it enough to comprehend the why if not the how.

If you’ve ever had to go through a branding or rebranding process for a business, school, or organization, it can become very personal. Why does the group exist? What’s the purpose? Big questions. Images. Colors. Mottos. Breaking an organization down to a few words and an image is daunting.

On a small scale, I’ve had to do that with social media and my writing platforms. I am not an artist or a slogan master. I had outside help. Someone who prodded me with questions and made me think and brainstorm until pieces started to fit together. I’m thankful for talented people, although the personal journey was/is difficult for me. Imagine what a huge organization or even a nation have to do to end up with a concise brand.

Here are a few examples of early branding in our nation.

During my overhaul and branding process, I wondered if anything would emerge. It did. Across my social media I have a motto, logo, colors, and a theme. The growing pains still exist, and I have to remember the purpose.

More important than any of this is how I portray God’s love and purpose to others. That cannot be whittled down to a logo or slogan. My life is God’s branding. May I share it with the world as He uses me.