Today, I asked my creative writing class to free write on the question, “Who am I?” Of course, the assignment was more than a simple directive or a time-filling exercise. For me, it is an essential question I have to—no, want to–ask myself to live honestly, to live in truth. So here is my own answer to the question:
Who—Am—I? By its very nature, this question doesn’t stop at the door of my occupation or a place. Sure, I could pretend that I am a teacher or an attorney, but those are just objects of me, labels I adopt for specific purposes in specific seasons (and sometimes to impress specific people). I could pretend that I’m a mom or a wife because these roles essentially drive the model of my life and most of my daily decisions. Of course, the placement of me as wife and mother seems to be more of a strategic vehicle or relationship to something more. I could also pretend that I am a politico or an amateur scholar or theologian. These are my interests (my Facebook and Twitter page would certainly suggest such)—but again, these terms seem to only stem from something still greater, still deeper in my core.
Who—Am—I? Yes, this question is deeper. It goes to the very essence of my being—the part of me that is me. But what does that mean?
As I try to explore what this deeper is is, I am reminded that Jesus poses this question about Himself to his own disciples. In fact, in Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus asks Peter to confront it, asking “Who do you say that I am?” With only the direction of the Holy Spirit, Peter then answers “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Think about that. Jesus is saying that He is not a visiting prophet, a label, an impressive magician, or a fleeting interest. He is the Messiah, the son of the living God. This answer of is is the truth of who He is. And it should consequently be the is for His followers.
So my answer to the question of “Who am I?” must rest here also. Occupations, relationships, interests have their place but they are not who I am. I am a follower of the Messiah. He has my heart, and no circumstance, person, or new idea could ever possibly change that.
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