Identity has many dimensions. We may identify who we are in relation to aspects or dimensions of ourselves like our gender (e.g. do I consider myself feminine or “tomboyish”?). We may see our identity based on the dimension of religion. “I am a Christian.” Maybe we see ourselves relative to the dimension of our race, sex, age, culture. There are many dimensions to personal identity but there is also vocational identity (I may see who I am by what I do or by what role I perform). For example, “I am a counselor and a mom.” The environments that we are in affects the roles we play (e.g. home vs. work) too.
Negatively, we may consider identity based on a diagnosis. “I am diabetic, or I am a cancer patient, or I am anxious.” That is not a recommended as we need to see identity as more complex than one dimension, or area of life, or diagnosis/label.
When identity is challenged with a crisis or a change (like a diagnosis, or a move to a new school, or new expectations of a new stage of life, or COVID or all of the above), a sense of instability or imbalance can be keenly experienced or felt. And, it’s not resolved easily. And, it’s hard. Identity can be ever evolving and changing based on life change events and our perceptions of them. Perceptions of our situations matter. Environment matters.
There is hope, because identity can also be found outside of us. When we focus on our purposes in life, like to help someone then we can see that who we are is deeply connected to something bigger. “We are to carry each other’s hearts” per famous 20th century poet T.S. Eliot. Thus, we a PART of a bigger system. Our identity is part of a bigger picture. We are part of a bigger story, chosen and deeply loved by our wonderful Creator God who calls us His own. These labels and narratives we can embrace…… Made in His image.
Our identity is wrapped up in a Holy sacrifice……an action. Thus, we are forgiven, saved, and worthy. The point? He lives in us, it’s not just “me.”
After these thoughts yesterday, I attended a Ladies Conference last night and a prevalent question related to identity was asked by the speaker Natalie Abbot, based on her coauthored book and Bible study Dwell on These Things: “Who are you listening to?” The speaker’s answer, “Ignore those negative self-deprecating thoughts in your head, from your narratives. The Lord can help you.” She additionally shared from Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Powerful words. We need to be aware of who we are listening to. Make the choice to listen to Him, dwell on Him. She then helped us to memorize Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those who minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
I’m reminded of the saying, you are what you eat….well, you are who you think are. Our identity can be influenced not only by the biological dimensions and environments or situations we are in, but deeply by our perceptions and thoughts of them (AKA narratives). Our beliefs and the truths of who we are from a spiritual focus has the power to give a deeper meaning to being. When we CHOOSE to focus on the spiritual dimension of being, then we can live our lives with hope and peace. We are His (our new identity). Identity then shifts from a oneness to a wholeness.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Colossians 3:10
Remain steadfast in your thinking through trials, perseverance is produced (paraphrased James 1).
*Note: The coauthor is Vera Schmitz and there is also a teen version of the book Dwell on These Things.
Their book is a study through Philippians 4:4-9 which states Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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