But Don't You Know Who You Are?

The Landing Ministry at First Baptist Covington began on August 5 of this year. The young men are divided by age, 6 - 8 grade, 9 - 10 grade, and 11 - 12 grade. The first month has gotten off to an excellent start.

Today, 9/13/14, as I was browsing the internet I was struck by the names of the high profile individuals among us who have recently come out and publicly shared they are a recovering (blank). I admire the courage that it takes for these folks to stand up and admit they have an addiction to something harmful.  It struck me, because I had no clue they were going through the struggles they were so all of them were able to successfully hide their addictions from the public. It also struck me to ask why was I surprised at some of them who came out? Why should I be surprised really? After all they are finding that the success and adoration they sought from the public was not giving them the expectations or affirmations they were looking for. Money, fame, success, attention, and adulation, these are some things most of us seek believing that when we get them we will be satisfied with our lives. Yet, most folks who do get these attain these very things find themselves to still feel empty inside. They still feel lonely. They still ache. 

It is not of course isolated to the Hollywood types. In life I have seen many who believed that promotions, raises, bonuses, ratings, recognitions would lead them to the place where satisfaction with life is found. Yet, they have to start over the next year striving for the very same things. Many of them are just getting started in their careers and already they have bought luxury cars, large homes, and other material attempts to keep the aches at bay and some are finding it is not working. In a few more years many of them will be joining the high profile individuals who have to admit they are a recovering (blank). 

During one of our Tuesday Landing sessions the band sang a song I had never heard before and the lead sang a haunting question the song asks, "But don't you know who you are?" I was struck by that question and I could not get it out of my mind. After the session I approached the lead singer and asked the name of the song that had the question, "But don't you know who you are?", and he shared that the title of the song is You Are More by 10th Avenue North. I downloaded the song and was listening to it on my way to work one morning and the question resonated again and I felt the spirit teaching me that - No, most people don't know who they are because they have not been taught. How can they know? You must tell them.

In the Jr. High open share group we end each session with that specific question to each young person in the group.  ....., do you know who you are? The first time we told him the answer, you are a beloved son of God or the King! Then asked the next one the same question and gave him the same answer. Now as we close the session the young men are answering they do know who they are. Maybe in a few years when these young men begin the search they'll remember where to go for the affirmation they are searching for, and they'll go to their father as he reminds them you are a beloved son and I cherish you deeply. Those who have come out and admitted they are in recovery, I propose that you don't know who you are and when you learn you are a beloved son or daughter of the king your life will change! You are more!