Identity Theft

Readers,

I am excited for you to meet my dear friend, Sherri Crandall. She is a God and people lover! Be encouraged by her words and wisdom. You can read more about her in her bio below. Blessings!

~Lori

I recently attended a workshop where we gathered in small groups. We had to tell everyone about ourselves in one minute.  Honestly, stuff like that makes me nervous. 

What do I say? What do I share? 

We had five minutes to prepare. I thought about all the words that describe me: wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cancer survivor, ministry leader, speaker, blogger, mentor, gardener, country music lover, football fan, short, blonde, lover of life.  Whew! That took about a minute to rattle off.

Later I reflected on my self-description. 

I started to doubt myself. I’m not always the best wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend.  My battle with breast cancer was hard and scary. It created  fear in me to rise and at times conquer my soul.  I pondered all the things I wished I was better at, even things I have no control over like my height. 

Do you ever feel like you don't know who you are?

In speaking to a MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group recently, I had a young mom come up to me after my talk. She shed huge tears while she shared with me that since she has become a mom she doesn't even know who she is anymore.  She feels like she is lost in the sleepless nights and dirty diapers.  She told me

she used to be so organized and now she felt lucky to take a shower by the end of the day.  I remember those days, I too struggled with that question and the doubts and worry that came with the early days of mothering.

Why all the doubt?

Doubt is just what the enemy wants. He is working diligently each day to destroy our identity. 1 Peter 5:8 states, "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV)

I read over 11 million people last year had their identity stolen.  Bank information, social security numbers, credit card theft, all compromising their identity.  We work diligently to protect our information so why do we let the enemy so easily mess with our true identity?  We wouldn't walk up to a stranger

and hand over credit cards, bank statements, and passport - right?  Yet each time we doubt our abilities, talk badly about ourselves, compare ourselves to others, that is exactly what we are doing... compromising our identity.

So how do we conquer this battle?

Read God's word. Embrace what God says about you.  

God says that you are a masterpiece - created anew in Christ Jesus. You have been created in His image. 

We were not designed to be perfect. We are human and flawed. When we aim to be everything...we often end up being nothing, scoring victory points for the enemy, not for God.  

Read through the book of Psalms and grasp how much you are loved. Don't believe the lies!

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, 

so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

 -  Ephesians 2:10 ( NLT)

What verses have you discovered that remind you of who you are in God's eyes? How do you encourage your kids when they doubt how they are created?

Sherri Crandall is a motivational speaker who has a passion for Women's Ministry and International Adoption. Currently, as the Associate Director of Women's Ministry at Mission Hills Church, she is the Special Events Coordinator bringing the most relevant and highly sought after speakers to the South Metro Denver Area.She is passionate about reaching young moms through MOPS, Phase 2 and Girlfriends programs at Mission Hills.Sherri has been involved with MOPS International for the past 18 years, fundraising and coordinating special events.  Her involvement with Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI) has been a personal highlight since adopting her daughter from China 11 years ago.Sherri works for various non-profits as an emcee for special events and fundraisers.  She is the author of the blog "Encouraging Hearts" and has published articles in "Tools of Hope" newsletter and the book "If I Only Had One Chance to Tell You."Sherri lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband, Rusty and their four children and two dogs.

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