First, it probably is best to filter out what the media tells us and maybe even a few friends. Stop for a moment and give a really good shake…one like a wet dog does to dry off…to fling off all the labels that have been attached to us (knowingly or unknowingly).
- nationality
- race & ethnicity
- the job title
- blog sites & internet user names (i.e. Prairie boy)
- clothing & material items (i.e. Gap Girl)
- toys -boat, car, etc. (i.e. Dodge man)
- the martial status
- the parental status
- for a second our family and family origin
- even put aside our given names
- the 9-digit number the government even gives us to create an identity
- sometimes even our gender
What does this leave us with…is there anything left with the exception of a very nice set of bones covered in tissue & skin…okay we’ll include some hair as well?
Like an old piece of furniture, I needed to see what my real grains looked like underneath the layers of paint. This directed me to the consideration of where did I originate, how did I come about…I mean way back when before all these worldly labels were attached or given?
I find all that is left is a long genetic lineage to one single unique human being...Adam – the first ever created…I found an identity in Adam; one that goes far back before all other labels we find today.
In essence, I found myself stopping on my journey for a moment to backtrack on my pathway to a place that could help me reconnect or perhaps point me…no actually remind me of what my quest is and how my true identity matters in continuing on the path I am headed.
I realized all the above worldly identities were temporal. For instance, my job title…if I lose my job I get a new title elsewhere or perhaps my martial status…if I never married I would have a different status. BUT these things don’t really give me a true identity of who I am…not even my name…that can even be changed. Just as Adam did we all search for significance…ESPECIALLY WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES TURNED IN A NEW DIRECTION THANKS TO SOME FORM OF CRISIS OR CIRCUMSTANCE. Okay just like Adam we all screw up and lose bearings of our true identity from time to time. In my current situation I find myself looking to Adam…before all economics, consumerism, broken relationships and death really entered this world (I guess we should call these the good o’ days)…to remind myself that I am a CREATION - a unique creation – one that has been handcrafted by an amazing CREATOR. Not only that but created in the LIKENESS OF THIS CREATOR…hmmmm…that is humbling to think that I represent in some form and way the Creator of the universe…WOW!
“Let mankind be man in Our image, according to Our likeness”
The answer in finding true identity seems to be found in the QUEST to finding it. Where is your quest taking you and where are you headed? Perhaps backtracking along the pathway may be helpful…it has been for me as I find myself reconnecting with my identity in the likeness of the Creator…I am once again beginning to explore this identity, my purpose, my significance, my security, and a sense of belonging because of this reconnecting. Where will it lead me, I have no idea but at least I can find fulfillment in better understanding my permanent identity rather than being disappointed and "torn apart" but the many temporal ones freely available in this upside down world.
The more you pursue in this world they say the more you will find identity in yourself…
Ironically the less we pursue of this world the more we will find true identity & fulfillment!
