On International Women’s Day, we recognize and express our deep appreciation for the strength and purpose of our sisters in Christ.

Genesis 1:27 God made both men and women in His image. .

Proverbs 31:25,26 Sisters have strength, a valuable contribution as teachers and leaders. They have much wisdom.

Esther 4:14 Fulfill the purpose God has given and make a difference in the family, community, and world.

Who Are You?

When asked, “Who are you,” what do I think of? My name, attributes, personality, job title, and relationship to others.

Luke 8:26,27,28,29,30 Legion does not have a name in the Bible. This is what he called himself, what he was known for, and what he saw in himself. How do I describe myself to myself? Brave or stupid? Capable or incompetent? We all talk to ourselves in this way at times, even as a joke. Do I believe this? If so, who told me I couldn’t make it or was dumb or should just give up?

Names are important. Legion heard a lot of voices. Some within his own mind and others from the people trying to restrain him. In the Bible, many were known by their situation such as the woman with the issue of blood and the blind man.

Job’s comforters called him weak, hopeless, and a sinner. Jacob’s brothers called him a dreamer. Parents and kids during childhood and later friends, coworkers, spouse, people of influence, and social media all have a say in who I am and who I am not. I don't have to agree with what I am called. If I am contributing to the track in someone's head, what would that sound like?

It’s important to remember when others try to say I am who I am not, that I need to pay attention to what the I AM says.

Exodus 3:14 The I AM is God and author of who I am. He changed Jacob and Saul’s name. Has he changed my name?

Revelation 1:6 God called me a king and a priest. These are not incompetent positions.

1 Peter 2:8 I am chosen by God, regardless of the track in my head that says negative things.

Romans 8:15 I am a child of God.

1 John 5:1

Ephesians 2:10 I am the masterpiece of God.

These true Scriptures will combat the negative track in my head.

Psalms 139:14 God doesn’t call me stupid or weak. Am I confident that what God says is true? He isn’t going to just lie about me. He is not going to make an exception. His works are marvelous. This is how to fight the enemy. My brian is adaptable. Positive self-talk will grow when I feed it. Negative self-talk makes it harder to change and creates more stress and anxiety.

We are human and we need to know how to work with our bodies. The devil knows it, too. He will work to cause me to be defeated. If my thoughts about myself are that I’m unworthy and inadequate, I will be unlikely to speak about God to others.

Philippians 4:8 Hard things will take more than one time. Not getting it right the first time doesn't mean I am stupid. The truth is I have done hard things before successfully and God has called me worthy to serve him.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Brains are good with coming up with things that aren’t true. I can cast these thoughts down if I know it’s not true, based on Scriptures.

Romans 12:2 Even the Bible says to “rewire your brain.” If I have been engaging in negative self-talk for a long time, it will take a lot of effort and practice to change that brain pathway.

Jeremiah 1:5,6,7,8 Don't call yourself something you are not. God is with you.

How do I manage people who come against me? I need to do this when I begin to accuse myself. What does the I AM say?

People will believe things that are not true. I must be confident in who I am and who God had called me to be. If the voice I often hear makes this difficult or if I do not know who I am, I can ask God to show me.