Who You Say I Am

My mom always said that I should have been a lawyer. 

Even from a young age, I had an innate ability to explain my reasoning for doing something with a multi-point defense, with the sole purpose of maintaining a reputation as a “good kid,” and to keep myself out of trouble. 

That trait, although prayerfully refined with time and maturity, has followed me into adulthood. I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but if someone lies about me, or misunderstands me - the offense runs deep. You know those people that always walk around talking about how they “don’t care what anyone thinks,” about them? Yeah. Can’t relate. 

No amount of “dust your shoulders off,” or “sticks and stones” mantras could keep me from going to great lengths to correct or fight an incorrect perception or lie with evidence of who I really was. 

The only thing that started to diffuse my need to be my own defense lawyer and publicist at all times, was the revelation that no one lies about me more than I lie about me, to me. Rarely do I fight my own internal dialogue with the same passion that I look to gate-keep others. 

“Not good enough.” “Unlovable.”  Those thoughts flash through my mind unchecked, as I side with myself as the ultimate authority on who I am, even when it’s hurtful. 

When we sing songs like “Who You Say I Am,” it reminds me that I am not the ultimate authority. I am who He says that I am. Anything that I think about myself has to line up with what God thinks of me. If it doesn’t…it’s time to hold court. 

I am “Chosen”. The God of the Universe knows my name. I’m “Not Forsaken,” He hasn’t forgotten about me, and He promises to never leave me. I am His child, and His is the only opinion that matters.