It’s time to be real.
Life as we know it has changed. Things we took for granted like sending our children to school or grabbing a coffee with friends are all on pause. Even going to a normal check up at the doctor causes fear and going to church...it’s gonna be a while. Masks made for our youngest children. Vacations are canceled and even sitting in a restaurant is non-existent.
We would be lying if we said this time of isolation hasn’t caused anxiety, instability, financial concerns. Yet for many, I’ve found another issue at hand is lying below the surface.
I’m afraid there’s also a crisis of identity at hand.
The things that “made us” have been altered. The soccer mom can’t cheer on her kids on the field. The one who worked hard to climb the corporate ladder and attain status is suddenly struggling. The small business owner faces the reality of closing the doors. The military member who can no longer complete the move they've waited their entire career for.The mom who prided herself in being fit can no longer strut in front of gym mirrors. Those who were comfortable and flourishing in their roles are now faced with uncertainty.
If, I’m honest, I can be included in wondering when will I find “my life” again?
My role as the pastor’s wife, worship leader, and mommypreneur has been shaken. And if I’m honest, the first few weeks of this new life were a time of morning the plans I thought mattered, the statuses I worked hard to accomplish and the expectations. Because no matter how much we want it all to go back to normal, we know it will always be different.
The truth is, we’ve allowed so many “things” to make us. And now that some of those things, titles, and actions have been ripped away, we are left to face who we really are. The insecurities, the imperfections, the fears, the things that annoys us, can’t be hidden as easily. This time of isolation has forced us to reconcile the identity we created with the heart of who we really are.
And if we’ve found ourselves sunken in deep mourning over what we thought mattered, I’m afraid, we are now learning that our identity has become rooted in things that
could
easily....
perish....
I wonder if we've made idols of our lifestyles. I wonder if we've celebrated the things we have over the one who gave it all.
My friend, there’s a reason the Lord asks us to find our identity in Him (1 Corinthians 1:17, John 1:12, Galatians 3:28). Because when we strip away every thing, one thing that can’t be taken is who are in Him. A child of God, beloved, strong when you are weak, creative, healed, empowered, worth dying for!
THIS identity gives us the strength to stay steady in trial.
THIS identity can not be taken away by a pandemic or a governmental decree.
THIS identity can not be shaken.
THIS identity is where we find our hope and victory.
My friends, as you start to come to terms with the changes of life, remember somethings remain true. One thing remains steady. His love for you!
Rather than use this time to mourn, use this as an opportunity to get to know the one who IS constant and who loves you more than you can imagine!
Today, I encourage you to look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Who am I?” Then, await that gentle small voice to remind you of who you really are.
You are is His and He is enough.
Victory Verses
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—John 1:12
For more on living a life of complete Victory, I invite you to purchase my latest book, The Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional by clicking here.