T and I were sitting in church yesterday and the speaker, an evangelist from Ireland touched on our identity. Who do we say we are? That can look different for each person. I see myself as a British transplant living in America, an empty nester, a nana, a mum, hopefully a friend, a cancer survivor and a child of God. I also often see myself as rejected, unworthy and very menopausal! Before the evangelist spoke we had had a time of worship. During those approximate thirty minutes, a new friend, who is a gifted painter and using her talents to serve the Lord completed a painting. I know I cant describe this painting without posting a picture because the finished product was beautiful (see below). The church pastor said after she was done it reminded him of the scripture Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. I could totally see that, but as it was the back of a woman holding a lamp walking into a light I could see so much more. It made me think of several women I know that don’t realise how special they and are living in a life of darkness. They have believed the lies like I once did, circumstances have robbed them of joy, peace and happiness. I became teary eyed because I would like so desperately for these women to know God like I do. I want them to know they are loved unconditionally by God, nothing they have done, said etc can separate them from the love that God has for them. They just have to make the decision to come to Him. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 “ Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Whatever weighs heavily on our hearts we can can take everything to the cross and find the rest, the peace that only comes from knowing Him. We are not what the world says we are, we are children of God and He just wants a relationship with us. We just have to make the decision to walk from the darkness into the light.
Painting used with permission by Joanne Holbrook.
A song came to mind while the evangelist was mentioning identity. When I am having an off day, when Satan is trying to attack and remind me of my past failings etc I listen to this song, raise my hands and remind myself of who I truly am. Love each of you… Lou