Who Am I?

When I was younger and introduced for the first time to a friend's parents, after telling them my name, the following question usually followed, "and who are your parents?"

In high school, when I started dating a new guy, after telling my parent's his name, mom and dad would ask, "and who are his people?" Maybe the inquisition was a southern thing, maybe global, but although we all have "a given name," signifying who we are, we are also defined by those we are associated or related to.

My grandparents were large, well-known farmers in Columbus County. To this day, when I meet someone locally and am introducing myself, I often add that I'm "Maybelle and John's granddaughter, my maiden name was...." Recognition then follows!

Today, in many circles I am better known as Ashley's mom, David's mom, or Kevin's wife. Our dog, Bailey, who passed away this spring, was a beloved icon in the community for ten years. Some knew his name better than mine, and to them, I was simply known as "Bailey's owner." At times it seems my real name is otherwise obsolete! :)

I may question who I am, what my identity is. But one thing I am certain of, is that I AM a child of God. So often I feel so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of LIFE! But I am reminded in Psalm 139, that He "created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (vs. 13-14.)

I'd like to share two songs that are both beautiful, by their words alone. One song is an old southern gospel written by Rusty Goodman, and the other, a contemporary Christian, by Casting Crowns. I encourage you to take a few moments and listen to them both on YouTube and read along with the words below! I hope they bless your heart, as they have mine! :)

Who Am I?

(Words & music by R. Goodman)~Sung by Elvis Presley

When I think of how He came so far from glory
Came to dwell among the lowly such as I
To suffer shame and such disgrace
On Mount Calvary take my place
Then I ask myself this question

Chorus) Who am I?
Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
That to an old rugged cross He'd go, For who am I?

When I'm reminded of His words
I'll leave you never
If you'll be true I'll give to you life forever
Oh I wonder what I could have done
To deserve God's only Son
To fight my battles until they're won.

Who Am I

Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're

Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours, Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear,
'Cause I am Yours....I am Yours.

More importantly than knowing WHO I AM, I know WHO HE IS, "I am God, your God." Psalm 50: 7. My name and identity may change through the years, but "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

~Rhonda :)