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Just who are you? Do you ever ponder that question? Who are you at your hearts center?
What work were you created for? What’s your purpose in this life? And, are you spending it for something that will outlast you?

Those questions are hard ones, and, darnit, we rarely touch on them because, when we get into the quiet space of allowing those “heart questions” to enter our minds, we quickly squelch them with some mundane task or Real Housewives episode or that last piece of cake that’s sitting on the counter (with our name written on it in ALL CAPS, of course). Things get in the way. We have a funny way of allowing them to do that. Then, one day, we look around and think these questions, knowing the answers, distraught that we didn’t walk them to the edge.

In my Bible Study, a couple years back, my beloved Wild & Woolie, Kelly Hornsby, made a bold statement. After throwing around opinions on the important topic of someone’s life, Kelly sternly stated, “I feel that we should rely less on what we think and more on what we know to be true (as in, the Bible).” My ego quickly responded silently with, “Well, she must not value our opinions.” Then, the God in me spoke up with, “No, she’s telling you that what we know to be true is available to us, and that’s what we should seek.”

In the last couple of months, I’ve had several meetings with movers and shakers in the jewelry biz. And, much of the conversations in those meetings have made me pause and think about who JL PARISH is in the market place. And, for some reason, it’s put me in somewhat of a tailspin. I would think, “Well, if I am this, then I cannot be that and vice versa.” But, today, through a couple beautiful conversations with friends, mountains of prayer and my memory of Kelly’s words from that Bible Study a couple years ago, I got really convicted on the one thing I know to be true. If I’m not quite sure who I am or what I was created for or what my purpose is or if I’ll spend my life for something that will outlast it, I know who does- God. Yes, our Maker, He’s got all that figured out.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” When the truth becomes our foundation, the creative power of God can work through us to fulfill his purpose for us on earth. Those “heart questions” soften because we know who holds the answers. The truth is simple. God says that I’m “wonderfully made.” When I accept that, I no longer want to do that task or watch that Real Housewives episode or eat that piece of cake. I’m actually good in that contemplative moment when those heart questions arise because I know who I am to God. Despite what the world may tell us, that’s all that matters.

So, next time you get into that space, snuggle up there knowing who you are to your Creator. Breathe into the life that He’s afforded you and the opportunities you’ve been given. And, lean into His word and His grace for a deeper understanding of who you are and what you were meant for while you’re here on this earth.

I’ll say this until I take my last breath, God doesn’t waste a thing. Make sure you don’t limit Him in what he can do with your stuff, the good and the bad. And, know this, no matter what age you are, if you’re still living, God isn’t done with you. Let’s dance with the music we’ve been given joyfully in His honor.

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m feeling “wonderfully made.” And, not because of my own confidence but my confidence in Him. Now, as my Mom says, “Stick that feather in your hat,” and, by all means, make today a great day!

Stay Divine,

JL PARISH