Identity Crisis: Who am I?
The Foundation of Everything: Understanding Identity
Identity is the foundation of everything we do in this life. Knowing who we truly are is a pursuit that seems simple on the surface but is difficult to tackle in reality. When someone asks, "Tell me a little about yourself," the most common answers revolve around what we do for a living, where we grew up, what school we attended, and maybe a few hobbies. While these responses work in social settings, they often feel inadequate when we reflect deeply on our identity during quiet moments alone.
Am I just a sum of my Ohio State diploma, a mortgage industry career, and an after-hours gym routine following my kids' activities? I don’t think so. Through my involvement in various leadership groups, I’ve been challenged to look beyond surface-level identifiers and ask deeper questions about my true identity. One unique exercise has been crafting seven "I am" statements—writing out words or phrases that genuinely define who I am at my core.
For those struggling to identify their "I am" statements, practical tools like strengths finder assessments or spiritual gifts tests (links below article) can help. However, for the most profound insight, I have found it helpful to reflect on the seven "I am" statements Jesus made about Himself in the Gospel of John:
I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
I am the gate (John 10:7)
I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)
I am the true vine (John 15:1)
What stands out in these statements is that Jesus never defined Himself by His profession, hometown, or personal interests. He didn’t say, "I am a carpenter," "I am from Nazareth," or "I am friendly." His identity was rooted in something much greater.
Similarly, what we do, where we come from, and our affiliations are not the essence of who we are. We were made on purpose—unique, valuable, and equipped with strengths meant to serve others and glorify God. It’s important to take a moment, breathe, and contemplate the deeper question: Who am I?
-Mark
LINKS:
STRENGTHS FINDER FOR $19.99 - https://store.gallup.com/p/en-us/10108/cliftonstrengths-top-5?c=1
SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST FOR FREE - Spiritual Gifts Test - Discover your spiritual gifts!
