Friend,
Have you ever asked yourself, “Who am I?” Have you ever taken the time to discover the answer to that question? At my full-time job, we typically have to participate in a group where we have to do an icebreaker exercise. I don’t know if it’s the introvert in me, but I absolutely don’t like icebreakers. It’s something in me that just wants to cling to being comfortable, and icebreakers bring me way out of my comfort zone. The icebreaker question is usually something like, “tell us who you are and also a fun fact about yourself.” (Queue the eye rolling). For some reason, I rarely think of anything cool about myself in the heat of the moment, when there are a ton of things I could say, but I just don’t seem to be able to think of them on the spot. The only thing I can think of is, “hi my name is Lisa, and I like tea…..” Of course when it’s over, I think of all of the things that I should’ve said and how I’m ready to abandon ship and return to my comfort zone. It’s just like when you get into a heated discussion with someone, and after the argument is over you spend the rest of the day thinking about all the verbal blows you should’ve unleashed. But the moment has passed, and you weren’t as prepared as you could have been.
SOCIETY VS. YOU
This is the issue we deal with in our society today. We don’t know our TRUE identities. Deep down inside we THINK we know who we are, but we haven’t spent enough time discovering the true identity that is unique to us. Instead, we claim counterfeit identities that mimics our superficial society. Society would like us to fit their mold first, in order to be accepted. Sure, you may have done your makeup this morning and put on a snazzy outfit, but when that guy or girl that you’ve been dating wants to get deeper and get to know you for you, then what? I mean think about it….. If you don’t know who you are as an individual, what good is that going to do when it’s time to follow your dreams and make your mark in the world? If your input is counterfeit, so will your output be.
GOD’S TRUTH ABOUT YOU
I want to pose some questions to get your mind jogging. But first, I need to give you some cold, hard, facts. Palms 139:14 says that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God’s masterpiece. Philippians 4:13 says that you can do all things through Christ Jesus. Romans 8:17 says that you are a joint-heir with Christ. You are more than a conqueror through Him Who loves you. Romans 8:37 says that you are the head and not the tail. Deuteronomy 28:13 says that you are above and not beneath. John 15:16 says that you were chosen to go and produce lasting fruit. So Friend, you were created to make an impact instead of impression.
DISCOVERING THE REAL YOU
Jesus asked his disciples “but who do you say I am?” I am here to tell you that the opinion of others doesn’t matter. Know who you are as an individual first, and it’s up to them if they accept you for you, or not.
- Know your value and stand up for what you believe in.
- Know who God says you are. Spend time with Him and see what the word says about you and make it personal to you.
- Spend time with yourself. Learn what your values are. Otherwise, you won’t know what you believe in, and what you stand for. It’s okay to not be surrounded by people all the time. Solidarity is good for you every once in a while.
- Get some headspace. Spend time meditating and having some quiet time before the Lord. Get out in nature. One of the easiest ways for me to reset, is to get away from the busyness of life, unplug, ground myself in the moment, look up, look around, and just be. Breathe in….. and exhale. Don’t worry about trying to figure anything out. Just be in the moment.
HOMEWORK
- What makes you unique?
- What are your pet peeves?
- What are your favorite tangible things in life?
- What are your favorite intangible things in life?
- What are 3 adjectives that describe you?
- Who does God say you are?
- What is a supporting scripture to the previous answer?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”