If You Were Stripped

Daughter, Communications Major, Employee, Friend, Sister, Me

I read a quote the other day that I wish I could’ve unread. Not because it was a bad quote, in fact it was a really good quote but it convicted me of a fault in the way I live my life. It felt like God was shining a spotlight on the darkest corners of my life. I wrestled with it for a few weeks, wrote a short instagram caption about it and I’m still processing how to apply it to my life.

“If you were stripped of every title in your life (director, employee, son, girlfriend, athlete, musisian) would you be comfortable with who you are?” 

Initially I read over this and didn’t pay much attention. But then I started putting myself in real life situations. If my sister died tomorrow, would I be comfortable with who I am and how I lived my life towards her?

If I were to get forced out of Cedarville Junior year, would I be okay with trusting God’s plan is better than my plan now that I am out of graduating in the time frame I expected?

If I were to lose my ability to workout, would I be lost on how to express myself and relieve stress or feel confident? You get the point. 

I’m sure your titles are different, but the same feelings apply. For so long I have found comfort and identity in things I can lose in a second. Not only is this extremely humbling, but it’s an awakening to change my perspective of who I am. The only title that will never be stripped of me is who I am in Christ. What he’s done for us will never change. 

I have been claimed as a daughter of the king and now I get to wear that title forever. I’m currently walking through what it looks like to wear that title above every other title in my life. It’s not easy, but it is so important that we prepare our hearts before the heartache of losing a title we thought was permanent. When we are grounded in our true identity, we will have peace in uneasy situations no matter what they may be or when they will come.

You are claimed by Jesus too. You have a forever title too. I really urge you to evaluate what titles or descriptions are sitting above the one that matters most.

I love ya, and I really mean it.