Who are you? Who are…you? Who… Are…You! I will never forget the day I entered my public speaking class almost twenty-four years ago. I was looking to get acquainted with others in unfamiliar territory. Therefore, I returned to school. I had never taken a public speaking course, and this was my first experience speaking publicly in an academic environment. On the first day of class, the Professor asked, "Who Are You?" I thought, "Why is he asking a public speaking class this question?" "Is it because he wants to see how many people speak well for impromptu speeches?" "Is he testing our ability to formulate a truth or opinion about ourselves?" "Why did he ask this question, and how shall I answer it?" I tried thinking quickly, but because of my brain rush and brain stall, I began to get stumped on the question, who was asking it, and I began mentally debating the "how" rather than answering the "what" accordingly. I thought, "Should I answer this question based on my relationship with Christ?" Should I state my status as a wife, a sister, or a friend? I had no children at the time. "How should I respond?"
"Angela Carwheel…who are you?" he said. He had called on me before I could
mentally answer the question. I was not in the moment of the class and could not appreciate the value of the environment. Before I knew it, I blurted out, "I am a child of God, who…" and he cut me off! "Why did he cut me off?! I wasn’t quite sure how I would continue answering the question in this environment, so I am glad he cut me off. The questions in my mind persisted, and so did my insecurities!
Sometimes, the facts in our heads don't reach the depths of our hearts. On a daily basis, we are increasingly learning about our Creator and the love He has for us. How do you convey His ownership in front of a public speaking class? On the other hand, our heartfelt beliefs are revealed by what we communicate. You cannot make up what's true to your heart. Humanity has empty holes in its heart. God fills the holes through Jesus Christ; therefore, he completes us. In this truth, God wraps His loving arms around us and makes known the depths of His eternal being. God's word is God's voice!
"Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick" (https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/index.html). This disease had pretty much gone undiscovered throughout the 70s. RMSF was discovered in my father's body after he had died. However, the doctors used many treatments during that time as they tried to figure out what had invaded his body. It wasn’t until two years later that the CDC produced a statement of concern regarding the spread of RMSF.
My dad was an enthusiastic, empathetic, and flourishing local radio pastor and counselor on the most conservative radio station throughout the Pennsylvania tri-state area. My life was shaken after his death, and I had to gain renewed strength many times over to remember who I am, where I come from, and where I am going in this forever-changing world.
Identity plays a huge role in every human being's life. There are biological constructs that allow a person proof of identifying with one's parents. My father made a big deal over me whenever he saw me from my early years in life until he was sick. He made life easy to live because, from day one, he and my mother approved my life. Their relationship with me wasn't about my talents, gifts, or personality. It wasn't about achievements or social connections. They loved me unconditionally. In this connection, they taught me who God is. My dad's safe and magnetic personality came from his identification with his heavenly Father. My dad never met his biological father; however, he was able to bypass his natural genetics and cling to the God who loved him with grace and gave him abundant life. The precious gift he had received, he demonstrated to his children. His life in Christ revealed that he was everything his heavenly Father had created him to be. He was enough.
The answer to the question my professor had asked was already in me. I just had to live a little longer to understand that everything I am is who God designed me to be. I am loved, valued, accepted and the list goes on! God's face never stops smiling on me. His love is unfailing! It is everlasting! It is unconditional! No more or less is required. I am extraordinary in His eyes! In this truth, I am enough! (Please read, "More About Identity")
How about you? Who Are You? Do you feel that you can securely answer this question? Do you truly believe that you are enough? Or, do you feel a missing link? Are you hiding within your traditions, culture, appearance, accomplishments, achievements, or other persuasions? If you were asked the question, what would first come to your mind? Would you think of your sacrifices in life, retirement; etc? Would you like to know more? Let's chat!