A few weeks ago, I was communicating via email with some former coworkers when one of the ladies replied to me saying, “You are still crazy.” Now, I know her intent was not malicious, but I wasn’t laughing anymore. I politely replied, “No, I am not crazy. I may say or do some things that may seem crazy, but I am not crazy.” Because we used to laugh and play around like that, she thought I was kidding, so she came back and said, “See she’s still crazy.” By now, there is nothing in me that finds this funny anymore. I replied and addressed her by name and said “I am serious, I no longer answer to crazy or any other negative connotation. If you keep calling me crazy, I am going to just stop responding.”
Some may say I went too far, she was just playing… In our past interactions I didn’t have a problem with this coworker and others referring to me as “crazy,” and many other negative connotations. I would laugh with them and even answer them because I didn’t know who I was; but I have grown, I know who I am, and I no longer answer to those names.
So, I ask you: What are people calling you? What are you answering to? On this journey of learning and accepting your true identity you have to make the decision that you don’t have to accept what people call you, or how they perceive you. Know who you are and that is the only name you should answer to. People will only do to you what you allow them to. It is your responsibility to show people how you want and deserve to be treated. Other people’s perceptions, are just that, their perceptions. I have said for years, “Your perception is your reality.” It is not your job to try to change anyone else’s perception of you; but it is your responsibility to introduce to them the reality of who you are, your true identity. If others don’t want to accept who you really are, that is their choice and their right, but you too have the right to not allow anyone to disrespect you. They may even rebuttal and say, “Oh, you forgot where you came from.” Simply reply, “No, I didn’t forget where I came from, I just choose not to dwell there anymore.”
Once you come into the knowledge and acceptance of your true identity, you must embrace it. How can you learn your true identity? Everything you need to know is written in the Word of God; what HE says about you, that is your true identity!
What Should You Answer To?
2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – HE calls you a “New Creature.”
Ephesians 2:10 ~ “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – HE says you are HIS workmanship, created by HIM.
1 Peter 2:9 ~ “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;” – HE says you are a chosen generation, you are holy; HE called you out of darkness into the Light.
John 15:15-16 ~ “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. – HE calls you Friend.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” – HE chose you! HE ordained you!
Philippians 4:8 ~ “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Think good and positive thoughts about yourself!
What HE calls you is the only name you should answer to and nothing else…If God said it, then That Settles It!