Today I want to talk about having a healthy concept of self, independent of your relationships, titles, roles or anything else. 

Do you have a healthy concept of self? And what do you base it on or model it after? There are a lot of people that could influence that for you. From your parents to your siblings, to your friends, your spouse, your children, your coworkers or your boss. The roles that you fulfill.

I have talked to you all about how your identity can often be tied to these roles, and when those roles are lost, how empty you can fill because it causes a void - oftentimes one that only Jesus can fill. So, who are you without any of those people, titles or relationships?

God gave each and everyone of us a purpose and a plan before He planted us in our mother's wombs. What does that mean for you? That means you already have value, purpose, and worth. It has nothing to do with the relationships in your life or the titles that you hold. You have to know that and see yourself that way, too. 

We all need coaching. I am a coach, but I also have a coach, and this is something we talked about just today. So, I had to hop on and share it with each of you, because when I learn something, I teach it to you as well. That way we can all grow together. She brought up the importance of sanctification - how it is discarding who I thought I was to become who I already am!

Most moms can relate to this when their kids are graduating and leaving home, and suddenly there is an empty nest or less kids at home, and you have poured all of you into them for 18 years or more, and now, they are moving out. And you are at a loss for what to do or how to fill your time. That is where the importance of knowing who you are independent from everything else comes into play. What do you like to do for fun? What are you passionate about? Where do you want to make an impact? Something that is uniquely yours and a part of you making your dash count. That is where you need to focus your time, starting right now. Whether your kids are already out of the house or they are still little. Whether you are married or single. Whether you have several other titles or jobs that you hold, or not. You have to remember that you are a woman first. You were before you took on any other role or relationship. And even if you are married, you are still a whole person with your own identity, DNA, fingerprint, and personality. You don't just disappear. And if you have disappeared, it is time for you to reappear and reimagine who God called you to be. So that you can step into your purpose and operate in it fully. 

1) Who does God say that you are?

Your identity must be tied to Christ because He is the same, yesterday, today and forevermore. Any lie that does not line up with who He called you to be, must be cast down and replaced with God's truth found in His scriptures - His love letters to us. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-16

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

2) Who do you say that you are?

Knowing what God says and believing it in your heart are two different things. You have to pray and seek God so that He can help you to elevate the level of your perspective and see yourself the way that God sees you. And when He does, you speak that out loud over and over and over again. Put it on post-it notes around your home in places where you can see it regularly, so that you can reprogram your thoughts and mindsets to align with His will for your life. 

This is how you can fulfill Romans 12:2 which in the Amplified Bible reads: And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

3) Connect with like-minded people who can hold you accountable; free from judgment, and that will push you to become all that God created you to be. They will stand with you in prayer, encourage and uplift you, and remind you of your affirmations when you need that extra boost to overcome the fears, uncertainty, worry, or distractions that life and the enemy sends your way.

That is what the Journey of You Community is all about, and we would love to walk this journey alongside you. You can visit: www.whereyourlifebegins.com to sign up right now. We would love to see you there. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Story Matters

Everyone has a story, including you. The story that you tell yourself, the story that you tell others, the story that is on repeat in your head. How you view your story dictates everything that you do, including how you feel about yourself.