RECLAIM YOUR NAME | Identity Issues
I had an identity crisis at 19.
The kind that wasn’t supposed to happen to Christian girls like me.
“Nicole Susan Bliss? Please approach the bench.”
The judge peered up from his notes.
“You’re petitioning this court to change your middle name to Lynn? May I ask why?”
I didn’t answer. It was too embarrassing.
My mother had named me with high hopes.
Nicole means “Victory of the People.”
Susan means “lily,” a symbol of beauty and purity.
How could a Sunday School girl who ran around with the church bad boy live up to that?
No wonder I wanted to change it.
I left the courthouse with the new name I chose for myself, vowing never to return.
But my identity issues had identity issues.
A few months later, I changed my mind.
“Nicole Lynn Bliss? Are you back to reclaim your given name Susan?”
A snicker in the courtroom told me the verdict was in.
Like so many of us, I was guilty of not knowing who I was.
But by taking the brave step of returning to the judge, we can reclaim our true identity.
When our Creator names us, it’s a gift that points to our destiny. No one can revoke it. Not even ourselves.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” — 1 Peter 2:9
But when we look in the mirror, we don’t see that. So we live like we’re someone else.
We get lost in bottles, backseats, and crowds we can’t escape.
Spiritual amnesia sets in, and over time, we forget who we are.
Other labels seem to fit us better.
Messed up. Black sheep. Broken beyond repair.
Those names will never stick.
Long ago, our Heavenly Father decided who we are.
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5
You’re His sweet kid, and He’s got big plans for you, no matter who you see in the mirror.
Your true identity is in Jesus. He’s your destiny.
It gave your Father great pleasure to make it so.
You can’t take back what you’ve done, or where you’ve been.
But you can take back the name that is rightfully yours through the blood of Christ.
The Judge will remember you when you come before His mercy seat.
Jesus paid your fine; His name is the unbreakable seal.
We’re chosen. Anointed. Set apart. Treasured.
Now and forever, our future is sure.
Identity is found in Jesus, the One who is faithful, unchanging, and true.
We’re His; that’s who we are.