An Identity Worth Mentioning

Hi, my name is Jasmyne. How you may know me varies. I'm Jacob and Dianna's daughter. A big sister to many. An author. The young woman who helps with the elderly. __'s ex girlfriend. A CASA volunteer. A friend to everyone. Youth counselor. Even a Jesus freak according to some of you. And these are all true, not to mention the many other things that I'm known by. But that's only surface level. Let's get to the knitty gritty.

Sure, I look good on paper, but let me tell you about my heart. I’m a full blown sinner. I’m a liar. I’m a cheater. I’ve lusted after men. I’ve gossiped. I’ve disrespected my parents. I’ve stolen. I’ve cussed. I’ve disrespected the temple God has given me. I’ve overeaten. I’ve falsely judged people. I’ve been jealous. I’ve coveted. And acted out of anger. I’ve intentionally done/said stuff to hurt people. I’ve even used God’s name in vain. I’m NOT perfect. In fact, I’m far from it. I’m a sinner. And let me tell you, ooooooh, let me tell you. It has eaten away at me some days. I would feel so ashamed of myself that I wanted to hide from God, much like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). There are days that this statement still stands true. Days that I think it would just be easier to hide from God. Days that I would wish God couldn’t see all of my flaws like I see my flaws. Days that I won’t pray or read my Bible because I’d think, “What’s the point? I’m doomed for hell anyway.” I’ve been told that bit about going to hell more times than I can count.

But, there is a difference between guilt and shame. It’s important that we know the distinction between the two. Guilt says, “I did something bad.” While shame, on the other hand, says, “I am something bad.” Guilt, often times, produces growth. Shame causes withdrawal. Shame is from the enemy. It’s that shame that makes us feel separated from God. A prime example given in the Bible is Judas Iscariot. We know that from Luke 13:2, the mastermind that was behind the betrayal of Jesus is the devil. Flipping back to Matthew 27:1–10, Judas felt bad after Jesus gets handed over to Pontius Pilate and even so much as changes his mind. In verse 4, Judas recognizes his sin. So, in verse 5, the shame that Judas felt caused him to commit suicide in the form of hanging himself. Even through the course leading up to the betrayal, Jesus still loved on Judas. Jesus still washed the feet of Judas, knowing that it was only days before Judas handed Jesus over. He still sat at Jesus’ table the night before, and he was still fed with the other disciples. And that is the beautiful thing about the Father. He knew the sin, and where he fall short, and yet He still addressed Judas by name.

It’s funny how much weight goes into a name. Our parents spend 10 months planning the perfect name to title the child they are soon to be expecting. 10 months, sometimes longer, deciding on a name that would carry us a lifetime. Our name is how we identify ourselves in every aspect of life. We don’t go around introducing ourselves as sinners, or by our sins, even. Because in reality, we’re all sinners. And in reality, God knows that we’re going to betray Him as well. But the loving God that we serve, doesn’t talk down on us. Not now, not ever. A loving Father does not speak ill of His children. In fact, throughout the Bible, we are reassured of the many ways in which He sees us.

• Chosen One, Holy and Beloved …………….……… Colossians 3:12

• His Child …………………………………………….. 1 John 3:1

• His Friend ……………………………………………. John 15:15

• A Work of Art ………………………………….…….. Ephesians 2:10

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Often times, we get so caught up in our identity that we forget to place it in Him. So, allow me to reintroduce myself. Hi, I’m Jasmyne, and I’m a daughter of the King.