Circumstances are powerful.
For all their changeability, circumstances have one steadfast quality: They can change me.
I can start the day off feeling settled, self-assured, at peace with myself and others.
And then circumstances do an about-face … or maybe they do a complete end-over-end. And suddenly that oh-so-confident me has left the building.
The whole “Who am I?” question should never be rooted in the happenings or mishaps of any given 24 hour period. And I should never, ever, ever let someone else answer the “Who am I?” question for me.
I need to know who I am at the beginning of each day … and remain who I am throughout the day, all the way until I lay my head on my pillow and say, “Good night, Lord. I’m glad you’re staying up. I’m done in.”
I like me … and when I don’t, I’m probably tired or else I’ve fallen prey to comparing myself to someone else. (Dangerous trap, that.)
I know who I am … and when I forget, it’s because I’ve let someone else answer the question for me.
I know whose I am … and it was in embracing that truth that I learned to hold my ground, no matter what the circumstances.
In Your Words: What helps you remain yourself, no matter what the circumstances?
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Comments 17
Who else would I be? 😉
🙂
Best answer … ever.
Such a fabulous post, Beth. I feel like we’re so much more available to make a difference in other people’s lives and really live out our purpose when we’re not so busy trying to be someone we’re not. What has helped me remain myself is friends and family who consistently affirm and encourage me. That’s something I’ve learned not to take for grant–especially working where I work and seeing so many people who haven’t had that kind of support in their lives.
Yes, Melissa … I’m all about being me — and me being the woman God made me to be.
A few years ago I came to a place in life where I needed to know who God says I am. I was tired of trying to be who I thought I should be, or who the world expected me to be, or even who my parents and other family members expected. When I learned (or more appropriately, relearned) who God says I am, I found I could be an even better person than others expected. I might not do and be all the things they want, but I’m now at peace, and a person at peace is a far more effective.
The peace is priceless, isn’t it, Gabe?
I so agree with Sandra! I am me, warts and all. lol Great post.
And I love you, warts and all. Only I don’t see any warts, Pat!
🙂
I know I am a daughter of the King, but to be honest, it takes consistent reminding. When I feel distant or start to forget what really matters, I listen to music (in addition to daily prayer and reading the Bible) to help me lower my defenses, slow down, and listen for His voice. Great song for that? Oceans by Hillsong United. They played it at our First Wednesday service this past week at Seacoast Church. Incredibly moving. Helps remind me who I belong to.
Beth, your book is supposed to arrive today! Yay! Looking forward to reading it. I consider it a reward for getting a few things done.
I am checking out that song, Marney! And I do so hope you enjoy CAFS!
Yes! Banishing others’ expectations for me and the ones I’d always held for myself — and embracing who God says I should be…that changed my life.
It is life-changing, isn’t it, Lindsay. Well said.
It’s best not to let anyone else define who you are, for that way lies slavery.
But there are times when the events of a 24-hour day can and should redefine who one is – or, perhaps more accurately, the way one sees oneself.
It isn’t a matter of a change of personality or ‘selfhood’, rather, to paraphrase C.S. Lewis, some events turn on the lights in the cellar of our souls. We may feel there are no rats in that cellar, but we’ve never turned on the light. The light didn’t create the rats – it just let us see those that have always been living there.
And sometime it works the opposite way – we may rise to a physical or moral challenge with a competence and sureness that is surprising. It becomes a part of who we are – a steel backbone that was hidden under a worn, comfortable hoodie.
Who I was yesterday doesn’t interest me.
Who I am tomorrow is inaccessible.
Who I am right now is decided by the decisions that are before me in this moment. Not by the decision I make – but by my realizing that there are decisions TO be made.
So insightful, Andrew.
And yes, I do recall C.S. Lewis’ writing on the “rats in the cellar.”
Beth, it’s been one of those crazy-busy days here. I loved, LOVED this post. Thanks for the transparency and the wise words. This especially spoke to me: “The whole “Who am I?” question should never be rooted in the happenings or mishaps of any given 24 hour period. And I should never, ever, ever let someone else answer the “Who am I?” question for me.”
I’ve let others answer that question more times than I care to admit. I’m learning each day, to remember who I am in Jesus, and let that be enough, whether or not others like the answer to the question, “Who am I?”
What helps me remain myself is remembering who I am in Jesus. That He has created me for His purposes, and these may/may not line up with what others think I should be doing. And that’s okay. If I am following His plan for me in a given day, I am resting in His peace.
Thanks for your encouraging thoughts today.
Jeanne,
Thank you for joining the conversation in the midst of your crazy-busy day, friend.
I wish I had read this yesterday or last week … I know, you hadn’t shared it then, but I’ve needed it. I’m listening to someone else even though I know better, but she’s loud and familiar (like voices from my past). Also, I’ve been tired and stressed, so I’m not as intentional about self care or self confidence. I appreciate this splash of cold water!