Today, I'm thrilled to be making my guest blogger debut over at Incredible Infant (here's the link to my post if you want to hop on over). I still can't believe God is allowing me to share my story in such a unique way. It's truly humbling, and I'm excited to see how he uses it.
If you're visiting from Incredible Infant, welcome!
To celebrate new beginnings, I've decided to do my first giveaway here at Daughter Redeemed. My friend Christi recently launched her Etsy shop, Doorpost Truth, where she is selling beautiful scripture-inspired digital prints. I'll be giving away one of her prints to a dear reader this week.
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| One of my favorites! |
I love me a good giveaway. Don't you?
Identity Crisis
Here's where I'd normally introduce myself, touting my background and sharing cute family photos and anecdotes, but to be honest, I've found myself in a bit of an identity crisis as of late.
I used to feel pretty. Perfectly styled hair and makeup, high heels and pearls. Don't laugh....I even won a few beauty pageants back in the day.
Sixty pounds of pregnancy weight and a gazillion stretch marks later, I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror, let alone in photos, and I've been stripped of my tiara.
I used to have influence. I had the ear of wealthy businessmen and politicians. People listened when I spoke.
Now, I speak baby talk, and I get giddy talking to the grocery store cashier because it's the only adult interaction I've had all day.
I used to be good at most everything I did. Everything I touched seemed to turn to gold.
Now, I feel like I'm constantly failing. Failing to breastfeed. Failing to calm my screaming toddler in the middle of a restaurant. Failing to load the dishwasher for three days straight.
The Truth
The truth is, I'm...
A singer who sometimes sings off-pitch.
An introvert with hermit tendencies.
A homemaker with a sink full of dirty dishes.
A wife and mama with a lot to learn.
A writer who doesn't always have the right words.
But not one of those things define me.
Nope, nada one.
You see, I'm (slowly) realizing that my identity isn't based on my influence, success, or personal grooming. It's not based on my talents, personality or quirks.
It is completely 100% based on who I am in Christ.
And who am I in Christ, you ask?
In Christ...
I am called.
I belong.
I am loved by God.
I have been justified by faith.
I have been redeemed by his blood.
I am at peace with God.
I have been saved from the wrath of God.
I am reconciled to God.
I am dead to sin.
I am alive to God.
I am under grace.
I am free.
I am a child of God.
I am an heir with Christ.
I am more than a conqueror.
I am without shame or condemnation.
I am a living sacrifice.
I am welcome.
I am being sanctified.
I am guiltless.
I am righteous.
I am being sustained to the end.
I am a member of the body of Christ.
I am victorious over death.
I am forgiven.
I am being transformed into Christ's image.
I am afflicted in every way, but not crushed.
I am perplexed, but not driven to despair.
I am persecuted, but not forsaken.
I am struck down, but not destroyed.
I am being prepared for an eternal weight of glory.
I am being renewed daily.
I am a new creation.
I am an ambassador for Christ.
I am rich.
I am strong when I am weak.
I am holy.
I am blameless.
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing.
I am united with Christ.
I have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
I have been seated with him in the heavenly places.
I have access to the Father.
I have been delivered from the domain of darkness into marvelous light.
I have been washed and sprinkled clean.
I am equipped to do his will.
I am a steward of God's grace.
I have been born again to a living hope.
My true identity?
I am a daughter redeemed and daily refined.
But enough about me...
I'd love to hear about you!
If you're new here, would you take a moment to tell me about yourself?
And if you're an old friend...have you ever struggled with an identity crisis? Which "In Christ" truth encourages you most today?
"I am equipped to do His will."
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there. I'm sure you find yourself resting in this truth caring for three little ones on your own right now!
Delete"I am being sustained to the end." Oh what comfort that brings. Even in my hardship and struggle, the Lord sustains me. He brings me through and strengthens me in the process.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister!
DeleteWow! What a refreshing find! I am so looking forward to reading your future blog posts. It is so important to be good stewards of God's grace and to be loyal ambassadors of Christ. You might be interested in reading ' Glimpses of Grace ' and ' Treasuring Christ when Your Hands Are Full ', both by Gloria Furman. Such a good reminder that even the most mundane tasks in our lives are opportunities to display God's grace as he has so freely displayed it to us. God bless you and your new blogging adventure :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Rebecca! I'm actually just finishing up "Treasuring Christ" and "Glimpses" is on my reading list. I have been so encouraged (and challenged) by her writing.
DeleteI am a new creation
ReplyDeleteThat one gives me such hope, Lauren!
DeleteWhat encourages me is the thought that I am a CHILD OF THE KING. No matter how I feel about myself, the fact that I am His child, puts me in a position of being right with Christ and as an imperfect human being, He can still work in me and use me.
ReplyDeleteI was a stay-at-home Mom with a great life, great husband, relationship with Christ, and great friends. I had no real reason to feel insecure, yet I did.
I have always struggled with the issues of lack of self confidence and low self esteem.
Years back, because some problems came to a “head”, I had to deal with how those things affected me, my family and my life, and how I functioned. I read some good books, received some counseling, shared with some close friends. And through that and much prayer, I got better in my thinking. After all, I am a child of the King and there is no better place to be. Not that I never struggle, even now, turning 56 years of age soon, with these issues, but when I think of who I belong to, it makes that struggle seem so much lighter. Funny thing is, that when I share that I feel insecure or lack in confidence, people are shocked. They don’t notice it in me and think I come across as confidence.
Recently, I thought that there were things I wanted to do in life that I never tried because of fear of failure. I really would like to start doing some things I have not done before, and see how they would turn out. I’m not sure what I’ll do first. I’d like to think of at least one thing I want to do this calendar year, and do it, in His strength and His blessing.
I love Isaiah 40:31 – “They that wait upon the LORD, shall renew their strength……….” With His help and strength, we shall mount up with wings as eagles!”
Marti
Thanks for being so vulnerable, Marti. You're right...sometimes it's the people we least expect who struggle with this. The idea that I am HIS daughter has always been such an encouragement to me. There's so much tenderness and security in that truth. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
DeleteYou are beautiful inside and out, Chelsea! I love hearing your heart through your gifted writing. It is such an encouragement to me. "I am being sustained to the end" really resonates with me lately! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, my beautiful friend! I bet that one will resonate even MORE by the end of this sermon series!
DeleteLove all of this!
ReplyDelete