I have acted shamefully. I have said and done things I wish I could take back, especially on Facebook. But that’s not who I am.

I  have believed the lies that the devil told me in my moments of weakness. He told me I was worthless with nothing to offer any girl and nothing to contribute to the world and that the world was better off without me in it. But that’s not who I am.

I have royally screwed up everything at certain points in my life. I have lived out of shame and fear and not out of sonship and love. But that’s not who I am.

I have driven friends away. Some who are still friend on facebook won’t talk to me anymore or respond to any of my posts because I was too clingy and needy and scared them off.  But that’s not who I am anymore.

My Savior and God set His affection on me and called me Beloved and gave me worth by loving me. He thought I was to die for and has told me repeatedly how fond He is of me. That is who I am.

My God has called me by a new name. Not one given to be by my failures or shame or guilt or fear, but one bought with precious blood and written on a white stone. That is who I am.

My God has made my brokenness beautiful, turned my mourning into dancing, turned my shame into praise and renown, and called me friend. That is who I am.

My God is transforming me more and more every day into the image of Jesus and His life is growing inside me, taking over, as the old ways that led to defeat are put to death. That is who I am.

Who am I? I am the disciple whom Jesus loves. I am my Beloved’s, and He is mine. I am beautiful and strong and handsome and redeemed and forgiven and made new. That’s who I am from now on!