Hidden Tracks Part 7 “Who Tells Us Who We Are?” THRIVE Service Livestream

So much in life is inherited.

Who we are and what we know has a lot to do with the way our parents raised us, loved us, taught us, and prepared us. It’s repeated and passed down from one generation to the next generation.

Of course, it includes the good things we inherit:

A home filled with love

Words of wisdom

A strong work ethic

Values like integrity, honesty, dedication, commitment, and perseverance

Core principles and convictions

Religious and moral values

Sadly, we also inherit things that are not so great:

Bad Genes – high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of diseases

Anxiety, depression

Poverty

Anger, hatred, prejudices

Our unique flaws and faults

Every parent knows, none of us are perfect, we’re going to make mistakes. We’re going to hurt our children or cause some pain in their life even though we desperately try not to.

When we are young, we listen to the voices telling us who we are. If we are fortunate, our parents, teachers, church leaders, tells us we are God’s beloved.

But unfortunately, some children don’t have that kind of support and never hear that kind of message.

Jephthah is a classic case. Abandoned by his family and driven by anger and shame, he is forced to create his own identity. In the end, the pain he inherits from his father and mother are also inflicted upon his own daughter in a tragic way.

So much good and bad in our lives depends on what voices we choose to listen to, and how they ultimately shape our identity.

So, who gets to tell us who we are?

Only God tells us who we are.