What's my identity?

A husband, a son, a student, a friend, a neighbor, a church member ...

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.      1 Peter 2:9

How precious is our identity!!!

I have been labelled or I label myself as an inferior person. I believe that label and feel like I can't keep my back straight in front of people and 'me.' Those inferior feelings corrode my self image gradually and deny my innate identity that was assigned by Him. 

During discovering myself in counseling sessions, the identity was found! It means a lot to me since I will not feel ashamed anymore because of what I did or where I come from. This 'old but also new' conviction has become the one that I can strongly hold it so as to live in a joyful and peaceful way.

Furthermore, I need to tell people about this good news. We don't need to live under self-blaming, guilt, and low self-esteem, but in holiness (from His eyes). Most of unbelievers or even Christians are still live in their self-defined identity. I think it would be a 180 degree of change if they thoroughly recognize this Good news.

Thank you, God. You give all Christians precious identity. Though You do not request us to be 'perfect', I would like to be a good follower. I think this is what I can only respond to your REWARD. Jesus, you know how weak I am. Strengthen me to resist the satan's strategies and guide me to the place where You want me to go. Amen.

This is the first passage when I got to the States... 

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of  need.    (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)

From my perspective, everyone has his or her own darkroom that is heavily locked. We all don't allow other people to visit and even we try to ignore that room, regard it as "non-existence"; however, we will find that we need to address and make it tidy in order to have a whole emotional and spiritual well-being.

How can I face my own messy room? Actually, I have no gut or ability to make it tidy since I have ignored it for a long time. When I think about it, I feel embarassed and a little bit frustrated since I know I complete the task by myself.

I was reminded today that Jesus have come to the earth and experienced every temptation and difficulty as we have; but He did not sin. He also promise us that we can get mercy and grace from Him at the time of need. Not only does He bring hope to me, but also relieve my anxiety.

In church community, we are used to presenting our best side, but hiding the darkroom. I think brothers and sisters in the community can share everything even our weaknesses, sorrow, ... I believe Jesus would work and heal in this kind of community.

Lord, what I can do right now is to let Holy Spirit work inside of me. Please give me strength during the renewal of mine and always awake my soul when I am confused. Please also remind me how important is the intimate relationship among bros and sisters. Thank you, Lord. You are so faithful to all of us. Amen.