True Identity

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt a little out of place, not fully comfortable in my own skin. Born to immigrant parents who moved from India to Canada, I’ve always felt torn between two cultures. I’ve known myself to be a combination of both, but never truly fitting into either. Now add in religion, heavy laden with legalism that can blur the lines between faith and culture, and the product was a truly confused kid. I know that is a feeling many of us in the South Asian community can relate to. Needless to say, I never developed a strong sense of identity.

I learned early on to alter the way I dressed or behaved to fit whatever my surroundings required. I was never truly sure who I was or what I was passionate about because my greatest aim was simply to exist without making too many waves. I wanted nothing more than to conform and blend in wherever I went, and so the people pleaser in me was born. It became apparent to me at a very young age the one thing I had control over was my achievements. Earning good grades, being visibly involved in church, keeping up appearances and winning the approval of others brought me a sense of identity. Now, anyone who has lived a little can tell you that none of these things are a solid foundation to base your identity. Grades can drop, you can lose a job, the opinions of others are fickle, and girl, some days you’re winning and other days you lose hard. It took a series of failures, heartbreak and humbling moments throughout my early adulthood for God to break down those barriers and help me realize that no amount of striving or accomplishment would ever win me favor in the eyes of the only One who matters.

You and I have been made in the image of our Father. Each of us is uniquely gifted and beautifully crafted to reflect facets of His character and yet, many a time, we don’t believe that is enough.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

No detail about your existence or mine was a mistake. Even the parts of us that we think are too broken or ugly to show others are a part of a grander design and can be used by God if we submit them.

Striving to win the approval of the world will only leave you exhausted and oftentimes wanting. It is so much more fruitful and fulfilling functioning in the knowledge that you are already loved and fully accepted. You have so much worth that you were bought at a price with the very precious blood of Christ. It is from that place that our life’s work no longer becomes about status or approval, but about bringing Glory to our Maker. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Love,

Melissa

A Woman of Worth