Much of the excitement behind October 31 stems from the opportunity that individuals receive to detach themselves from their own identity and clothe themselves with another. There is much pride taken in being able to become someone else on this day. Some of the extravagant measures taken to become another personality reveal that many people anticipate this opportunity all year long. Unfortunately, long after the day has come and gone, far too many individuals continue to remain clothed in identities that God did not assign to them originally. This practice continues long after the costumes have come off and the external masks have been removed. Why? Because many individuals do not feel safe functioning in their original God-given identity. Perhaps this fear or uncomfortable feeling was birthed through rejection, disappointment, pain, or hurt of some sort. Regardless of how individuals arrive at the conclusion that it is safer to be someone else, the truth is, no one can beat you being you. You may not have been a contest winner or an award recipient but one thing is for sure, you will always be the best you of the bunch. Do not be uncomfortable functioning in your own skin with your own identity. You may not like what everyone else in the room likes, but if it is truly you, then feel free to go against the grain. You may not want to do what everyone else wants to do, but all that matters is that the desire is truly you. Be true to yourself. Do not allow people or objects to define you. Discover your identity in God. We were all created differently on purpose, for a purpose. You are not supposed to be me and I am not supposed to be you. We are supposed to be different. When joined together properly, our differences get the job done and allow us to accomplish more. We can do far more when we are ourselves than we ever could trying to be someone else or trying to be what people want us to be. So while you may portray another identity at some point on October 31, do yourself, family, friends, society, and most importantly, God, a favor and be sure to return to the best identity of them all… you!
For more information, please call 661-977-4100 or visit www.valenciachristiancenter.org.