- I do not identify with being the best personal trainer. There are many other professionals who are far more knowledgeable than I, who have multiple certifications, lofty degrees and years upon years of exercise experience. Even though I try to be a great trainer, I will never be the best in the world. That’s fine by me.
- I do not identify with trying to have the best body or the “perfect” nutrition plan. I can clearly see on Instagram and various social media outlets that the ab selfie is part of the norm, and a pose I will forever steer clear from. It’s tempting to want to log every.single.little.detail on my fitness pal and become obsessed with the process of changing my lifestyle. I will not be consumed by my job, and I will never have a six (or even four) pack. I’m ok with that.
- I do not identify with trying to be the best wife. I have been blessed to witness my sisters in Christ display sacrificial love and deep respect for their husbands. I’m grateful for Godly friends and positive examples. However, this doesn’t come easy for me. I use to beat myself up about it, but now I’ve come to the conclusion its part of my growth and sanctification in the union of marriage. I will never give up on trying to be a better wife, but I definitely understand that my happiness in this world does not center on my husband. He does not complete me and I do not complete him. Paul and I have both bashed this worldly statement into the ground - the OH SO overused phrases, “We complete each other”- and it’s a huge weight off of both of our shoulders. The two of us bring very different personalities and life experiences into this marriage, and it will take time to adjust to becoming ONE. (As Scripture would say) I can deal with that.
- I don’t identity with being the best friend. I can promise, as a friend, I will (at some point) let you down. (Probably, more than once) Even though I would never purposely hurt a friend, I understand that I have to secure boundaries and make priorities. New priority: My husband. He comes before all my best girl friends. If and when I let you down, I’m truly sorry, but I am human and I have peace about letting the people-pleasing sin go. I do not care as much as I use to about what people think of me; including my best friends.
Also, I have the ability to rejoice when a gal pal is more creative than me. I can be happy for a girlfriend who can buy nice things that I can’t afford. I can appreciate the attractiveness of another woman and not feel threatened by her beauty. I will never put down another woman because I’m not that mean, and I’m certainly not that insecure.
Why can I operate this way?
Simply put: My identity is in Christ.
It’s a dangerous game when your life is driven by your career, your significant other, your kids or centered around your friends and/or people pleasing, delicious food, weekend partying or have the love for money and/or materialism. Identity outside of our Maker is a slippery slope that leads to a deep pit that only God can pull you out of. (Psalm 40:2) Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m far from perfect. Of course I’ve gossiped. Of course I’ve disrespected my husband. Of course I’ve spent a lot of money on a purse I had no business buying in the first place. (Mall splurge confession) I still struggle with disciplining myself to try and keep God first over my job, or my family, or my friends. According to Romans 3:23, God promises, “We will all fall short of his glory.” Identity is a struggle.
BUT…that’s ok!!
That's why God sent his Son to redeem us. Jesus came to teach us how to love and forgive and fight through this beautiful-battle we call life. When you accept Jesus into your heart and become a child of God, you are gently and lovingly reminded your shortcomings. You have the Holy Spirit who resides in your body. Therefore, you will know the TRUTH. You will understand right and wrong. Good and bad. The gray areas will begin to become black or white.
Praise GOD I’m aware of my trespasses, and I blessed to walk in the light. I am well equipped to fight the invisible war that many people do not have a clue we fight (Ephesians 6) I can rest in the fact that my acceptance does not come from the world; it comes from my God. I am WAY more fearful of God than I will ever be of any person in my life!
I will fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
I will choose to ONLY be identified and justified before my Creator. Not you. Not the world. No way. No how. That is the definition of FREEDOM!! It’s not that I don’t sin, but I am mindful of my sin. I don’t let my sin or my worldly desires define who I am. I can WALK away from my sin at point. There’s no addict. No chains. No turning back. I am not perfect, and I will fail God daily, but Hallelujah, I am saved. I am deeply loved for exactly who I am. This is the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel my friends.
Who am I?
I am a trainer who will pray for you.
I am a wife who will stand by my husband until the day I’m called home.
I am a daughter who deeply loves her parents more than words can describe.
I am a friend who will fight for quality time, restrict and protect my few, close friendships and invite criticism in a loving way.
Most importantly, I am a daughter of a King that has an unshakable Kingdom.
I am called to spread His word and love everyone in my path.
I am His and He is mine.
Be bold. Serve others. Love everyone. Don’t let people or the world define you.
Blessings,
Courtney