"Gentlemen, and if the Cap fits any Body let 'em wear it." – Daniel Dafoe

"If the shoe fits, wear it."

"If It Doesn't Fit, You Must Acquit." – Johnny Cochran

Part of me wants to say "Do not let anyone label you as this or that."

But realistically, you cannot stop them.

You cannot tell people what to think or say.

When the early believers were called derogatory names like, "Christian" by their persecutors, they decided to accept the name and transform its meaning.

Cops were called "pig" by some in the  60s, so they organized football games and called them, Pig Bowls."

People who take charge of whatever is thrown at them and stay positive always have the upper hand.

People who whine and complain about it will always be trailing.

Other names don't lend themselves as well to sticking on one's chest as a badge of honor.

However, you cannot regulate what others  call you or how they think about you.

But you do not have to wear a label like a permanent assessment of your character. You do not have to accept it as a prediction of your success.

If it doesn't fit, then quit letting it stick.

"If it don't fit, you must acquit."

It is your life. It is your call.

In all of that, remember this:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. "

– Matthew 5:11-12

There is one and only one emotional response to insults and persecutions that Jesus commands for His followers and it goes with a volitional response. 

The emotional response is to rejoice.

The volitional response is to remain faithful.