One of the most difficult tasks of life is consistently living out our personal identity as God’s beloved in this world. How can “who I am” be consistent with what I do and how I interact, and not get lost in society’s messages?
In my reflection on sacred Scripture today, I found two contrasting examples: Solomon got so comfortable with his kingship, wealth, and wives that he forgot, and acted contrary to, his primary identity as a faithful servant of God[1 Kings 11:4-13 ]. However, the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter knew who she was and confidently lived out that identity as a mother and a faith-filled believer. She didn’t let even Jesus turn her aside from what she knew was possible for God in her life[Mark 7:24-30]. How difficult that must have been! What gave her the strength to claim her identity?
Somewhere deep inside I know that I am God’s beloved child, that at my core I am radiant with the Spirit of love and life. Can I stay in touch with that part of me and know, truly know, who I am? Can I let God define my identity rather than other people whose images are often so flawed? Can I stay in touch with that core reality and then express it in my actions and relationships? I know these are challenging questions, but they’re so necessary to ask and keep before us.
I pray that I can consistently act from the calm and certain assurance that God knows who I REALLY am and loves me completely. So, no matter what happens in this world, no matter the challenges and obstacles, no matter who offers me their love and who doesn’t, no matter whether I have a place at the head table or I am eating the scraps beneath it, I have my identity in God, who will never leave me alone. May I remain centered in that truth and always seek to act in concert with it.
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