Who Am I?

Focus Statement

We may feel like we are defined by our highs and lows,

but first and foremost we are defined by God’s love for us.

And God’s love promises to redeem our whole stories. It allows us to look back over our lives and see how all our experiences – good, bad, and in-between -- can shape and clarify our purpose.

Point of Relation

Let me share a personal experience that profoundly shaped who I am today.

In 2004, I unexpectedly lost my job as a software engineer,

right after buying a house and welcoming our second daughter.

This left me feeling hopeless and uncertain.

The weight of financial responsibility

and the fear of failing my family were overwhelming.

I even had people questioning what kind of “bum” I was…to not be getting a job while having a family to support…

even though, in reality, I had been desperately triying.

During this challenging time,

a defining moment occurred when I saw The Passion of the Christ.

That experience, along with visiting my mom’s childhood church with her,

reignited my faith and reminded me of a calling I had felt as a child.

It taught me that God can transform our struggles into opportunities for renewal and purpose.

In that moment of crisis, I found a deeper reliance on God's guidance,

learning to embrace challenges as part of my spiritual growth.

Things to Consider

Our past experiences tend to define who we are –

in lots of good and bad ways.

The culture we grew up in,

the people who raised us,

and the lessons they taught us

profoundly impact how we function well into adulthood.

Positive experiences, like supportive relationships and achievements,

can build resilience,

enhance our self-awareness,

and foster personal growth.

Conversely, negative experiences, such as loss or failure,

can also shape us by teaching us

empathy,

adaptability,

and perseverance.

We all carry "baggage" and might be tempted to define ourselves solely by these experiences.

But what if there is value in all of life's experiences?

What if they teach us something about our purpose and where God is leading us?"

What Scripture Says

As we ponder these questions,

we can find guidance and insight in Scripture.

The Bible offers powerful examples of individuals whose past experiences shaped their futures in profound ways,

demonstrating how God works through our entire life story – the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

First, you have to look back in order to look forward.

Saul, later known as Paul,

experienced a profound transformation during the three days he spent in darkness after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus.

During this time,

he likely replayed his life choices

and began to reconcile his past actions

with the new path God was inviting him to follow.

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11,

Paul reflects on his past,

acknowledging his unworthiness due to his persecution of the church

but also recognizing the grace of God that transformed him into an apostle.

Similarly, Peter reflects on his past actions

and seeks Jesus' forgiveness and guidance,

showing that looking back can illuminate the way forward.

Second, Jesus is redeemer, drawing a new story out of past pain.

We often avoid the past because we fear that our worst moments define us.

However, in the accounts of both Saul and Peter,

we see that God redeems these hard moments for divine purposes.

Saul's past as a persecutor of Christians makes his testimony of faith even more compelling,

and despite initial skepticism from others,

God affirms his role as a leader.

Similarly, when Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him,

it mirrors Peter's three denials and offers him a chance to reaffirm his commitment.

This act of redemption allows Peter to move forward

and become a cornerstone of the Church.

Finally, ”Who am I" is – at least partly – understood in relationship to each other.

We often seek to understand our identity through individual reflection,

but self-revelation also occurs in community.

Ananias' role in Saul's transformation highlights the importance of communal support.

Despite initial resistance, Ananias goes to Saul,

lays hands on him,

and helps him regain his sight,

symbolizing new life and vision.

Likewise, Jesus' interaction with Peter, challenging him to grow beyond his failures,

underscores the role of community in personal growth.

We journey with each other in self-discovery, affirming and supporting one another along the way.

What This Means for You

Now, I invite you to reflect on some of the major events in your life.

What has impacted you positively or negatively?

Pause

What lessons have emerged?

Pause

Who has supported you, and how has that shaped your identity?

Pause

Reflecting on our lives can be a powerful tool for understanding our purpose and direction.

Practices like the examen,

a spiritual exercise involving daily reflection,

can be incredibly helpful.

Additionally, the books You on Purpose by Stephanie Shackleford

and What’s Your Story by Sarah Heath

offer valuable exercises for self-exploration.

Consider the new story God is writing in your life.

What new understandings of yourself is God inviting you to explore?

How do you see yourself as "beloved,"

and how does this shape your view of your past?

Being part of a faith community

can provide vital support and affirmation in this journey.

What This Means for Us

What is one unique gift within you that could bless someone else if you shared it?

Pause

Let us consider how we can create a sanctuary

where everyone feels free to be their truest selves,

both in our presence and within our worshiping community.

For those among us bearing heavy burdens,

how can we offer our companionship in their moments of struggle?

Pause

How can we remind them of God's steadfast presence,

even in the midst of their darkest trials?

Pause

As we ponder these questions,

let us commit to being a community that reflects God's love and grace.

Let us walk together, supporting and encouraging one another,

as we seek to live out our purpose and identity in light of God’s enduring love.

May we leave this place with renewed hearts,

ready to share our gifts,

bear each other's burdens,

and embrace the new stories

God is writing in our lives.

Go forth, knowing that you are loved, you are valued, and you are never alone. Amen? Amen.

Sermon written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.