Have you ever written a one page essay on the topic “Who Am I?” It isn’t the funnest paper to write. I remember being given that assignment and I ended up writing an entire paper on all the different places I have lived. I did not know who I was, and honestly, I did not see why it was so important at the time. Now, I see why we need to know who we are and I want to help people discover their true self.
So why is identity so important?
Everything we do, say, and desire comes from who we say we are. The interpretation of things that have happened in the past are seen through a lens built from our identity. Actions we take today are based on identity. The future we desire comes from a future identity we deem obtainable.
“The value of identity of course is that so often with it comes purpose”
- Richard Grant
Without identity you find yourself purposeless and passionless. People often flounder through life not having a purpose outside of paying the bills. But when you know who you are, you discover what gives you a sense of purpose. With that purpose comes passion because you know what you are doing matters to you and to others around you.
For those of you who are unsure of what to do after high school or college, know that finding identity will point you in the right direction.
“Fear is always a case of mistaken identity”
-Byron Katie
Identity brings security, healthy, independence, and the courage to take risks. Without knowing who you are, fear begins to creep into your life. Insecurities in physical image, worth, and dignity comes from lacking a sense of self. It is easy to then place self-worth in another person and that creates an unhealthy reliance on an imperfect human who will one day let you down. If you place your identity in a person, you lose everything if you lose that person. That big “if” causes fear to build and that fear discourages the desire to take healthy risks. Following any passion filled purpose takes a risk. Identity gives room for courage to grow because you know that no matter what risk you take, you will never lose who you are.
So then, who are you?
I do not know who you are. I do not know your name, story, desires, fears, or passions. What I do know is that you have been deemed worthy. I know you are worthy of being loved. I know that you can live a purpose filled life that will have an impact on your neighbors, city, and world. I know your identity can be found in a man named Jesus and the identity he gives you is one that is loved, seen, and without lack.
Take the time to discover who you are. Seek clarity on your identity. Risk losing what you’ve known to gain everything you need.
“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because he made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be”
-CS Lewis