Remind Me Who I Am, God

June 5, 2012 | 30 comments

We learn who we are. And then we forget. Ann Voskamp calls it “soul amnesia.”

It’s the chronic human condition. Our default mode is forgetfulness.

That’s why we need a world covered with little reminders — holy sticky-notes, if you will — from the One who got so excited about the idea of us, that He couldn’t help but make us. And that IS who we are, you know: A Beloved creation of an imaginative, loving Creator.

Maybe you forget from time to time. I know I do.

Dear God, remind me who I am to you.

***

We really do need reminding, especially if we’ve been fed a load of lies. Maybe it was subtle: somebody called you a name, and you started believing it. Or maybe you knew God loved you, in theory, but you just weren’t feelin’ it anymore, so you picked up some new names.

We’ve worn a lot of names: Rejected. Loser. Not enough. Insignificant. Dumb.

God’s got a new name for you. And He’s telling you, once again, who you are to Him.

And maybe, we all need to be reminded from time to time, not because we’re dumb, but because we’re human.

Tie that string around your finger, friend. And believe it: You are His Beloved.

♥ ♥ ♥ 

Jason Gray knows it. He sings about it in his song, “Remind Me Who I Am.”

My husband is headed to the prison this coming weekend, to minister to some guys who’ve forgotten that they’re the Beloved. Or maybe they never heard it in the first place.  And maybe this video is for them … and also for us.

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

~ 1 John 3:2

by | June 5, 2012 | 30 comments

30 Comments

  1. Christina

    Reminds me of a song we used to sing in church: “I will change your name, you shall no longer be called, wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid. I will change your name, your new name shall be confidence, joyfulness, Overcoming One, Faithfulness, Friend of God, One who seeks my Face”
    So thankful for all that we are in Christ! Beautiful, as always:)

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      I ought to put THOSE names on sticky-notes! Thanks for sharing this, Christina.

      Reply
    • Jennifer@GDWJ

      Me, too, Shelly.

      From time to time, I need to write it out, to remind myself. One of the health benefits of blogging. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cindy

    This brought tears to my eyes. That’s what He’s all about, isn’t it? Praying for your husband this weekend.

    Reply
    • Jennifer@GDWJ

      Thank you for your prayers, Cindy.

      Love to you, Cindy — a woman who is His Beloved.

      ~ Jennifer

      Reply
  3. r.ellott

    Oh those old tapes take time to get erased and replaced by the new ones…He is faithful to renew our minds…thanks for this…this wakes me up to be that voice to those around me…especially my children…to let them know how loved they are…so they will hear His voice call them His Beloved.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      I thought of Jennifer Ferguson’s tape-breaking series today, when I was writing. I think it’s still going strong over there.

      Reply
  4. Sheila Seiler Lagrand

    Names hold tremendous power, hmm? Thanks for reminding us what He thinks of us.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      I’m reminding myself, too, Sheila. Thanks for being here. I always love seeing your face.

      Reply
  5. Dea

    “Reminds” me of when your girls painted the “I am….” words. I have never put up Scriptures on the doorposts but I think God was trying to tell us something about how much we need reminders when he commanded that to Israel! We need them coming and going!

    (My man just landed in FL. Thanks for your prayers. He “played” doctor more than expected while he was there and can’t wait to get home to tell me all about what God is doing in Haiti. Can’t wait to see that boy as well!)

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      On doorposts … and tied around heads! I need the Scriptures tied around the head, for sure.

      Glad your man is on U.S. soil again. Can’t wait to hear more!

      Reply
      • dukeslee

        … And your boy. 🙂

        Reply
  6. Kari

    I love this!! Great reminder to hold all those lies captive to His truth. This is my first time visiting here and I will definately be back. Love the truth here.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Hi Kari! Welcome to Getting Down With Jesus. It’s nice to “meet” you. Be sure to wave hello when you come by again, OK?

      Have a blessed day.

      Reply
  7. Nina

    Thanks a lot for this. It’s nice to know that I am not the only one who keeps having to learn the same lessons over and over. Wishing you all the best for yours 😉

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thank you, Nina. I am a slow learner. Grateful for the grace of God, and his unending, overflowing reminders of love. God never seems to tire of reminding us how much we are loved. Astounding, isn’t it?

      Reply
  8. Karen

    Sweet reminders from friends are a blessing…second only to the awesome reminders from God…think they may be connected? Hmm…

    This line did me in good –

    “In the loneliest places,
    When I can’t remember what grace is”

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Yeah. Totally loving that line. I would love to hear the story behind the song. Those words were written by a guy who knows it, deep, I think.

      Reply
  9. Laura

    Awesome post and video! My son and I were just talking about Jason Gray last night. We read your post and watched together — so it ministered to both of us. Thanks, Jennifer!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Jason Gray is gifted. I pray that God expands his territory — for His great name and glory.

      Thanks for being here, Laura.

      Reply
  10. David Rupert

    For years, the first thing I heard in my head when I got out of bed was all the wrongs and sins I had committed. They were reinforced by family and friends.

    But God broke through all that garbage with the mere fact that He counts me among His friends. He knows my heart. he knows my past and all my faults. And yet, He still loves. A beautiful, encouraging post

    Reply
  11. Danelle

    I have sticky notes around my kitchen window. I need to see the writing on the wall, so to speak. 🙂
    Why is it that lies sit easy on the ears and the truth of who I am , how my Father really sees me, needs the sticky notes?
    You encourage me. Thank you always.

    Reply
  12. Kerry

    Tears rolling down my cheeks. Was just telling my sister about this song earlier this evening.
    Your post really reminds how much he loves us, no matter what!!
    I would love to know the story behind the words of this song. Simply because it strikes me deeply each time I hear it.
    God is amazing!

    Reply
  13. Barbara

    what an excellent and needed post; thanks!

    Reply
  14. Diane Bailey

    Such a wonderful reminder. Thank you Jennifer.

    Reply
  15. Dayna DeLaVergne

    What a beautiful reminder! I’m grateful for you and your writing gifts–thank you! I’m putting sticky notes all over the place as soon as I get home tonight. In fact, I may put them in my office as well.

    Reply
  16. Dolly

    love your holy stick-it-notes…I think it is part of being human and not living in our real Home with Him…thanks, Jennifer 🙂 Praying your husband will be a blessing and be blessed.

    Reply
  17. Helen

    Thank you so much for this encouraging post. I am quoting you in my post…let’s get the word out about our belovedness!
    🙂
    helen

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Hi Helen! Honored that you’re quoting me. God bless you, Beloved.

      Reply

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