As I watch my grandsons, Ethan and Zach, make silly faces dressed in their costumes, I realize how much I act like them.
At times, I pretend to be someone else, wearing a mask to disguise my true identity.
Masked crusaders. Zach and Ethan often pretend to be superheroes with superhuman powers, fighting against crime or evil. But even though they enjoy their make-believe world for a while, they soon shed their costumes. Bored with one adventure, they put on other outfits–such as pirate costumes–and search for a hidden treasure or sail off to conquer another ship. Later, they may be fully decked out in their new football or soccer uniforms.
True identity. As a writer, when I masquerade as somebody or something else, I tend to lose my focus on reality. And with this cover-up, I sometimes unintentionally deny my true identity.
I may be tempted to hide behind a cloak of self-confidence, trying to compensate for my weaknesses and failures. Or I try to put on another mask to temporarily gain acceptance and approval.
Self-deception. My self-deception always directs me down the wrong path, leading me down a new road. And I find myself in places that I never intended to go. When I choose an identity that God never expects me to wear, I make regrettable mistakes and commitments. And I focus on my faults, instead of my blessings.
I’ve tried on the masks of SuperMom, SuperNonnie, SuperWife, SuperTeacher, and even SuperWriter. And I’ve suffered from stress and burnout. Then, I feel like a SuperNobody. When I try to become any of those super-characters in my own strength–instead of depending upon God for direction and strength–I fail miserably.
As I continue my journey as a writer, I pray that I will embrace my true identity and remember who I really am “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3-14). As a Christ-follower, I am unconditionally accepted and loved by God because of what Christ did, not because of what I can do for Him or for others.
I also plan to model my faith and beliefs for my grandchildren, so they will also know when to put their masks and costumes away and discover their own identities “in Christ.”
What has helped you find your true identify as a writer?
Photos/KarenJordan
WordServe Water Cooler 
A great reminder to base true identity in Christ. He is the one who helps us balance all these roles we play in life. Thanks for sharing your faith!
Amen! And thx for your encouragement. I considered it an honor to sharing my faith stories! I hope it helps others.
Karen, I’ve noticed that if I try to write without including any of my identity as a Christian my writing feels empty and bland like unsalted chips. My hope is to inspire a thirst for Truth with my writing. Your post made me smile when you said, “SuperNobody”.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
You encouraged me with your smile! 😉 I love your comparison of empty writing and unsalted chips – reminded me of this scripture: “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matt. 5:13 NLT).
Enjoyed your post today.Some thing I needed to read, when it is one of those days when you feel overwhelmed and under appreciated. Thank you
Thanks so much, Kathryn! I totally understand the struggle with being overwhelmed. Grace and peace to you!
Oh thank you. Was doing some whining today due to some rejections and waiting (so much of this writing thing is WAITING!) and feeling blue. Your post helped me restart. Thank you!
So glad this post encouraged you! I’m not very patient with waiting either. And the rejections … well, who does like those? Ugh! Be encouraged and KEEP WRITING!!!!!
Reblogged this on StoryWriting Studio and commented:
I wanted to share this post from the WordServe Water Cooler with the StoryWriting Studio! Have you found your true identity as a writer?