The culture of one exercise that was done in class a few weeks ago caused me to stop and think in ways I have not thought in quite a while. What is it that makes me who I am? Am I a product of my environment, my family, my education? What is it that causes me to believe the things I believe and act the way I act?
After some thought I realized that many things cause me to be the person I am. These things range from my family and friends, where I grew up, my hobbies, such as sports and dance, and my education. However, the thing that has influenced me most is my religion.
I grew up in a Christian home and went to the same tiny Presbyterian church my whole life. My church family was a huge support for me throughout my life, and my youth pastor became my mentor throughout high school. However, none of this has had the impact on my life the way my relationship with Jesus has. I have learned through good and bad times, through depression and love, through heartbreak and joy, that no matter what I gain or lose, God remains constant. He is the only consistent thing in my life; the only one who I know will never change or fade away.
This strength in the promise of who God is has shaped me more than anything else in my life. Even when I change, God does not. Even when I do not want to go on, Jesus gives me a purpose for living. I am nothing without Him, and there is more freedom in this than I can express. I do not have to be a certain way with God. When I live my life in and through and for Him, I can fully be me. By giving my life to Him, by losing my own life, I become alive. I become whole only by letting go of all.
If there is anything that has made me who I am, it is Jesus, and I would have it no other way.
I loved doing this exercise as well because everyone has a story to tell. I hate when people say they don't really have that much to tell, because so many things we don't realize influence us. How our moms and dads got along, how our teachers treated us, how kind kids were to each other in school, it all matters and effects our world views. And I loved hearing what has shaped other people's lives.
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