Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Who am I? To answer this question we often resort to the input and influence of others: parents, siblings, extended family, friends, to name but a few. Furthermore, each of us believes: “I have all the data to answer the question.” Here’s the problem: all of our perceptions are flawed because they rely on both limited and faulty data. No one, including yourself, has the “full scoop” about you!

So, are we adrift on an ocean of confusion, with no shore in sight on which to establish a solid foundation of self-identity? The answer is a resounding “NO!” Note the words of Bonhoeffer. “Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine!” David echoed this affirmation. “You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me.” (Psalm 139:1)

Suppose you’re going to build a house. You have some idea of the design and size. The first order of business is to have a blueprint drawn. Perhaps you’ll pass through several revisions before what has been in your head is now on paper. The builder you hire will follow your ideas … now on paper. Note: the finished product will be a reflection of what you envisioned.

Now, here’s a mind-blowing revelation! “Now the Word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I started to put you together in your mother, I knew you.’.”  (Note: the word “know” in Hebrews is not mere mental cognition. Rather, it connotes intimate connection. EG: this word is used for sexual intercourse.) When did the Creator begin to think of Jeremiah? Before “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

CONSEQUENTLY

YOU ARE NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT OF THE CREATOR!
ETERNALLY, FATHER HAD YOU IN MIND.
THEN, HE PUT THE BLUEPRINT FOR YOU ON PAPER …
WAITING … WAITING … WAITING …
FOR THE DAY YOU WERE CONCEIVED.

However, for the following, this affirmation will most likely be viewed as preposterous nonsense: those who have experienced little, relational connection in childhood, those who have been abandoned by parents, those who were belittled and denigrated by family and friends, and those of us who have been verbally, physically, emotionally and sexual abused.

Though the declaration is dreadfully problematic
I encourage you to hang on!
Why?
Because this blurred snapshot is
but one in the whole album called YOU!