who you are

Good morning,

A few weeks back I was watching the story of what Celine Dion is going through currently with her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome. Her story is told through “I am: Celine Dion”. 

If you don’t know about this, it is what it sounds like: stiffening, spasming …. and because she needs to be able to expand her chest to fill her lungs with air for all her singing, it severely limits her. 

It was interesting to hear her talk about how her whole life her voice was her boss. It was the one in charge of her and she followed it. She happily followed it because she was enjoying it so much. 

She is a fighter. She is humorous, endearing and so strong. What I am going to say next is not at all to discount anything she is going through. This would be devastating to so many of us if we were battling through this. Many have battled through, or are currently dealing with equally difficult challenges. I will never judge that. At least I hope it doesn’t come across as that.

But, I couldn’t help but notice how she, and most of us,  find our identity in something we do, something we think is “who we are”. If that is taken away for whatever reason, we are dashed on the cliffs in our spirits and emotions. That is, unless we come to the understanding that who we really are is so much more than what we do. Even with Celine, I thought, “You are so much more than a powerful voice! You have so many other gifts!” The film showed her love with her sons, her interactions with people and her thoughtfulness. She is more than her voice. YOU are more than whatever you think you have to do in order to go on, move forward, have joy in this life.

It is so marvelous to know that God gives us each unique gifts that we get to use in the world. We SHOULD use them. But He also has given us our identity and it is not in the unique gift. It is an identity in Him. We are His beloved children. We are chosen, set apart, new creations, Kings and Queens in His Kingdom, and so much more. 

It seems that when we put all our eggs in the basket of our unique gifting, we will eventually be disappointed. But, if we have gratitude for exactly what is happening because it is revealing God’s perfect love for us, then we don’t have to be disappointed. We can see that all things are working together for His perfect plan and will. 

“Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23

Reflection: Is there any shift that needs to happen in my heart, mind, soul or spirit to grasp my true identity? Do I live for my gifting or do I allow God to lead me in what His will is for me?