This week we have been celebrating Lilian Grace's 7th Birthday by talking about our evolution of identity.
I want to take some time today to talk about the evolution of our identity.
Think back to your childhood days -- innocent, carefree, with dreams as big as the sky. If you were anything like me, you enjoyed reading outside, laying on a sheet, your stuffed animals accompanying you, while your boom box played the top 100 songs in the 90s.
Back then, your identity was like a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of experience, growth, and discovery. Unaware of the complexities of adulthood that await you. You were so hopeful you'd live a life that fulfilled every wild dream you had.
As you've navigated life, you encountered triumphs and tribulations, joys and sorrows, each leaving a mark on your heart. That once carefree younger version of yourself is no longer recognizable and you now laugh at having ever thought your life could look anything like the fairytale you imagined.
How do you take those dreams you once held and make them part of your current adult reality? Are they lost forever?
As life tosses us about, faith serves as a steadfast anchor, guiding us through the storms as God lights up our path. In Scripture, we find verses like Jeremiah 29:11, reminding us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Our faith intertwines with our evolution of identity, shaping who we are and who we are becoming.
It is through our faith that those childhood fantasies can be stepping stones as we rebuild our identity and head towards a brighter future. We can let go of all the stress, worry, anxiety, and disappointment as we look forward in hope.
As we go around every twist and turn on our path, we cling onto God's hand as He helps us up over the rocky terrain. Change can be scary, but its also a beautiful opportunity for growth. As your life forces a chance for change you didn't expect, look at it with love and compassion, knowing that each chapter of your story adds depth, richness, and beauty to your identity as you are becoming all that you are meant to be.
Journal Prompts to use during moments of Introspection:
- Reflect on a pivotal moment in your life that shaped your identity. How did this experience influence who you are today?
- Consider the values and beliefs that anchor your identity. How do these align with your faith journey?
- Imagine your ideal future self. What steps can you take today to move closer to that vision?
With Grace, Shonda