Identity

I have something exciting to share with you guys:)

I was recently interviewed by Jacob over on the blog, Lone Star Inspirations. And yesterday he posted the interview! So if you want to read a little more about Yours Truly, head on over there! And thanks, Jake, for wanting to interview me!

So. I’m a sucker for Buzzfeed. I spend waaaay too much time there. Catching up on everything from news, to celebrity gossip, to Disney quizzes, to the occasional random cat video.

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I mean, I need to reevaluate my usage of spare time!

But anyways, I happened upon something rather interesting yesterday. And that was Dictionary.com’s “Word of 2015.”

I won’t go into the Oxford Dictionary’s choice of word…or rather, nonword. They chose an emoji. Yes, you read that right — they chose the “laughing with tears of joy” emoji.

*Facepalm*

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But Dictionary.com chose a different word. One that I think reveals a lot about where we are right now as a society: They chose the word identity.

Identity.

Which, honestly reflects where our culture is right now. From Caitlyn Jenner, to the clash of political ideologies from Bernie, Hillz, or Trump, to the “selfie” culture that is overtaking the often-times suffocating influence of social media, to the popularity of shows like “Girls” or “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” or “New Girl,” where we can see bits of ourselves in the struggling ingenue trying desperately to find herself in the world.

We are a people who are searching for our identity.

This is something that I know all too well.

After embracing recovery from anorexia, I had to figure out just that. Who am I?

Before that dark period of my life, my identity was pretty solidified. I played sports in high school. Dated the captain of the football team. Straight A’s. Did acting all my life. I knew who I was — or rather, who I thought I was supposed to be. And maintaining that “identity” was quite literally killing me.

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Anorexia for me was a way to press the big red “emergency stop button” on a tread mill that was flying at high speed. I was out of control, trying to hold up these impossible standards, and the only way out was to quit by default.

And for the next 2 years, I battled with ED. And it was apparent. Unlike other mental illnesses, you wear your disease on your body. At 78 pounds, I was a walking bill board that I am not well.

And sadly, that became my identity.

I had lost the light behind my eyes. My passions. My personality. My heart for people. I lost who I was.

So when I finally recovered and began putting the pieces of my life back together, the hardest part was figuring out who this new girl is.

  
Figuring out who I am. My identity on the other side of this hellish hurricane of anorexia.

Who am I?

And I’m going to be honest, I am still figuring out who that is.

Every week, I feel like I discover something new about who I am, or remember something about that girl I “used to be” before anorexia came in like a freight train and destroyed any healthy concept of self.

For example, just tonight, I remembered how much I love just dancing. I know, so stereotypical.

“I just wanna dance!”

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But I can’t tell you how much fun I had turning on the Justin Bieber spotify station and dancing. By myself. Flipping my hair like a goddess in a hair commercial.

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But I digress.

Putting the pieces back together after a big life change, is hard. Whether it’s after an eating disorder, losing a loved one, changing schools, losing a job, getting rejected by peers, or just trying to figure out who you are in this ever-changing, confusing, and scary world. Finding your identity is tough.

Though I may still be discovering and remembering things about myself — I mean, really it is a life long journey, whether you’re in recovery or not — there is one thing that has been paramount.

And that is finding my identity first in how God sees me.

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Claiming the truth that I am His daughter. That I am loved. Loved so fiercely that Jesus would die for me.

That is the foundation of my identity.

Knowing that and claiming that is what got me out of that hurricane. He helps me put the pieces back together.

  
I know I don’t have to have it all figured out right now. That’s the beauty of our Father: He is patient. And will always take care to restore his children and reveal to us our identity in Him. He says that I am good. That I am worthy. Enough. And so I trust the Author of life.

Our society today, frankly it’s a hot mess. And it all stems from people striving to figure out their identity. Craft who they are. Be their own author of a life, worthy of a “best seller” list.

So honestly, it comes as no surprise that identity is the Word of 2015.

But it’s not my word. My identity is clear: I am His.

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232 responses to “Identity”

  1. Awesome! Good words! I have a real passion for this topic, since so many issues in life seem to grow from a crisis of identity. You put it simply and awesomely 🙂

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  2. Amen!!! I read through it twice and the second reading is a revelation. It’s so hard to cement down an identity when it is through the ever changing and judgmental eyes of the world – rather than through the eyes of a loving savior. It’s easy to forget that when so many labels are placed on the individual, what they wear, how they style (or don’t) their hair.
    And how cool to be interviewed miss celebrity! Whoa!!! So exciting! Were you nervous???

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    • Thank you so much! Aw:) I’m glad it resonated with you! You’re right-we need to see through the eyes of our savior. Hah you’re funny. It was really fun! Hope you have a great night xox

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      • Great that you have found your identity in God, that must give you such a sense of security to have faith like that. I’m not sure where I am with God at the moment I have always believed but now I am not sure. But I think I see my identity in my recovery from my various mental health problems and addictions including a 30 year eating disorder. I have achieved sanity for the first time in my life and am happier and more peaceful than I have ever been. I believe in the way that has got me to this place – better than I have ever been in my life – which has been a combination of 12 Step recovery and therapy and medication. I have prayed a lot in my recovery and it has really helped me I am just in something of a spiritual crisis at the moment.

      • Hi Caroline! I am so glad that you’re feeling and happy and peaceful. That is so so great. It has always been a comfort for me when I’ve felt a little distant to know that God never wavers. He is always there with open arms just waiting for me to accept His embrace:) will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers:) sending hugs and love, you beautiful warrior☺️

  5. I loved reading this. And it resonated so strongly with me. It is so true that one of the biggest parts of recovery from an eating disorder is discovering who you really are. This is the journey that I’m currently on. And while it was so unexpected, I am learning to love it and me. Heading over to look at the interview now. Congratulations.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this – and it was an honest interview . It is also great you have found your identity in Christ- how valuable is this to be daughter of most powerful person . Now you are a new creation in Him as old has gone. Taste and see the Lord is good .

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  8. “My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.”
    ― Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

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  9. Okay, this will likely get lost in the hoard of replies you always (and justifiably) get, but…coming from the opposite end of the age spectrum, I know exactly what you mean. In fact, I think most of “A Bipolar Life” and “Turning 60” had to do with the train wreck that destroyed my sense of identity. My son even said, last summer, “Mom, you need to rediscover who you are.”

    Your dancing parallels my rediscovering the music I love. My children used to say, “Mom you need to chill and listen to some music.” But, I couldn’t remember what music I liked. Somewhere during this move, I remembered. And I not only found it, I discovered that I know the words, the riffs and runs, the syncopations, and even the dance moves.

    This rediscovering my identity has been huge. Plus, I have simplified my life and pared things down to focus on half a dozen areas. And that’s all.

    You see, I don’t have 60 or more years left to rediscover myself. I will consider myself fortunate if I have 10 to 15. (I’m hoping God is pleased with the work I’m doing and will allow me to enjoy my new happiness for a while.)

    You’re doing fine, dearest. You’ve survived and you’re thriving. You’re doing God work…the noblest, most exemplary work their is. And allow yourself the free time to watch the buzzfeeds because that is your culture…the culture of your generation…and it it because of that familiarity of culture that makes your writing so relevant and absorbable for your peers.

    You have arrived at exactly where you need to be….here, now.

    God bless you, sweetheart.

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    • Hi Kitsy, my goodness what a beautiful comment. Thank you so much for just giving me a big hug and note of encouragement. It really means a lot. I am so happy for you that you’ve found that vibrance for life. And how awesome that it was through music! I absolutely love love love music. It awakens part of my soul, which I tHink you can attest to. You enjoy that new happiness, Kitsy. You deserve it! Sending big hugs and love xox

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  10. Great post 🙂 I saw your interview and I left a reply on that site to some the questions you answered 🙂 I also left another reply to the guy who conducted the interview because he deserved a lot of credit too for the questions 🙂 If you want to see the two replies I left on the site, by my guest 🙂 Identity has always been an important issue and while it has always been a big issue of any century, it is (as you imply) an even bigger one for the 21st century. Everyday one walks abound wondering If people do the things they do because they feel they need to as opposed to actually wanting to do it. People really need to feel happy with themselves (I love that smiling and dancing Brad Pitt image) 🙂 That image was from The Coen Brothers 2008 comedy Burn After Reading 🙂 But back to the topic at hand, only we know what makes oneself happy and as you imply be your own person. I could go on, but you have created another masterful blog entry 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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    • Hi John! Oh awesome! I can wait to go read what you wrote! Oh haha I didn’t actually know what it was from-I just knew Brad + dancing = ❤️😍😂 thank you for such a kind note of positivity and support. Your friendship means the world! Hugs and love xox

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  11. Wonderful words as always. Please keep writing this way, I’m sure you are having a much greater impact than you realize. I’ve not shared this before but I had an ED when I was a teenager, and your work resonates with me so much. Peace.

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  13. I’m not sure this is what you were necessarily getting at, BBB, but I think you nailed something. I think what’s wrong with society today is the emphasis on identity. People are so focused on who I am, on what makes ME unique, that we create these factions in society. I’m white, I’m black, I’m Asian, I’m transgender, female, male, conservative, liberal, …, blah blah blah. Look – I get that people are from different backgrounds and ethnicities and such, but as you sort of said about yourself: what we are is basically nothing. Who cares what or who we are if we don’t realize that we are all created in the likeness of God. Rightt? Like our bodies are just temporary. There are no black souls, no liberal souls, no American souls, no fat souls. You nailed our identity, and does that make us bland or boring because we are all the same? Noo because that identity is the greatest thing we can possibly identify as

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    • Hi MM! What a thought provoking perspective. Thank you for sharing this. You’re right-we need to identify first as children of God. That’s what brings us all together. What makes us truly family. And yes that’s the greatest thing🙌 thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Love this. It’s so easy to get on a treadmill of success and pride in our accomplishments. It takes much more bravery to jump off and go down the unique path God has chosen for us. You are his and he made you uniquely you for a reason.:)

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  15. I don’t know what the old you was like but I like the you I know today.It took until late in my second year of recovery to like who I had become and it was about the same time that I came to believe ..thanks again

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  16. SERIOUSLY THE LAUGHING SO HARD I’M CRYING EMOJI??!?! Honestly I use the donut one so much more 😉 Or the monkey covering it’s eyes hahaa

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    • Hahah I know!! I’m with you on the monkey emoji. That’s my fav! Followed by a close second with the party ghost. 👻 The donut emoji–that is a solid choice my friend 👍👍👍 Have a beautiful night Ellie! hugs and love!

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  20. You’ve touched something deep with this one. Many of us have times in our lives when we have to learn who we are in a new light — after divorce, bankruptcy, loss of a long-term job, being swindled out of our life savings, suffering a devastating chronic illness. I’ve had a few of these. You did a good job of describing it.

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    • Thank you Melhpine. That really means a lot. You’re right. We all have different “things” that force us relearn who we are. I’m sorry you’ve experienced this. But I’m glad you’ve made it through to the other side. ❤️ hugs and love cox

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  22. This is so so timely for me as I’m going through a crisis in my life. The past year has challenged me and I’ve recently made a huge change in my life that’s felt as though it’s torn my heart apart. So much soul searching lately. But I know I’m on the right path, don’t quite know where I’m going but I know that I just have to keep moving. Trying to figure out who I am, my purpose and direction. Thanks for reminding me that I’m not alone. Wonderful post. Peace and hugs to you as you continue your journey.

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  23. You have such a big heart, bbb. You always have something new and wise to say. I am amazed by you. I appreciate all the love toward my own rather one-dimensional blog. Thank you.

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  24. I’ve been writing about the different aspects of my own blog (noticed you’ve been reading it sometimes too,thanks! ). So your post really resonated with me today. Founding our identity in Him is first and foremost. I’m glad to hear your discovering who you are in joyful healthy ways. Blessings!

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  25. You’re so right! I know some people who are still trying to find who they are in there 50s. It’s easy to let society to define us in limited boxes, and spend our lives struggling to meet the standards of others. But what a blessing when we finally get in tune with the Creator’s ultimate design for us…So freeing! Thank God, his ways are not our ways…They are much better. Be blessed.
    -Stasie

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    • Thank you so much! You’re right-they try to put us in a box and force us to meet impossible standards. Amen to that-seeing ourselves the way God sees his children is so freeing. Thanks for stopping by Stasis! Hugs xox

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  26. It takes a very long time for someone to find themselves. It’s like once think you got it, you start to question yourself on if that is really you. Are you being persuaded by other people’s judgements. Like how long will it take me to figure out who I am .

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  29. I’ve tried to do Gifs in the past and can’t. 😣 this post was good. It was deep. It got me thinking about my identity, and my struggles of desporatly seeking just that. Inspiring on so many levels. Do you mind if I reblog this post when I’m ready to post the beautiful inspiration you just provoked?

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  31. I absolutely LoVE this post! I am 48 years old, and learn more and more every day about myself as I grow closer to God. It took me a long time to be comfortable with just me and who I am. I didn’t know who I was, or wanted to be until I hit my 30’s. I don’t know about the old you, but i definitely like this new you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless us!

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  32. Beautiful post. I love the end ‘I am his’ -I’m not even religious at all and I get what you are saying. You have the identity you want and it is a forever evolving process. I need new interests and I think buzz feed needs to be a new one. 🙂 x

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    • Hi Daisy! Aw thank you so much:) you’re right-a forever evolving process. Haha oh gosh- fair warning: once you start buzzfeed, you can’t stop! 😂😂😂 thanks for reading friend! Have a beautiful day xox

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  33. I appreciate your honesty and yes, it is hard to keep going because the enemy will try to harass you. Without going into detail, have you gone back to the cause of the anorexia? A christian psychologist can help you do that so that complete healing can occur. Rebuke the temptation,repent any sins,praise and thank the Lord everyday and believe that by Jesus’ stripes you have been healed. That means that He took all our brokenness and iniquities to the cross so that we may be free of them. Put on your spiritual armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) for protection . God bless.

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    • Hi there! Thank you for this wonderful reflection. Yes, I have done a lot of work with Christian counselors about just that. And you’re right. It definitely helps. But more than any councilor or therapist, Jesus has been doing the brunt of the work on my heart:) thanks for reading! Hugs xox

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  34. Claiming the truth that I am His daughter. That I am loved. Loved so fiercely that Jesus would die for me.

    My identity is clear, I am His

    These words speak to me deep inside me.

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  35. I’m not sure the “hot mess” this society is in all comes down to folks trying too figure out who they are — I might wonder if it’s folks who can think of no one or nothing BUT themselves — but that is surely a part of it. Thanks for the interesting post.

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  36. What solid truth, you are a child of the living God. Your identity begins and ends in Christ! So thankful you are on the other side of anorexia and standing strong on your rock!
    ❤️ Paula Nebel

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  37. About Oxford Dictionary ‘word of the year’: the REAL staff were HORRIFIED! It was a publicity/marketing idea … I know this ‘cos my husband works at OUP and we have known that place forever. It’s moved from being really old fashioned in the 1970’s to being v up to date, but that emoji idea was way to stupid to do. It was a big marketing MISTAKE most people thought. Thankfully even some young Americans like you agree 🙂 How stupid can publicity/marketing be?
    On identity: all to true. And the ‘success’ which is expected of young people so often leads into a downward spiral like eating disorders or worse: that is an Oxford thing as well … so many parents here see ‘success’ in those terms, teach that to their kids (if not by words by some kind of osmosis) and educational/financial success is seen as the only form of happiness. How wrong they are. Thanks for your blog, it’s nice and thoughtful as well as honest.
    My novels are partly about a typical Oxford family … they have 2 teen girls now … maybe those girls should be questioning these assumptions!

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    • Oh my gosh how interesting! Yeah, I would have to agree. And yes! We need to realize that success in those terms is not the be all, end all. Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox

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  40. This is a fantastic article and I love the moving photos! I love it so much that I’d like to share it on Google + but I am asking your permission first. Thanks for a great read and have a blessed weekend. xx

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  42. I always enjoy your blog posts. I wish I could think of such wonderful topics. At the age of 38 (39i in a week!!!) Im finding my identity once again. Ive changed after having an Eating disorder..or rather at its worst as I will always have it , I just dont let it win, then after becoming a Mum, then a Mum of special needs children, and now my biggest change is that all of my children go to school and I am having to find out who I am after being a full time Mum for nearly 15 years. I am also discovering God after being a non believer my whole life.

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    • Hey Sam! Oh thanks so much:) Happy early birthday! Thank you for sharing this. I’m sorry that you’ve wrestled with ED. How awesome that you’ve been able to have children! That’s amazing. My fertility is still unclear and I’m praying that one day I will be able to have kids. Thanks for reading. And don’t forget to give yourself some grace. You’re doing great❤️ hugs and love xox

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  43. I was amazed how God spoke to me through your post. Additionally, and initially referred to as a mistaken click- but let’s be honest there are no coincidences, just Divine Appointments- He also had me watch a movie included on Amazon Prime talking on identity… identity in Christ.
    It is Sing Over Me by Dennis Jernigan- a man who’s music I love but never heard of nor his struggles. It is a very profound and moving testimony as well.
    One of my favorite verses and the reason behind my username…

    2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
    17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
    Thank God for the freedom I have in Him. Thank you for being vulnerable and telling your story! We each have our struggles and imperfections but the beauty in that is no one else has it either and we can work towards perfecrion in Christ together. I realize I was looking for affirmation in people and not my Father.
    Blessings and His Peace upon you, sister and fellow daughter of the King- have a great day!

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    • Hi friend! Oh thank you so much!! I’m so glad it resonated with you. I’ll definitely have to check that film out! Amen to that. God is so good. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  44. “I know I don’t have to have it all figured out right now. That’s the beauty of our Father: He is patient. And will always take care to restore his children and reveal to us our identity in Him. He says that I am good. That I am worthy. Enough. And so I trust the Author of life.”

    Beautifully put. I think you’re getting there. 🙂 Blessings.

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  46. I think the identity question covers a lifetime. I thought I knew who I was, then I didn’t, then I did again….as nauseum. Even as to what sort of follower I am of Jesus. Ever seeking, ever learning. So thanks for the email chain earlier this week!

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    • Hi Jeff! Thanks for this thoughtful insight. You’re right-we’re in a constant state of evolving and growing and learning. That’s the beauty of life. But how comforting to know that no matter what, we have a foundation in Christ. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you’re having a great day! Hugs and love xox

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      • I am! You too! I just finished reading your interview and enjoyed it very much. Here’s hoping you can eventually do something with your manuscript. It likely has the potential to be helpful to many people! Have a blessed weekend!

  47. I finally understand why your blog is named beauty beyond bones. I never did think the skeleton was particularly handsome. I started drawing anatomy when I was in fifth grade, and the muscles weren’t too bad, but still a little weird. The skull wasn’t too bad, though. There was one image I copied of the skull and neck muscles with the chin rising high, exposing the muscles in their full grandeur. It was exquisite! I hope you figure out who you are. It saddens me to think of you looking like a skeleton looking in the mirror with those big dark holes where eyes should go staring back at you trying to fill you with more holes. beauty beyond bones. I finally get it. Ha! Sorry. I’m a little slow. Tortoise and the hare, you know.

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    • Haha no worries! I’m glad you got it! Yeah, it’s from a verse in Ezekiel where there are these brittle dry broken bones in the desert and God breathes life into them and they come to life! And by George that’s my story! Hehe thanks for reading! Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Hugs and love xox

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      • Oh gosh, I don’t know! It sounds like I need to study up more! That book is so hard to get a grasp of. I’ve tried to study it, but wow there is so much imagery and symbolism that is so complex.

      • 7:1-2, 9:14-15. It’s supposed to be that way, you know. It wouldn’t be any fun to read if it weren’t. I just love the book of Revelation. It seems more like fantasy than reading the law of Moses. Boy, if the likes of Leviticus and how to wear the ephod and the robes and where to put the pomegranates and trumpets were all we had, I would get bored!

      • Yeeaaa, you don’t have to read any of that, Beebs. It’s probably best for a Halloween night, but if you do muster up the courage, there are a few things to consider (don’t drown in too deep of waters.) Song of Moses and Manna you can look up in the books of Moses. The four creatures are explained just a little bit more by Ezekiel. You’re probably already aware that much of the same themes carry through the writings of Moses into Psalms and finally, heavily into Isaiah. These also will be used amply in the book of Revelation. Of course, latter Isaiah would probably be one of the best resources for understanding the main character of the book of Revelation (particularly, chs. 5 and 19)–you know, the guy dressed in red–as also Isaiah 63 and 59– but Zechariah also lends to many details in 11-13. Jeremiah (particularly 31:31-37) and Ezekiel (particularly 34), though lesser in meaty material, contain certain precious parts not to be left out. Daniel explains so many things (chapter 7, primarily). They should really be companion books, Revelation and Daniel. I wish I knew how to understand the book of Revelation, maybe you can write it all up so I can have it, too. In my studies I have tried to understand the main character. That seems to have helped my focus in the study. I dunno, maybe that won’t work for you, but it did for me.

      • What I most remember about the revelations isn’t even in the book of Revelation but comes from Isaiah talking about in the big Armageddon battle there will be so many dead that it will take 7 months to bury them. Some of it all sounds like nuclear holocaust for how Isaiah talks of the 70 years that Babylon will not be given life back. She will only whimper the song of a whore. I kinda remember that song from Vegas. Kinda repulsive when a couple girls offer you what’s most precious in existence for money, you turn them down, and (you’d think they’d thank me), but their song really is quite astonishingly wounding. My favorite, though, is how Isaiah talks about displaying the dead in such a manner as to give the opponents of Zion something to look at should they dare challenge Zion or her strength. Best of all…well, I better stop there. I kinda have a diahrrea of the mouth disease that I got when I was a missionary, so…I better leave it at that.

  48. Nice word for the year, and I do believe it is apt. Personally, I prefer the word unique, as God created us to be unique and able to fulfill his plan(s) for our life. We are all God’s treasures. One of my friends once told me something important which your words brought to my mind. At a time when my family was going through a tragedy that knocked the breath away to the point where nothing was normal, and I prayed every single day just for the strength to get through that particular day, my friend who had experienced a similar tragedy in her childhood told me that eventually things would settle down into a “new normal” it wouldn’t be the old “normal” but we would adjust and have a new normal. I can’t tell you how much I clung to my friends words while we were in the upheaval. The other thing was to continually remind myself that I needed to maintain my Christianity while going through that “Job experience.” Some times the only thing that can get you through something is relationship with God. I am so happy that you identify yourself with Him.

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    • Hi friend. Wow that is an astute word of advice from your friend. Have very true. Amen to that. Being in a relationship win God will get you through whatever life throws our way. Thanks for this thoughtful reflection. Hugs and Love xox

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  49. Thank you so much for sharing this! It is freeing to be reminded that its ok to still be figuring me out! God is so good and patient with me. Blessings on you! <3

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  51. Identity…hmmm. I’ve spent my life thinking about my identity and realising that it’s quite easy to believe the identity that people force onto you.

    It must have been hard to keep hold of yourself when you were 78 pounds. Everyone would have been pushing their ideas on your identity onto you.

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      • I want for more and more family in Christ to believe this–our identity is truly in HIM.

        Can you imagine how radiantly the Body will shine with this revelation spreading like a wildfire throughout the members?

        Your voice in Christ, BBB, adds fuel to a glorious fire! Woooo!!!!

      • Hey JT! amen to that. Our identity is absolutely in him! It would be a wildfire! Totally out of control! Aw thank you for this. Your comments always make me smile. Hope you’re having a great weekend! Hugs and love xox

      • Praise God! BBB, I really believe when we communicate here, it’s like via His Spirit, we are connected beyond the physical and in Him it’s like we’ve always known each other.

        You make me go, “Abba, check out my sister! She is awesome!” And my heart is full of joy.

        I am so thankful you are alive–and alive in Him, beloved!

        Enjoying a blessed weekend–hope you are too 🙂

      • Hey again friend! Oh my gosh I’m so glad you feel this too! I so agree. It’s like we’ve been friends for a long time! ❤️ aw you are the sweetest. Thank for such beautiful words! I am so grateful for your friendship too! Hope you’re having an awesome weekend! Hugs xox

  54. Instead of looking at people as: this drunk, this homeless person, this beggar… What if we saw them as our brothers and sisters, under God? We’d treat them differently, I would surmise… Well wishes to you!

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  55. Another beautifully written post. I am in the midst of recreating my identity according to what really moves me and in alignment with my passion. I find myself hesitating whenever I think I’ve found what I am meant to do with my life–I have so much self-doubt. Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking my post, for if you had not I would never have found your wonderful blog. I hope to read many more insightful and uplifting pieces.

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    • Thank you so much! Oh gosh I feel you on the self doubt and figuring out what to do with my life! I find comfort know though that I don’t have to have it all figured out this very moment. And I trust that one way or another, I’m gonna end where I’m supposed to be 🙂 hugs and love So glad you stopped by xox

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  56. Girl, yes. Preach. The simplicity in which you convey complex things is pretty amazing.. I saw your heart and my own heart in this story. For a long time , my identity unfortunately was tied to my past of sexual abuse and that consumed me…after I was just so angry and insecure, basically I never felt good enough or loved until some miracles that made me believe I am more than what happened , more than my mistakes and my weaknesses… That that does not define my identify…anyway, ah thank you for this, it really touched me. God bless you : )

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    • Hi friend, thank you for sharing this. I’m so sorry that you had endure that. And that someone did not respect and cherish the precious gift you are. Know that you did not deserve that. Sending a big hug through the screen. And Amen to that-you ARE more than what happened to you. I’m glad this resonated with you. Thank you for your kind words. Hugs and love friend xox

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  57. And yes!! Like you, that is exactly my identity now…I am His…”no power of hell or scheme of man can ever pluck me from his hand…for I am His and he is mine …bought with the precious love of Christ” 🙂

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  58. So true! If our identity is not founded on Christ then we will always be searching for something to satisfy us in the way that only He can.

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  60. ‘In him we live and move and have our being’
    Knowing you are his is your, ‘live’, your communication gift that blesses so many is your ‘move’ for the present, unfolding, is your future ‘being’ in him. Stay open to possibilities. God Bless

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  61. the greatest news is you are one of a kind. unique. no other will ever exist like you. so in essence there is no competition for you. our Father fashioned you special. a daughter of a King… highly prized and loved. an absolutely beautiful spirit and soul made in His image to reflect His glory. your priceless in His beautiful eyes of passion… amen in Jesus name.

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  64. I can relate to ALL. OF. THIS. Except… dating a football player, being athletically-inclined, AND being a rockstar at acting, haha! I am a heart-on-my-sleeve type of person and I’m rather blunt, so acting never appealed to me. Have you read “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult?

    Also, I love that you staunchly point out that your primary “identity” comes from our Creator!!! Call Catholicism what you will, naysayers, but our faith is enough for us. We have seen Him truly work in our lives, and we can trust that He will never abandon us. We are carved on the palm of His hand!

    Happy you stumbled upon my second post ever, because I found you! I am looking forward to reading more of your thoughts. Thanks for being courageous enough to share your identity here with us. xo bblv

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    • Hi friend! Aw thank you so much! Haha you’re funny ❤️ I haven’t read that book! I’m not a huge reader but I’m trying to change that! Amen to that! God is good and what a comfort to know that we’re in the palm of his hand! Thanks for reading! Looking forward to reading more from you! Hugs and love xox

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  65. Glad you liked this re-post “Sin Has Been Done Away With!” from ptm.org! You can go there to find out more about their ministry! Lee(apauper2)

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  67. I love this! I personally believe that identity is one of the struggles we have most in our culture as well–and that it especially leads to mental illness. It’s easy to fall into depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder if you don’t know you are God’s. When we took our students to winter camp, our theme was “Who I Am,” and the verse was 1 Peter 2:9. We are chosen, royalty, holy, God’s, and called!

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    • Hi Emily! Thank you so much for this kind note! What a cool experience you provide for your students! I wish I could have gone when I was younger! ☺️☺️ thanks for stopping by! Hugs xox

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  72. Thank you for sharing your story. Mine was alcohol, but similar results. If God hadn’t stepped into my life , I would have ended it. Now I’m allowed to Pastor a group of people with troubled backgrounds but beautiful futures, thanks Jesus saving love. Good Bless you and your journey. David

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  73. Amen. This post gave me a new perspective on where I’m at. I’ve been “recalibrating” who I am & what I do. A big part of that is stripping away every identity except that I belong to Jesus. Where things’ll go from there is up to Him, I guess 🙂 Blessings!

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  75. Reblogged this on Rareity and commented:
    You know, we spend our entire lives searching for who we are. Our identity. When I read this post, it stirred so much reaction within me. For one, “Who am I? The question we ask ourselves often. Unless we define ourselves, we are nothing right? As goes for the saying, “You cannot find your dream job, unless you create it.”
    To me, identity is your personality, your surroundings, your family, your traditions, your culture, job, and friends. Every factor that you can think of, comes together creating your identity. If you’re an actress like my favorite blogger Beautybeyondbones then you know the everyday life of an actor/actress is not an easy one. Many, struggle with substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and much more. Why? Because in the dog eat dog world you eat, shit, and sleep what they tell you and want you to do. If your body is just a few pounds off from the way they want it, you must lose the weight. If you’re going to perform a full nude scene like cerci from Game of Thrones, your gonna HAVE to work your bottom off just to look the part. When I think of actor and actresses and the term identity I think of the fact that for so many years you are portrayed certain way. Some fans cannot differentiate that your character is not really who you are. That alone can create an identity battle. Don’t get me started on the friendship value for them either. Being famous might look fun, but in all reality if does honestly affect how people treat you. You never know when a friend is really a foe. I mean, really though aren’t we all struggling with that one? You get my point.
    To me, I’ve struggled all my life to find mine. Why? Try being born into a musically talented family, starting your life off musically inclined, but also being quite the crafty writer. The day college came around and it came to picking my major… The sirens went up. “What the heck do I want to do with myself.” Thankfully psychology seemed interesting enough to study for six years. However, as I mentioned two posts ago in, “Did she really say that?” Some of us struggle forever, to never truly find out who we are. A true shame.
    Next time you are struggling, or having an identity crisis, stop, take in a breath, and head to the mirror. Look yourself right in the eyes, and make your soul ask, “Who am I” because honestly…without realizing it, we already know.
    Thanks Beautybeyondbones for allowing me to reblog this. If I’m wrong in any way, please let me know. I might cry a little bit (kidding) but I’ll be alright 😉

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  76. As I read through your post on “My Identity”, one of your exquisitely crafted posters spoke directly to me:”Imperfection is a form of freedom.” I added “Therefore, I am free to be me!” Thanks so much for your insight expressed so magnificently in your artwork.

    Thanks also for the likes on Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe.

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  78. This is great! I just wrote a paper for my theology class about Purpose and posted it to my site. So it was cool reading your thoughts on it as well!

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  81. Reblogged this on Light-bites For Your Heart and commented:
    I’m loving this lady’s posts so much. Do you remember I recently posted a blog entitled, “Women Who I Admire?” Well this lady is one out of the three I briefly mentioned.

    I was actually going to do a review on her last, but she is grieving and my heart goes out to her so much, that I thought it more fitting to pop her in second. She is an overcomer of that dreadful illness Anorexia Nervosa and she has just lost a friend to the same disease.

    Yet even in grief, her articles are so inspiring.

    I may reblog another two, or I may just let you nip over to her site and read them for yourself. Have a blessed day. xxx

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  82. I can relate to this, I think everyone can. My search for identity seems to come on and off, one day I feel like I know something about who I am, and the next I feel lost again. But I have found the most security in God’s identity for me, it’s a long process to accept it, but once you start, I think there’s no going back– And I like dancing a lot too.

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  83. So, I’ve been “holding” this in my inbox for obviously quite some time–knowing that it would be a good read but other things in life happened and it took me until just now to sit down and enjoy the post. Of course, God’s timing is always right on and it spoke into my life … I love the line, “He says that I am good. That I am worthy. Enough. And so I trust the Author of life.” I am realizing after my mom’s death, how broken and fragile I am and yet God is using this time of grieving to show me who I really am …to Him. Thanks for writing real ! Your posts are so encouraging ! Keep writing …keep walking it out with Jesus ! He’s working through you in big ways!

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    • Thank you so much for this reflection, Joy. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you. You’re right-God can use even pain to grow and transform us. I’m glad this resonated with you in a meaningful way. Sending such big big hugs to you my friend. Xox

      Reply

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