Who Am I?

I was recently in Milwaukee at an event with a good friend where we had the privilege of seeing New York Times Bestselling author, Glennon Doyle Melton, speak.  [Quick side note: if you ever have a chance to see her in person --- GO!  And if you’re not able to go, get in your car RIGHT NOW and drive to the bookstore or the library to pick up her book, “Carry On, Warrior” or her newly released memoir, “Love Warrior”.  Trust me, you won’t be sorry you did.]  Actually, here...this will be much easier.  Just order them from Amazon.  Go ahead.  I'll wait.

https://www.amazon.com/Carry-Warrior-Power-Embracing-Beautiful/dp/1451698224/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473794209&sr=8-1&keywords=carry+on+warr

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Warrior-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/1250128544/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473794249&sr=8-1&keywords=love+warrior

During her presentation, she talked about identities – the way we see ourselves - and expressed how her own identity is changing and shifting after her recent decision to divorce. 

Me too...

When people stop to ask us who we are, we often start off by explaining who we are to other people.  For instance, we are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, teachers, and on and on and on.  But all of those identities are tied to someone else, correct?  And that isn’t the question, is it?  The question is actually - Who ARE we, as stand-alone, strong, and independent women?  What is it about you that sets you apart?  What makes you SHINE?  What identity can you continuously hold FIRM to?  Because being a wife or a mother or a sister or a friend is ever-changing; there are numerous variables.  One day it can look a certain way and the next day it is altogether different.  Relationships change.

As Glennon talked through this, she said she came to the realization one day that she had to accept her most real and truest identity.  She boldly and proudly proclaimed up on that stage that the One identity she can always base her foundation on is that of being a Child of God. 

Unchanging.  Firm.  Assured. 

Being a Child of God means we are beloved, holy, and dearly loved.  We are forgiven.  We are blessed.  We are loved.  Our identity belongs FIRST to Him and then second to all that remains.  Nothing else matters aside from who HE believes we are.  Will it matter what brand of clothes we wore, what kind of car we drove, or what the number on the scale says when all is said and done?  Not in the least.  Will our successes be based upon the number of “likes” we received on Facebook or whether we were invited to every single party? 

Absolutely not. 

So maybe the question shouldn’t be, “Who Am I?”, but rather, “How can I start living TODAY as a child of God...my One, true, identity?” 

...How will you?