If you’re reading this, you may know me, but if you don’t, I’m just a normal girl who loves Jesus, makes mistakes, seeks joy, and is eternally grateful for everything in my life.

I’m also a wife to an incredible husband. He is my rock. He’s my foundation when everything is crumbling around me. I’m a step mama. I have spent 17 years learning about being a mama, and I’m still learning. I’m a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and aunt. I’m a dog and cat mama. I am a Radiation Therapist. I am a friend. I’m a book lover and a dreamer. I love blank journals, Friends and Big Bang reruns, and true crime podcasts. I enjoy traveling, coffee, wine, and a day at the pool. I also believe that nothing is impossible with God, prayer works, and He has a purpose and calling for me.

So what happens when we lose all the things that we think defines us? What keeps us tethered, faithful, joyful, and at peace? The things that are important to us in this life can go away in a blink of an eye. The one thing that can’t be taken from us is our identity in Christ.

When we give our lives to God, we are made new. Our past choices, decisions, and mistakes are forgiven and forgotten by our Heavenly Father.

Why is it important to understand that our identity is in Christ? So we can make decisions and respond to others not by our feelings alone. We pray, seek guidance, and respond in a way that reflects Jesus. We respond with love, empathy, compassion, and kindness. We love people and guide others to make decisions that show glory to God.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

As always, a little real talk here. I don’t always respond in a way that shows God’s glory. I say things that don’t align with my faith. It is a daily struggle. We live in a fallen world. We live in an era of social media which can foster anger, comparison, hate, and trauma: But we serve a BIG GOD. Every morning his mercy is new. Every morning I pray for His wisdom, guidance, compassion, and forgiveness. I don’t go into my day thinking I’m going to gossip, lash out in frustration, or roll my eyes at someone, but because I’m human, I live in my flesh. When I respond with my feelings, I’m not living in the identity that God has gifted me with. Everyday I ask for forgiveness and seek His understanding and peace.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

So here’s the real question. What can I do to live in my identity in Christ? What can give us clarity and confidence in who God made us to be? Instead of living in guilt and shame, I am on a journey to embrace the identity He gave me and walk in freedom of grace. He’s brought me a long way and I live in awe of Him. I’m ready to live the life God has for me.

I am a work in progress. Living in the identity of Christ will be a lifelong process. One thing I know for absolute sure, it is worth it. The more I listen to Him and understand our relationship, I know that He wants me to write. So here I am, following His will. I will not shrink back from the call He has for me. I’m stepping into it.

If you are where I am, and you want to live in the identity and purpose that He has for you, these simple things may help.

• Release the shame and guilt from your past. As you turn your new life towards the Father, you can live in the truth that your slate has been wiped clean. It’s time to accept that He is full of grace and mercy. You are not unworthy, you are not shameful, you are a new person in Christ.
• Read the Word. Spending time in the Bible helps you to understand what God says about you. This is His Word, it’s the truth. Write scripture on your heart for when you need it.
• Spend time with others that believe. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). God wants us to have a community of believers to challenge and keep us on the narrow path. Seek out those who believe, it will strengthen you.
• Meditate on Scripture. This could look like memorization, reading slowly and journaling, or spending time focusing on certain themes or verses. This will fill your heart and mind with God’s promises. When trials and tribulations come, which they will (John 16:33), you will have these truths you can rely on to get through.
• Pray. I can’t imagine my day without talking to the Father. Sometimes is just a short petition, sometimes it’s thanking Him for my life, sometimes I’m just chatting about my day. He loves me and He wants to have a relationship with me. Through prayer you will develop a relationship with Him, you will feel His peace and love, you will learn of his plan for you, and you will be forgiven.
• Music. This has been really important in my journey. I listen to worship music, contemporary Christian, gospel, and everywhere in between. It helps me to focus on Him, His promises, and His power. Take a listen to Mosaic by Ryan Stevenson , The Truth by Megan Woods, and Honest by Leanna Crawford. Just a few of my favorites right now.

Listen, like I said in the beginning, I’m just a normal girl who is following Christ and sharing her journey. I’m not perfect, but I was made in the image of the perfect King. My prayer is that this post helps just one person understand that everything in this life is temporary, but our relationship with the Father is forever.

God defines our identity by being chosen, blessed, accepted, and forgiven. As believers, we are part of the body of Christ. We are God’s hands and feet in this world. Let’s step into that identity and start living in the Father’s promises.