I am a who, not a what!

What a revelation! Unfortunately, it took me almost 43 years to come to this realization. I am a people pleaser by nature. Growing up I maintained a reputation of a good girl because I made choices I knew would please others. 

Don’t get me wrong! This is not a bad quality. It’s a quality that has served me well. My work ethic is strong; my credit score is high; and my word is true. 

But along the way, my choices were often made in conflict. I am from a family of educators: my dad, my mom, my sister, my brother-in-law, my aunt, my cousin, and countless close family friends. I am a teacher, too. As small children, my sister and I would play school. We would write, color, draw, teach  & discipline each other, and decorate our room like a classroom. Teaching is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 12:28), a high calling, and being a teacher makes me proud. I have defined myself that way: “Hello. My name is Amy, and I am a teacher.” 

However, if you look upon my teaching career, it appears a bit wishy-washy. My experience: 

One year at Edgewood, one year at Robert E. Lee, one year at Winona, two and a half years at Literacy Council, five years at Christian Heritage, four years at Lindale, and countless extended stints as a substitute. 

I felt a tug upon my heart to stay home with my children and work alongside my husband pastoring the church. Each time I quit teaching, I faced a real struggle within myself trying to define what I was. If not a teacher, then what?

It has taken years to hearken to the voice of the Lord, and regardless of my insecurities, step out by faith and follow him. That tug upon my heart to step out of the role of math teacher was God’s voice. His direction for me is different than the direction I think best. If not a math teacher, then who? That’s a better question.

I am a daughter of the most high God. I am redeemed from a life of sin. I am a testimony for others to see the salvation of God. I am loved unconditionally, therefore, I am able to love others. I am a pastor’s wife. I am a mother. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a faithful friend. I am a writer. And, yes, I am a teacher, too. 

Romans 1:16 …I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ….

Romans 8:38-39 …I am persuaded that [nothing] … shall be able to separate us from the love of God….

1 Corinthians 11:1 …I am [a follower] of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 13:2 …[without love] I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am….

2 Corinthians 7:4 …I am exceeding joyful….

2 Corinthians 11:21 … I am bold….

2 Corinthians 12:10 …when I am weak, then am I strong.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ….

Colossians 1:25 …I am a minister….

Step out by faith and embrace WHO you are today!