This is a time of thanksgiving and joy for many Americans. Some, however, will struggle through this time of year and hope it quickly goes by. Much of our thanksgiving and joy is tied to our identity. As a people we are fickle sometimes, following after the latest trend or the “thing” that gives us temporary relief. Whatever is precious to us more than our Lord will probably receive most of our thanksgiving and joy.

As I ask myself that same question of identity, it could go many ways. Who am I really? It might start like this….

I am my parents’ daughter. I hail from a southern state. I have family and friends in many places and I eat too much. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. I love Vacation Bible School and my computer. Blue is my favorite color even though my husband wears Army green. I’ve lived all over the world and my kids have learned to speak words in several languages. I have been blessed far beyond measure with a very loving husband but I do need my coffee in the mornings.

I could say that’s who I am.

OR

I could say I struggle with self esteem. I am my worst critic and sometimes I respond with, “I know” to the devil’s charges that I’m worthless. I have an ungodly desire to be needed sometimes. I will move again soon and will struggle through establishing my Army spouse identity again with a new group of friends.

I could say that’s who I am.

OR

I might say my heart is enmeshed with the women of the military who need the Lord Jesus and I have a great desire to keep them connected. My computer seems like such a small tool to bring Jesus closer to those who are far away that I wish I could reach out and hug. I sometimes feel lost without a plan to help others.

I could say that’s who I am.

BUT

There is one who says my identity is with Him. I want my joy and thankfulness to be rooted deeply in Him. He says I am one of a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).

He says He knows “the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

He has a purpose for me as His “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10), and I should “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).

These are just some of the ways He talks about me. May I never forget I am His!!

Lauren Dillard