And You Are?

And You Are?

This simple question is a gracious, Southern way of drawing someone new into a conversation. With a warm smile and inclusive tone of voice, it makes a visitor to a group feel welcome.  However, with a smirk and accusatory tone of voice, “And you are!” can have the opposite affect on someone. Either way, it is a question that can cause one to evaluate their true identity or at least the one they want to present. 

And you are?

Through the years I have held multiple titles that describe who I am.  For almost 75 years I’ve been known as a daughter; for 54 years I have been wife; for 50 years I’ve been mother.  I am also sister, Bibby, Aunt Bibby, teacher, consultant, coordinator, bus driver, speaker, vocalist, and friend. I have held official work titles such as retail sales person, Preschool Music Specialist, Regional Chief Facilities Officer, Administrative Assistant, and Financial Aid Officer.  My current title is “retired.”

Our identity can be defined as simply as our name.  To most of my family and friends, I have always been Libby. There were occasions when my parents used Elizabeth Claire and I felt my identity was definitely on the line.  But, when they or my husband, sisters and closest friends say “Lib,” I know all is well. 

Even with all these titles and identities, I have struggled at times with knowing what my purpose really was at the time.   Have you been there too?

We are so busy being that person with a particular title and yet we aren’t sure who we really are and what our purpose is in and out of that role. 

And you are?

Who I am, who you are is so much more than these things though isn’t it.  Who you are, the way you think about yourself, or the way you’re viewed by others all play a part in your identity.  Your character, uniqueness, and distinct personality combine to communicate who you are to others around you. 

I am a child of God!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, my identity is found in Him. My identity is truly based on what the Creator says about His creation. 

His Word says that I am in Christ.  He uses words like adopted, redeemed, and forgiven. There are multiple verses that declare that I was made in His image, that I am to have His likeness, that I was loved and planned for before I was conceived. 

Our true identity as Christ-followers is based on the truth that Almighty God created us to reflect His image to the world that desperately needs that image, and to follow His purpose for our individual lives.  When our identity is based on the truth of God’s Word, we can know with certainty who we are meant to be. 

Based on the truth of God’s Word, we can embrace who we are in all the varying roles of our life and accomplish what God has planned for us. 

And You Are?

If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then your identity and purpose is uniquely designed to be like Him. 

Don’t allow the world to define and determine your feelings and insecurities about who you are.  You can KNOW who you are and walk in that truth. 

So, the next time someone looks at you and asks, “And you are?”, you can boldly identify yourself as a chosen, redeemed, forgiven follower of the Living God.

Who Am I?  I AM A CHILD OF THE KING!