The Divine Blueprints:Weaving the Pattern of Identity 🧵 🪡
It all began the day after Christmas.
While the world quieted down from the festivities, my mind woke up. I found myself researching the significance of December 26th. I knew the biblical history of St. Stephen's Day and the tradition of Boxing Day, but my curiosity led me to something I had little to no knowledge about;
Kwanzaa.
As I explored the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principle), I didn't just find a holiday- I found a mirror or an answer to who am I.
The second principle, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) provided an answer. It demands that we define ourselves, name ourselves, and speak for ourselves, affirming to me everything the Apostle Paul wrote in the new testament of our identity in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 2:20, IICorintians 5:17, Ephesians 1:3-5, and Romans 8:15-17.)
The concept bridged the gap to my understanding of psychology and Erik Erikson's Stages of Human Development also. Erik argued that during adolescence (Stage 5), we face a critical battle: Identity and Role Confusion.
For many of us- myself included- life circumstances could delay this stage's victory. We could get stuck in the confusion letting the world define who we are. But Almighty God had a different plan.
Through the lens of Self-Determination and by the grace of the Almighty God, I began to weave my own identity strategically. I had to think deeply and meticulously to define my existence, my brand, and more importantly not to forget my identities.
This is where the first pillar was set: The foundation where other identities as an American, a Gentleman, or a Creative Genius were laid.
I am a Child of God.
I am His. He defines me.
And for the Love He shows me, I endlessly return it.
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