Where, in Who or What Does Your Identity Lie?

Over the past couple of months I have been spending time thinking about the parts of my life that I place value in. Life is layered, it involves taking on many different rolls. There are people, places and things that pull me in every direction. It can be hard to find focus and direction when it always seems like there is so much to do, so many needs to meet, so many people to please and places to go. No wonder anxiety prevails the lives of so many. No wonder anxiety so often overtakes my life and soul.

So, I have been thinking about what roles are an important part of my identity; and what are the life giving, meaningful roles and relationships that I should spend my time investing in. Here's the list I came up with:


I am a follower of Christ.
I am a daughter.
I am a sister.
I am a teacher.
I am a friend.
I am a runner.
I am a writer.
I will soon be a wife.


So, these are the parts of my identity that I place the most value in, that I hope to invest the most in. This summer I have seen that when one of these roles seems to be taken from my life, I am shaken to my core. I have realized that I have invested my self worth in these roles in such a deep and intimate way that it feels like I don't quite know who I am without them.

I can see that God is teaching me that my identity in Christ is what is real and lasting. It is what will never be taken from me. While I love teaching, even if I am not a teacher this year, I will still be me. I am still a unique child loved by God. While I love running and training for this marathon, if I am injured an unable to do this, it will not be the end of the world. I will still be me. Although I will be far from my sisters and parents this year, I will still be me. I am continually looking to Matthew 11 this week as I am thinking about these things.

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30


Running Update:
We are continuing to follow our training schedule, distances and the amount of time we are investing is increasing.
We have 11 out of 26 children sponsored! We have been humbled by the generosity of our church community.
We need to have 14 sponsored by September 7th to be eligible to run in the New York Marathon.

Please consider sponsoring a child through world vision. Click on the link at the left of this page to do so!