Who am I?

What a profound, personal question.

Have you ever been asked this question and instantly drew a blank? Then the blank turns into deep thought, and the deep thought turns into doubt, or insecurity?

Well this very thing happened to me the other day when I was asked, “Who are you, who is Tanika?”

Although I’m aware that I have many qualities and strengths, for some reason answering that question precisely was difficult for me. As I thought and prayed about it for a day or so, I realized one thing – I haven’t given myself enough credit! Not in the sense of pride or boasting, but realizing that God has given me gifts! He has intentionally placed me in positions, situations, and leadership to sharpen and grow those gifts – and when I look back on these opportunities I realize that I’ve embraced each one.  By God’s grace I’ve seized each opportunity.

So, how does this have anything to do with the initial question, “Who am I?”

Let me tell you.

Who you are is the sum of all the life experiences you have, the places you’ve been, the relationships you have with the people you know and love (mother, friend, son, cousin), who you are is character you reflect, the morals you carry, the truth you stand on, the fruit you bear. You are not the sum of your doubts; specifically those doubts that pertain to the person you want to become, the things you want to accomplish, and the places you want to go.  Let us not give up on the process of becoming the future who you are.

Most importantly, who you are – your identity – is found in Jesus. Who you are is a Child of God – a child of the King! He made you in His image, He has called you blessed, the head and not the tail, above only and never beneath (Due 28:13), you are perfectly crafted with gifts and talents for such a time as this!

So after I thought about the core reason for my doubt and where it stemmed from – I decided I was not going to sell myself short and my God given calling. I was not going to stop! I am not going to allow myself to be discouraged just because I have not yet “arrived”. I will use what is in my hand; every gift God has given me. I will use them to my advantage, grow them, perfect them, build on them and pursue what God has placed in my heart!

I know who I am now, more than I did five days ago and I pray from this day on, so do you.

Love & Blessings,

Tanika