Lesson 2: Identity Crisis

As I am hanging out here in the Kerith Ravine, it was revealed to me this past week that my stay here will be extended due to the classes that I need to take next semester only being offered on Wednesday nights. It is kind of hard to sing in the choir when you can not make it to practice and I am a not a Sunday morning only participant. I'll be honest with you, two years ago this would have seriously panicked me. I would have been so lost and scared that I would lose "my place" or be forgotten. I was so wrapped up in being seen as a singer. It was who I was or at least that's what I thought.

What title(s) are you wrapped up in?

Husband?Wife?Father?Mother?Daughter?Son?Sister?Brother?Friend?Boss?Pastor?Nurse?Lawyer?Singer?Married?Single? 

Whatever it is ... we all have something that we find comfort and identity in being. But what happens when the Lord, sin or life's circumstances (like death or an illness) strip that title away from you for a short time or permanently? Does your world fall apart? Do you struggle to go on? Who or where is your identity found in?

"Mullins Girls"

If your identity is found in temporal things ... and sadly, marriage and family can be a temporal thing by today's standards, then you will always be searching for more. You will never be satisfied. However, if your identity is found in Christ then you can share in the joy that can be found in these temporal things. It does not have to be an either/or type of life. You can choose an "all of the above" life but we settle for less than God's best on a daily basis because we are seeking the wrong things. 

I Love my Sisters!

Wearing a mask can be fun for a while but it quickly becomes hot and sticky. It can be confining and sometimes suffocating. We weren't meant to wear masks, yet as Christians, that is what we do everyday with each other and with the world. That is until someone dares to "offend" us then our unholy, self-righteousness shines for all to see ... no one is being fooled. While I dislike the word "relevant" because it has become such a catchphrase for the modern church, it is still applicable to what we need today ... people who are vulnerable, honest and relevant within the body of Christ. People who aren't afraid to admit that they mess up (not to be confused with those who parade their mistakes but humbly repent and move on) and don't have everything perfect in their walk with the Lord. That it's just that ... a walk ... there are dips and curves, gravel roads, paved roads, dirt roads, washed out roads, inclines and declines all along the way but they aren't afraid to reach out and pull someone alongside with them. To spur one another along. To keep their eyes pointed forward and looking ahead towards the finish line. Only stopping to grab another hand, not because they are qualified but because they identify themselves with the Great Redeemer. The Only One who can change the hearts and lives of people. Those are the people I want to walk with, be with and become like. Kingdom people. People who's identity is so wrapped up in Christ that all other "titles" fade into the background. People's who's masks have been replaced with genuine laugh lines of joy, the shine of Eternal hope in their eyes, the smile of contentment on their face, the rosy glow of peace in their cheeks and the Word of God confidently on their tongues. Those are my people.

My identity is no longer in crisis. My identity is at rest. 

I love you all!!

Blessings ...

- Melody Faith