Very recently I received an ancestry DNA kit as a gift. I was so excited to receive it because the study of my family’s history has been of interest for a long time. So, I sent my saliva away for research and waited, as patiently as I could, for the results.
As the weeks went by I couldn’t help but reflect on the topic of identity.
All of us want to identify with something or someone. Sadly, I believe our culture has paid too much attention to the things that divide us, instead of what unite us. For instance, labeling yourself by your sexual feelings, minimizes the capacity of your greatness, which is the identity given to you by your heavenly father – a child of God.
First and foremost you are always a child of God!
A few years ago, I led a pilgrimage to Poland. I discovered the history of my ancestors, who experienced much oppression, especially during World War II. They had fortitude, strength, persistence and compassion to do what was right, no matter the cost. Some were part of the underground resistance, and lost their lives in their fight for freedom and justice. As I walked through these landmarks in Poland, every single one of them were also marked by God – you could easily recognize his presence among the people.
Yes, there was a lot of pain and sin, but the light of Jesus Christ did not burn out.
One exhibit in the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa contained a rosary made out of bread. A prisoner sacrificed their daily ration of bread to make the rosary, which became a source of strength through the most difficult time of their life.
In central Kraków, Poland stands Wawel Castle. In the Cathedral and its crypts rest saints, who were rulers and the most eminent leaders and poets of their time. These individuals first and foremost lived their lives as children of God –it was what dictated their decisions and choices.
In 50-100 years from now, how will people see our country? Will they be able to see the presence of God? What about you? Do you first live as a child of God or as a label of how the culture wants to define you?
