Working with students has made me seen again the enormous influence that peer pressure, media, pop and fashion images exerts on young people in forming a perception of who they are. More often than not embedding in their minds an untrue, false and pseudo view of their identity.
I felt a burden to shed a bit of light on how I discovered my real identity. This is a question begging for answer in the heart of everyone who has not made that ultimate discovery yet- Who am I?
WHO AM I?
This is a genuine and sincere heart-cry of every human, which leads us in search of our identity. This heart-cry comes alive very early on in life, from the moment we become conscious of our sense of personality.
In my quest to discover my true identity, I realised that I came into existence when I was conceived and formed in my mother’s womb. Born into this world, I found myself spontaneously sucked into and stuck in the worldly cycle of life with all its empty, unfulfilling and unsatisfying allure.
Suddenly came that golden moment when I discovered that someone -Jesus died for me and set me free these shallow, futile, purposeless and unfulfilling trappings of life. How amazing it was to discover that it was the same Being –God who formed me in my mother’s womb. Could this be the ultimate clue to knowing who I am?
Yessssh! It was for me.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;” – Jeremiah 1:5
This was the ultimate discovery of my life. It liberated me from peer & group-pressure; media-pop image, fashion, showbiz, celebrity image pressure; and even societal and worldly pressure to conform to who I am intrinsically not.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”- Romans 12:2
My life today has taken a new meaning, full of substance and purpose; with excitement and certainty about the future.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11
For I now know who I truly am, I am a child of God, with a purpose in life and living hope through Christ Jesus with a destiny of eternity with God.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”-John 1:12
It could happen for you too, never again to live in the shadow of your true identity. Never again to wear the pseudo identity being put on you by ill-advised, deceptive and transient influences.
If you will just believe in, and receive Jesus in your heart; and confess His Lordship with your mouth today, you will come into an enduring and eternal discovery of who you truly are, and your life will never be the same again.
Micky, blessed be the Lord for His great intervention and deliverance over your life.
He who the Son-Jesus sets free, shall be free indeed. So shall it be with you in Jesus name- Amen.
Posted by: Akinola Akinyede | Friday, October 12, 2007 at 12:47 PM
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
Posted by: Micky | Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 12:23 PM