{my graphics are free goodies for you}
I am Holley, daughter of Lynda and Don, wife of Mark, Mama to Lovelle and Nana to Ellie. I’m a writer and a coffee drinker, a “y’all” sayer and awkward laugher. I’m as southern as sweet tea. It’s so easy to believe this is the sum of me. But there is so much more to us than what human eyes can see…
“Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, ‘Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas’ (which means ‘Peter’).” – John 1:42
I love that Jesus starts with how Simon has likely always seen himself, but then doesn’t stop there. Jesus goes beyond the human and gives not just a new name but a new identity. “Cephas” or “Peter” both mean “Rock.”
I wonder if Peter had ever thought of himself in this way. Over the next few chapters he shows himself to be volatile, unsteady, impulsive–so much more like the waves he has fished on rather than a firm foundation. But Jesus calls out something in Peter and he grows into it, becomes it. He does the same in us.
How would you define yourself today? Mama, wife, friend, sister, coworker. Introvert, extrovert. Southern, Northern, Australian. Or maybe the words are not so kind: Failure, addict, broken, insecure, unworthy. Whatever the description might be, Jesus has more to add: Beloved, chosen, accepted, forgiven, free, more than a conqueror.
Like Peter, it’s okay if we can’t feel, see or even fully understand what God says is true of us yet. What matters is that we trust our human identity is not our ultimate destiny. So when the world around us tries to tell us who we are this week, let’s pause and listen for the only voice that gets the final say.
We are loved. We are chosen. We have a part in God’s plan today.
XOXO,
Holley Gerth
P.S. If you liked this post, you’ll love You’re Already Amazing. Already read it? Check out the companion LifeGrowth Guide, DVD and devotional.
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Right now, we’re doing a special link-up series to celebrate Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely. You’re a fiercehearted woman so I’m asking you to pour out a little love and courage with your words every Wednesday {the link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post, especially if it’s about living fully and loving bravely, and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
When you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!
I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth!
{click to tweet that you’re joining me here today}
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