Originally posted 2017-01-16 17:32:25.
Hi!
If you are asked to describe yourself by filling in the blank of a sentence that begins with, “I am,” what would you say? Let’s do it now! Fill in the blank with one or more words about you: “I am ______________________________.” How fast did an answer come to your mind? Did you finish it with certainty; or with apprehension? If you had doubt in describing you; why? What were the nouns, adjectives, or phrases that you used?
There are so many ways to complete that sentence. What did you say? Did you say, “I am: say, smart, tired, unhappy, beautiful, handsome, blessed, successful, broke, wealthy, intelligent, happy, hospitable, kind-hearted; highly favored; a go getter; a person of integrity; a hard worker; or a thinker?” Whatever answers you placed in the blank; don’t you think it speaks volumes of your opinion of you?
People’s thoughts of themselves differ. Even though people have diverse self-perceptions; sometimes there is a common thread that flows through families and friends. For instance:
- I asked one of my sons to complete the sentence beginning with “I am.” He paused a few seconds. Then he said, “I would finish it with how great I am. I understand life and read things perfectly.” Wow! That sounds like he has a high opinion of himself.
- I have many family members that would instantly say, “Girl, I am fine!” Especially the women; young AND seasoned. They often comment about each other on social media with: bloodline fine. One might consider them as conceited and a bit narcissistic. But is that the case? Could they just know with certainty that they are beautiful women? Maybe they are confident; know it; and know how to express it.
- Don’t get me wrong. Not all of my family answers that question by only describing their outward appearance. I asked one of my millennial cousins the question, “Who do you think you are?” She immediately said, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Now, that could mean her outward appearance and her inward beauty. Wow! She definitely places who she is in the hands of God.
- I can also think of some women in my family that would say, “Let me think about it.”
- There are others who would avoid answering the question and say, “Rochelle what’s this all about?”
So my friend; STOP! Let me ask YOU again! Fill in the blank with one or more words about you: I am __________________. I’ll go first:
Let’s say that someone says to me, 
“Describe yourself by completing the sentence that starts with “I am.” My long, short answer would be, “I am intelligent; I am confident in who I am in God; I am anointed by God; and I am attractive.” Now, with the risk of sounding arrogant; my statement of being intelligent is a proven fact. My confidence in who God says I am has God’s Holy Word to back me up. But I’m not quite sure of the attractive part of the description. Why? That’s because, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Some may see me as pretty; and others won’t. But it’s not what others think about you. What do you think?
Now! It’s your turn. What about you? How would you answer the question, “Who do you think you are?”
Let’s take a look at the question, “Who do you think you are?” It can have negative and positive connotations to it.
Let’s look at the negative side first….
Sometimes that question is posed without the words actually being spoken. In these instances, the underlying goal might be to insult; or challenge. Have you ever been in conversation with someone who considers themselves an expert in their niche? You ask them a valid question, and they answer it with an angry tone? Perhaps they’re saying without saying; “Who do you think you are?”
When this happens, you have to walk in the confidence of who YOU are. Don’t let anyone’s anger and defensive answers stop you. Your area of expertise and knowledge does not wane; just because your question insults someone. You prayerfully walk in the gifts and talents God has given you: and do what you’re assigned to do. Just make sure it’s with love and kindness.
The positive side…
In the above scenario, the person being asked a question answered with anger and a negative undertone. But think about it. Maybe no one has ever challenged them before. Perhaps they took your question as a correction or a check. Usually, this train of thought leads to them giving you answers laced with assumptions. They then try to undermine your question. But, my friend, when you’ve prayed about it, and you know what you know; stand firm.
Maybe, your question actually helps them, and they don’t realize it. Your innocent question may have uncovered hidden self-grandiosity. Your question may have exposed underlying low self-esteem. Your question may have caused them to go pray and think about what you said. You can allow a negative situation to uncover the positive. Their defensive response may have exposed their intimidation of you; which lets you know more about YOU; and you affect on people.
But the question remains. “Who do YOU think YOU are?
Think about it. Ask yourself; and just maybe there are many facets to your answer. But first, you have to replace the, “I think,” with, “I know.” When you know, you think; and when you think, you know. It’s not about simply thinking. It takes thinking in knowing. You know you. Someone may openly or subliminally ask, “Who do you think you are? No matter if the question has a negative or positive undertone; be bold enough to say, “I KNOW WHO I AM! I AM WHO GOD MADE ME TO BE!”
So, my friends, Let’s go!! Fill that blank in with what you know. You know that you are: _________________________________________. And be as comfortable as a swan on a lake.
Thank you for joining me today. The scripture that’s in my heart today is; “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
Continue to: Bloom! Expand! Discover! (So that you will:) Experience! And the question remains, “Who do you think you are?” We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
