Identity

I was on the bus the other day, bringing a group of about 14 young people back from the Haight where we had shared sack lunches with homeless people. I sat down next to a young girl and struck up a conversation with her. Her name was Christy and she was in an art school in the city. I always love hearing other people’s impressions of the city and the people here. She used to live in the Tenderloin because the rent was cheaper, but finally had to move because she felt unsafe at night. She asked what I was doing, and what our group was doing. I told her a little about WYAM and the prayer walks, the hot cocoa ministry, and what they are doing to help abused women in the Tenderloin. She was amazed and said she had no idea that stuff like this was happening in her city. Several times she expressed her opinion that I was really amazing to give up a summer to come and do things like this. I felt like I was talking to friend and was able to be really honest and sincere about my life and the fact that some weeks aren’t so easy. But it was such a privilege to tell her from my heart that doing this kind of stuff is what I do for fun. And not just me, but most of the staff here feel the same.

I told Christy that it’s truly because we KNOW we are incredibly loved by Jesus, and find our identity not by what we do, but in who He says we are. Because of this we have the strength to love and give to others.

Identity has been something the Lord has definitely been dealing with me about since I’ve been here. I find it a daily choice. I ask myself a lot of questions…

Do I find my identity in the fact that I feel weak and powerless when kids I’m leading are messing around and hanging from the rails in the Muni or am I confident in the fact that I am strong and equipped because the Father has given me all authority in heaven and earth?

Do I find my identity in the fact that I messed up when trying to share with a group of people a verse the Lord laid on my heart for them, or do I awake in the morning knowing that I am a loved, called beautiful and chosen by the Father?

Do I rest in the fact that His righteousness is all I need, and that there is nothing more I could do to make Him love me more, or do I try to earn more grace by trying to grow in the areas He is calling me into?

Do I have the confidence that Jesus has called me a friend, or do I still think that I somehow must be something more to gain that level of relationship?

Do I find my identity in my communication skills or lack thereof, in the fact that I was or wasn't able to help others to share their hearts, or in the fact that Jesus is all I need?

Do I value myself more by what I perceive others think of me or by who the Father says I am? That I am chosen, precious, holy and without blame, sealed and covered in His righteousness?

Let’s allow the Father to be the one to name us. We are His children.