The Identity Issue

who are you?
the world -
that which is at
enmity with God -
tells you your
identity resides in your:
sexual preferences

gender decisions
transitory feelings
job / career

bank account
fame

trophies
material possessions
influence
power
physical appearance
talents
but.....
is that really true?
we search
looking for.....what?
what makes me..ME
in reality
each one of us is
wounded:
born into original sin
with darkened intellects
weakened wills
self-centered tendencies

attractions to evil

in a word: sinners
then as we grow up
we encounter the
sins of others...including
our parents' sins of

omission or commission -
inflicting wounds in our
tender hearts
even in the best of families -
then we respond
out of our own interpretations
with our own sins of
omission or commission
then the evil one - and
yes he really does exist -
who originally led others to
hurt you 
lies to you about....you...
your issues...value...defects
mostly that you are
unlovable
nothing special and a
loser....otherwise...you
wouldn't be treated that way or

feel the way you do and that
leads you to look for your 

identity / security in exterior 

things or inward feelings...something...
anything to feel special...
important....lovable...and
not alone...always 
needing to feel wanted

needing to prove yourself
all the while combating the
feelings of rejection whether from
others or yourself
with the logical results of
confusion
loneliness
self-pity
anger
rebellion
self-absorption and
any or all supposed
thinking / behavior -

decisions / vows - that
brings you relief and that
feeling of being happy
but all that is NOT the
TRUE YOU
yes, they are what you
hang your hat on....but
you are more than
all those things put together
you are the Beloved
Created to share...Intimately...
in the very Nature of God
you are formed by the very
Personal Decision of  the Father Himself
to be His Adopted Son or Daughter
to experience His Love
to cherish the realization that
Jesus, the Father's only begotten Son,
suffered extreme torture -
a horrible, unjust death -
stripped of all dignity
why?
for YOU...to take your

sin and its just punishments 

upon Himself because
you are worth it
you are special
one of a kind and
He Loves You Passionately

with all your weaknesses / sins
but doesn't want to leave you there

He has MORE for you...
so...
don't believe the lies
don't follow the world's thinking
don't settle for less
don't look elsewhere because
you won't find
your true self or happiness in
feelings or externals
but only in THE TRUTH:
YOU..... ARE....HIS.... BELOVED!
you can receive that Truth by
receiving Jesus....so....
just ask Him to:
reveal Himself to you.
let you experience His Love for you
forgive you
come into your heart
be your Lord and Savior to
find healing and freedom and
thrive in that Identity
now and forever

Reflection/Discussion:
-How have you been wounded by others?
-Begin to be free by forgiving? Ask for the Grace.
-What have you hung your identity on in the past?
-Reject the lies in the name of Jesus.
-Ask and find support in your new life.
-How can you make the time each day to pray and read the Word?