I want you to know the the vocabulary of identity. I desire for parents to cultivate words which will water the seeds of identity in their children. For parents to discover who they are and who they have always been. To feel confident in their place and purpose in the world.
My motivation for this writing comes from three recent conversations where the subject of identity came up. One mom said about herself, “I’m still trying to figure this out.” A coworker described his desire, drive and purpose, but was unsure of the difference between purpose and identity. I told him all this comes from identity. He too, didn’t have words living and thriving in is heart, which are the make up of his identity.
YOU CAN RETIRE FROM WHAT YOU DO, BUT YOU NEVER RETIRE FROM WHO YOU ARE AND YOU CAN BE WHO YOU ARE IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
Your true identity is written into your DNA! It is full of love and purpose and out of love will flow your purpose. If…..it doesn’t feel sourced in love, it is not your identity. It is a lie trying to steel and plunder the dream that is your destiny. A lie can’t exist without truth because it is the antagonist. Oh, and our destiny is also NOW. The TRUTH must first be alive for there to be a lie to defy it. So, let’s intentionally develop the vocabulary of identity and purposefully speak words sourced in love. Resonate with the truth written into the DNA of our children.
Your identity was alive before you were born. It was a song. It waited for an instrument to be created specifically to play it.
Here is my process. I listen, speak, and empower! I listen with my heart for words reflected in the behavioral language of my girls. Wisdom resides in the heart. I pay close attention to their dreams. I know when I’ve heard the words of each person’s identity because when I speak it, it resonates true. It’s like bringing the strings of a violin or guitar into tune. When it comes into tune, there is a harmonious effect. It feels true. Watch closely. You will see the person physically respond to truth spoken over them.
Here is my personal example. I am a BUILDER. I love building people. As a BUILDER, I speak words of encouragement every day. I am a FATHER. As a FATHER, I protect, provide and impart identity. Sometimes, when I don’t know what to do with my girls, I remember who I am. I’m a FATHER, so I make sure I protect their hearts from lies and hurt, protect them physically and emotionally, provide my time and finances, and tell them who they are.
I asked my girls how it feels to hear their identity spoken over them. Here is what they said:
Bear, “It feels good. It feels good to my heart.”
Bean, “Like an encouragement. I just want to kiss you and snuggle you” when I hear it.
On a personal note. I ask Father God, who He created my girls to be. It’s always amazing and love filled. So, I speak it over my girls and watch it come alive.
I love all of you and encourage everyone to press into your identity! Cover yourself with truth and friends who speak truth into you. Seek out mothers and fathers to grow you and impart identity in you.
Lotze of Love….Paul
THE VOCABULARY OF IDENTITY:
SON | DAUGHTER | FATHER | MOTHER | ARTIST | BUILDER | TEACHER | WRITER | ADVENTURER | LOVER | GIVER | DREAMER | WONDERER | KNOWLEDGE-SEEKER | PEACE-MAKER….what words would you add?
Christelle - I can hear the sound of atmospheres shifting and it sounds a whole lot like love and the truth if the holy spirit. THIS is so GOOD
lotzeoflove@gmail.com - Wow and thank you!