“Who am I?”

This is one of the greatest questions asked by humanity. Our origin is the foundation upon which we build our lives. Where do I come from? What am I contributing to the world? What is my value? These questions can frustrate us if there is no adequate reply because it’s difficult to move beyond unanswered questions.

Part of our sense of identity comes from the families we belong to. Unfortunately, many of us do not come from model families. Some of us do not know our fathers. For others, our fathers were never in our lives, or maybe there was a divorce or a death that cut into that relationship. Some had great fathers, but no mother in the picture. In situations like these and many others, there was a void – a missing piece of the puzzle called life. So, what are the effects of a lack of identity?

In a perfect world where perfect homes exist, children have the potential to develop a solid identity. They know who they are and who they belong to. They’re not searching for something or someone to give them that sense of identity. Realistically, though, we know that the perfect home doesn’t exist. Even in the most ideal situation, there’s no guarantee of a developing a solid identity. Our identity determines our self-esteem, our value, and what kinds of behavior we will or won’t accept from others. If my sense of identity is skewed, the way is see myself will be off kilter.

I’d like to use a chameleon as an example. A chameleon is a small lizard with the highly developed ability to change color depending on the situation or environment that the chameleon is in. This happens when the lizard sends messages to its brain telling it to enlarge or shrink its cells, causing their pigments to change color. When a chameleon performs this action, this is what it was created to do, so it is completely natural. However, a human being changing themselves to conform to any environment is unnatural. We do a disservice to ourselves when we imitate one another. We deny our uniqueness when we conform to fit in. It’s one thing to buy a certain brand of television based on a friend’s suggestion, but when the lines between who you are and who your friends are begins to blur, you can find yourself becoming a chameleon. When you don’t appreciate your value, you give yourself less than you deserve. You may be having an identity crisis if you find yourself starting to change the way you talk, dress, or act in order to conform to others.

Our Creator intended for us to be unique. There should not be two of me. God made me and He made you. My identity comes from knowing that I belong to Him. But I didn’t always feel this way. I did not have the ideal childhood, I spent a lot of time trying to be someone else. I tried so hard to fit in. I worked at altering my personality and my self-image. I didn’t know who I was. Then one day, I had an encounter with God and everything changed. Through this relationship, I have discovered who I am. The real me! I came from God; He knows me intimately. He approves of me. I am the apple of His eye. He has written my name on the palm of His hand. I have great worth and value. He created me to speak, write, and help others. I don’t have to be perfect or conform to anyone or anything. I may not know my earthly father, BUT, I know my Heavenly Father. My identity comes from who I am in Christ. I find myself through the pages of the Bible. My purpose and destiny is in Him – it’s always been in Him. I’m no longer searching to find myself because I’m found in Him. I know who my daddy is! He is awesome, faithful, gracious, and kind. He is my source, my origin, and my provider.

I encourage you to discover who you are in Him. You can solve any identity crisis through Him. Despite the structure of your earthly home, you, too, can know who your daddy is. He is the Almighty God and He loves you fiercely.