True Identity

I am the master of wearing many hats.

I am: Coach Michelle for cheerleading, Baker, Small Group Leader to 10 freshmen girls, Mechelle the Nanny for S and A, Daughter of my parents, Writer for Grace Everyday, Sister to 4 siblings, Best Friend to 12 people, Bible Study Girl on Thursdays, Roommate, Recipe Creator, Sunday School Teacher on Sundays, Meal Planner, Perpetual Bridesmaid, Church Goer, Coffee Drinker, Traveler,  Orphan Lover, Advocate for the Broken, Supporter, Church Attender, Artist, Downtown Resident, Blogger, Crafter, Encourager, Wedding Planner, and probably many more things.

That's me.

Maybe you are a mommy, an office worker, a pet owner, the bill payer, the money maker, a wife, a career woman, a husband, a home owner, the dinner maker, the laundry washer, the taxi driver for your kids, a planner, a student, the nurse, the tired mom of a newborn who just wants a nap, and everything else you are.

And, that's you.

But, is that where we find our identity? Is that all that we think we are? If you and I were take all of those hats off, who would be be? If you were no longer married, if you were no longer a parent, who would you be?

Our true identity is in Christ, alone.

Before you are a wife, mother, sister, employee, coach, or anything you think you are, you are a child of the King.

You are loved by the relentless lover, you are forgiven more than you know, you are known by the God of the universe, and He even calls you by name.

We didn't have to choose Him, He already chose us.

So, take all your hats off, rest in Him, and remember who you really are.

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] (Ephesians 1:4-5 Amplified Bible)

Have a wonderful weekend! M

I am thankful for my parents.

This week as our country celebrates Thanksgiving, my family celebrates a couple other big things.
Friday is my parent's 28th wedding anniversary. Friday is also my 25th birthday.
I am so blessed to have parents who are so committed to each other, to their marriage, and to their God. It is a joy to have parents that still love each other, and enjoy being together. As I am growing up, I realize how rare that is. They are incredible examples of how to have a good, godly marriage.
I had a couple people tell me on different occasions in the past week that God knew what He was doing when He gave them to me. It's true. People have said they wouldn't know what to do with me as their daughter. I have too much adventure in my blood. They wouldn't be able to handle me doing what I do. But my parents can. I know they don't always love my heart for Detroit, Flint, Pontiac, or South America, but they trust in a real God to take care of me. I know every day growing up I have been prayed for. I can only imagine the prayers were more fervent and frequent when I went to South America, alone. I can share my struggles and victories with them. They are my biggest cheerleaders. They encourage me to dream big, and trust God. They are so incredible.
Twenty eight years ago, my dad told my mom that he wanted to wait three years after getting married to have kids. So, God blessed them with a tiny baby girl on their third anniversary. Isn't He good?
So, as family starts to trickle in from out of town, and the stress for many builds, I rejoice in my blessings of family. Knowing that they are exactly who I needed, and only our God could've known that.
Happy day before Thanksgiving. Remember to be thankful. Rejoice in your family, whoever they are, even if they drive you bonkers, they are who God chose for you. :)
Love, M.