Who Are You?

Who Are You? by Lori Payne, LPC-S

As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of how very fleeting life is here on earth. None of us likes to think about death and therefore we are many times ill-prepared when we are forced to deal with our own mortality. Can you think of losses you have faced in this past year? Maybe the loss of a loved one or friend, or a cherished pet? Perhaps the loss of a job or house? Loss comes in many forms - - we can lose physical
things and people, but we can also lose ourselves. “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?”1 In our fast-paced, “me-first” society, we too often lose sight of what is
important. Moreover, we rarely slow down long enough to look in the mirror and see our real selves. I often give my clients an assignment to look in the mirror and write down what they see. I am always amazed at some of the insights they have when they are alone with themselves. It is not uncommon for someone to say
they see someone who is lost or that they don’t even know who it is they see. Take a moment to see yourself, really see yourself – who do you see? Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say I am?”2 Now that is the important question. If you look in the mirror and you don’t see Jesus reflected, it’s time to take a seat at Jesus’ feet and learn whose you are. Through the losses I have encountered this year, it has caused me to stop and reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of making each moment count. Most importantly, to know that I am who I was created to be and that I will leave a legacy of Christ-likeness. People will not remember
how much money you had, what nice things you owned, or the accomplishments of your career – in the end, they will remember you. Are you satisfied with who you are right now or have you lost yourself in the cares of this world? The road to finding yourself can be a long and winding one or a short straight shot. The long and winding road has many detours, pot holes, and forks in the road. These often include giving ourselves away to things that destroy us – lies, addictions, depression, anger, greed, and so many others. The short, straight road leads to the foot of the cross. When we lay down who we think we are and surrender, it is then that we truly find our identity – in Christ. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.”3 Rather than lose yourself to empty things, find yourself – your true self- in Christ. When you do, you will see just how loved and precious you are. But it doesn’t end there. As you find yourself, take a look beside you, behind you, in front of you – and help someone see themselves too. Life comes at you quickly and before you know it, the end has come. Examine your life and who you are. Think about the legacy you want to leave. Will yours touch a generation and inspire others to find out whose they are? If not, pray for eyes to see yourself as God sees you ….and then catch His vision. 1 Matthew 15:26 (NLT)2 Matthew 16:15 (NLT)3 Galatians 2:19, 20 (NLT)

[Originally written November 2008]