My daughter, Addie, has Down Syndrome, a genetic aspect that influences her life in various ways, both affirming and challenging. But one thing I don’t want it to do is define her identity. Because, as her mom, I understand the challenge of rooting our identities deeply in Christ, rather than in external things.

Wrestling with my identity has been one of the greatest challenges on my path to healing. I used to tell myself destructive stories, linking my worth to external successes. Believing that I had to do it all and make everything happen left me feeling unworthy without constant achievements. This way of living was a trauma response fueled by the Enemy’s lies, keeping me trapped in a never-ending cycle.

But then I asked myself a crucial question: “Who is defining me?” When the stories we tell ourselves are destructive and shut us down, it’s not God but the Enemy of our souls. The path to breaking free begins with replacing destructive thoughts with the truth found in God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us that we can demolish every deceptive lie about our identities that opposes God. Our true identity is not based on achievements or external validation; it’s grounded in Christ. When we let our identity be shaped by Him, we no longer need to prove ourselves.

If you feel like your identity has been stolen or believe, like me, that it had to be attained externally, God’s truth offers a way forward today. His words are the ultimate truth, and when we anchor our identity in Christ, we can shed the burden of striving. We are defined by our divine Creator.

In the midst of pain and struggles, God graciously reminded us of what He says about us. Our true identity rests in being children of God, created with purpose and love. We don’t have to chase after the world’s version of significance or let its labels define us. Instead, we can embrace the truth that in Christ, we are complete, cherished, and valued beyond measure.