Who Are You?

Chronic sickness steals so much of what we do that we can feel like we lose who we are.

Who am I if I can’t work?

Who am I if I can’t clean my house or drive myself to the store?

Who am I if I can’t hike or kayak or play games with my kids?

Who am I if I can’t even get out of bed?

Every day starts with sickness and pain – most days it continues so fiercely that I’m not able to spend much time out of bed. But a few days ago, I got out of bed and I spent the day with my daughters.

We didn’t hike or kayak or ride horses – we just spent time together. We talked. We sat in the park. And we just shared life.

And it reminded me that who I am has nothing to do with what I can or can’t do.

I am an encourager – so I can encourage my children in their life’s journeys.

I am empathetic – so I can show understanding for others who are struggling.

I am joyful – and I can share that joy with others who may be down.

A precious friend recently passed away. I think fondly about the times I spent with him – even though he was severely disabled, wheelchair bound and had great difficulty communicating. Every time I saw him, he made me smile. He would tell me he prays for me every day – and I have no doubt he did.

That man had more to give than most – not because of what he did, but because of who he was.

I have rarely been to a funeral where people speak about what a man did – but they always speak about who a man was.

It’s time to stop dwelling on the things we can’t do and start finding strength and encouragement in who we are at our core.