Listen to this column:
Figuring out who you are isn’t easy.
This past Sunday, a parent of one of the players on the AAU girls basketball team I coach called me and asked where I was coming from. I said, “church.”
She said, “My kids ask me to go to church all the time. I just don’t have time to get there.”
That stuck with me. I spend time with a lot of kids your age at practice, at games, and on the road, and I hear the same struggles over and over. Trying to fit in. Trying to figure out where you belong. Trying to figure out who you really are.
That’s why I’m writing this series. Because who you believe you are will shape every decision you make.
A lot of people will try to tell you who you are. Friends, teachers, social media, even your own mistakes. If you’re not careful, you can start to believe them. You can start to see yourself through someone else’s limited view, good or bad, instead of the truth.
This is why my faith matters so much to me. I know my why. I know I’m loved. I know my spirit is eternal. When people cheer me on, I don’t let it go to my head. When they criticize me, I don’t let it crush me. My true audience is God. He’s my North Star.
The Bible says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
You are more than your grades. More than your team. More than your mistakes. You are a child of God. That’s your real identity.
This week, try this:
- Write down one thing you believe God says about you.
- When negative thoughts hit, say that truth out loud.
- Ask yourself: Am I living like I believe that’s true?
You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just start here.
I’m praying for you. Keep The Faith (K.T.F)
Next in the Real Life. Real Faith series: You’re Not Alone.
