identity

Who am I?  This very question has plagued even the greatest mind's of our day.  In fact, *recent studies have shown that this most basic longing for identity is at the forefront of pop culture and psychology.  Living authentically, while seemingly simple, can be difficult, even frustrating, to fully grasp amidst a world that influences us so greatly.  At times, our understanding of who we are one day, may differ from the next, due, in part, to our work environment, personal relationships (or the lack there of), Media, pop-culture, etc.  But, despite the rising waters of fear and miss-interpretation, the God of the Bible offers insight too beautiful to ignore.  Even with in a perspective much like this painting, lonely and overwhelmed, the Spirit of God speaks truth in a language we can understand and embrace.  He says, "I love you."

Some might be disapointed, even offended by the claim.  Can it be that simple?  Well, yes

"Perfect love drives out fear," and what is it that keeps us from being true, dare I say even vulnerable?  Fear.  Fear of what others may think.  Fear of failure.  Fear of being hurt or caused seemingly avoidable anguish.  And yet, for some, even the fear of success or public approval.  Oh, if we could fully understand even a glimpse of His life altering, relentless love for us, then we may find ourselves filled with the courage to live as our truest selves.  We could stand firm, living the fullest life that the God of the heavens has always intended.  I am loved.  

Part of our psyche's problem with being loved is a jaded concept of what God's love looks like.  In the Bible, God is often referred to as a Father or King.  A Savior and Servant.  As Justice and Grace.  But, these are all images we don't quite have a grasp on.  God's love for you is so pure, so true, so out of this world crazy that there is nothing you can do to be loved any more or any less.  Think about that.  There's nothing you can do to be loved any  more or any less by God.  If you preach the perfect sermon, sing the perfect song, write the perfect poem...God loves you.  If you make huge embarrassing mistakes, sing off key, and struggle with spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation and fasting...God loves you.  Even more, God's affection for us is so great that, despite our inevitable flaws and short comings, He enters into our mundane reality and will even use us for Kingdom purposes beyond our [complete] comprehension.  Oh, How he loves us so.

Now, my dear family, as we yearn to grow in the understanding of His grace and mercy, stand firm.  Like a lone rose, rising from the ashes of defeat, embarrassment, failure, pride, etc., stand firm.  And remember, we are not alone at all.  We, us, together stand and we stand with a common identity...We are loved.

rob.

Check back next week as we explore further and consider the audacity of Divine reason as it relates to living authenticity.  

resources:

"The One" by Lawrence Yang

"From Ashes 1" by rob.

*Psychology Today/May-June 2008/ Cover Article