Determining our identity
How often do we define ourselves by our roles in life, job, how we spend our time, or our talents?
I’ve been a student, a tennis player, a girlfriend, a wife.
I was a mom of littles, then of bigs, and now young adults.
I’m a daughter, a sister, a friend, a co-worker, a supporter. I enjoy running, cycling and learning new things.
Each of these are wonderful and give me joy. I’m thankful for and have cherished so many memories in each of these roles and stages of life. But they don’t always carry joy. Sometimes there can be pain or circumstances can change.
As a daughter, mother, friend or co-worker my feelings can be hurt or I’ve hurt the feelings of others.
A friendship can change or we can decide to part ways.
I love to run, but because of injuries sometimes I’m gone long periods without being able to do so. During those times, I feel loss. I wonder who I am without being a ‘runner’.
I was abused by a boyfriend. I carried shame and fear.
My college boyfriend died suddenly in an accident. One minute I was in love, the next I was grieving.
My marriage ended. May label changed from Married to Divorced.
These changes can hurt. Our labels or circumstances may change and cause us to question who we are. We may struggle, grieve, learn, and grow, but there is one thing about us that will never change.
We were all created by God and He loves us. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ. If we believe that and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become children of God and the Holy Spirit is sealed in our hearts. Our roles, labels and circumstances will change throughout our lives. But if we know we’re saved by Jesus Christ, a child of God, and that we’ll live in eternity with Him, the challenges we face don’t have the same affect. We’re never weathering these storms alone.
The foundation of our identity is in God and Jesus.