“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way… shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” John 1:1-5 NLT
Crickets chip amid nighttime savanna noises as the clouds in the inky sky rollback, and a deep voice calls from the heavens, “You are more than what you have become… remember who you are: you are my son.” This pivotal scene in Disney’s The Lion King is my favorite because, here, the story shifts, and Simba’s identity is reborn with a timely word from his father. Simba had forgotten who he was; what his purpose was, and he needed the reminder. He was a king—son of the king, loved and chosen, and he had a purpose. Like Simba, there are days when I forget who I am and what my true purpose is, and I know that you do, too, because we are both human and prone to forget. Read the history of God’s chosen people, the Israelites, if you ever need agonizing examples of humankind’s short memory.
Thankfully, despite our forgetfulness, God continually draws us back to Him with His reminders. Friend, God has so much to say about you in His Word: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love…If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:5, 9, 18-19 NLT) In one chapter, God tells you that you are a branch; you cannot live outside of Christ, just as a real branch cannot live apart from a tree or vine. You are loved, not for what you do but for who you are. You are not part of the world, although you are in it.
Lovely daughter of God, combing through the God-breathed Scriptures, you will find countless statements about your God-given identity. Soak in Psalm 139 for one beautiful illustration of God’s intentionality and love for you. Read this passage to your children, and talk about its truth while praying that they know the depth of their Father’s love and purpose for them; pray that they would always reflect His love in their words and actions toward others. Pray that His kingdom would come and His will would be done in every area of their lives. And, when they, like you, forget who they are, remind them, just as the Father lovingly reminds you through His Word and the God-given encouragement and blessings from those around you. In this way, be the salt and light that He created you to be, Mama. Remember who you are.
Love,
Bek Measmer and the Help Club for Moms Team
Having lived in Colorado Springs most of her life, Bek enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures with her family. When she is not busy homeschooling her four children, you might find Bek absorbed in a book or creating something lovely with her hands.
Bek is learning to continually practice the presence of God as He refines her for His perfect purposes. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
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