I Am Who I Am

If you know me at all or have even spent a little bit of time with me, you know that I am passionate about people learning who they truly are and living it out within their families, communities, and organizations.
Early in my journey I discovered that we all "bite off" on one of three lies about our identity: I am what I do. I am what others say or think about me. Or, I am what I have, be that possessions or people.
On a recent slow, rainy Sunday morning the following poem bubbled out of me and I'm sharing it as a simple reminder that that there is a greater truth, just below the surface of each of us longing to come out and declare, "I Am Who I Am."
I Am Who I Am
I Am Who I Am
I am not what I have done
or have failed to do.
For that would make me the sum of all my actions
and lead me to being defined based on my works.
No, I am not what I have done.
I Am Who I Am
I am not what you think or say about me,
for that would make me the sum of all your thoughts and words
and lead to being defined by your yardstick.
No, I am not what you think or believe about me.
I Am Who I Am
I am not what I have,
be that friends or possessions.
For that would simply make me the sum of what I possess.
No, I am not what I have.
I Am Who I Am
I am a new creation,
constantly being,
becoming,
evolving and growing.
I am a daughter and a son,
formed and created in Love, for love,
and always the beloved one.
I am an heir,
learning how to steward what has been given to me.
I am an abassador,
sharing the good news,
"You are who you are!"
by Lisa Dolese McClanahan