Who Are You?

My daily devotional, by Billy Graham, had me asking the question (genuinely), "Who Am I?" See if Graham's words dare you to contemplate the same:

It is significant that our first astronauts, while being trained for their moon flights, were required to give twenty answers to the query, "Who are you?" Take the same test yourself. When you have made your list and run out of things to add, ask yourself if you have truly answered. Do you really know who you are? Scientists agree that our desperate search leads all humans to seek heroes and to imitate others, to "paste bits and pieces of other people on ourselves." We make love as some actor would. We play golf in the style of Jack Nicklaus. Part of this process is natural, for we learn by imitating others. The tragedy is that the person we assemble is not genuine. "Who am I?" you cry as you roam the world looking for yourself. Consider this: there are three of you. There is the person you think you are. There is the person others think you are. There is the person God knows you are and can be through Christ.

So, I decided to take the test. Write down 20 things that make me me. I found the task difficult, not to simply list characteristics (as we did about boys we liked in middle school) or rattle off job titles. I asked myself, "What makes me different?" And, "Do I need to be different?" Also, "Do my job descriptions really answer the question?" Or, "Do I need to dig deeper?" Thus, adding second thoughts in parenthesis to my list below. My intention wasn't to "toot my own horn," but to view myself as God does, wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Trust me, if I made a list describing myself, without keeping God in mind, I wouldn't have painted a very pretty picture. My desire to be like Christ, however, led me to see myself through Ephesians 4:22-24: "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." It took deep, contemplative thought, and a an hour to come up with 20 things that define me. It's much harder to think of your positive qualities! In the end, I feel empowered because I can see who God designed me to be.

Now you try it! Answer the question "Who Am I?" and don't be ashamed to list your favorable aspects.  Take off your old self and put on the new. Choose to see your beauty, the way God created you. Keep this quote, by Marianne Williamson, in mind while you write. 

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Who Am I? 

God's child
Disciple of Christ
Prayer warrior
Military wife (supporter of my husband, the Flag, and endurer of sacrifice)
Adeline's mama (prayerful, devoted, loving, encouraging)
Teacher (in nature; beyond the classroom walls)
Resilient (trusting in God's plan)
Book lover (to be informed and be transported)
Student (curious)
Driven (to succeed according to God's calling for me; to obey Him)
Giver
Heart for the hurting (to fill, restore hope)
Strong (in spirit, opinion, and holding true)
Over-achiever 
Friend 
Powerful (God on my side)
Mentor
Thoughtful 
Passionate
Believer (in Christ, in possibility, in others, in God's power)