Who are you?

BIBLICAL POINT OF REFERENCE:

"Then he said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter said in reply, 'The Christ of God.'"

~Luke 9:20

This past weekend we heard in the Gospel Jesus asking, "Who do you think I AM?" The disciples respond that He is the Son of God - which sounds like a good answer to me. But the more I think about this question and reflect on this weekend's Word, the more I can't help but think that most people today don't know who God is and therefore they have a hard time knowing who they are themselves. Here's where I'm going to pull out a very controversial topic - so you've been warned.

In today's society we have people who love another person of the same sex and feel like they are a different gender than what they were "socially assigned to at birth". In other words, we have a very present LGBTQ+ community, something that seems to have really surfaced visually in the last decade or so. Let me say right here and now that it is our job to love each and every one of God's children, no matter who they love or what they believe. However, I must also say, from a Catholic standpoint, that I cannot accept their lifestyle as God's way or calling for anyone. It's a tricky subject, but what I see are people who are struggling to come to terms with who they are or who they want to be. Or maybe they are struggling to understand what makes them different and how they can change the world with that unique quality. Do they know God has the answers for them? Maybe, maybe not. But what most people in the world don't recognize in the first place is who God is and why He has created us as man or woman, male or female, only to love and join with the opposite sex through marriage, if marriage is your calling. But again, to understand this, you need to have a basic understanding of the way God created us and this world - which very few of us have learned from birth, and even fewer of us grow up continuing to search for. Now, I'm only using the LGBTQ+ community as an example here because I see this issue more apparent in them and in those that are "allies" to them (let me also say that we are supposed to be "allies" to all God's people, we just aren't the "allies" that a lot people want when it comes to this issue). I honestly hope that doesn't offend anyone, but I can't swerve around my beliefs either. And I think we all need to work on knowing God so that we can know ourselves.

So what do I suggest you do about this my sisters? Let's start with a good list: I want you all to write a list of who you are. Write down your characteristics, your flaws, your hobbies, even who you are in your family and friend groups. Write it all down, and ask God to open up to you who you are in His eyes. I'll give you the first thing to write down on your list: "God's Princess." Once you've started this list, go back again and again and add to it. I recommend doing this in adoration or during prayer time. Bottom line ladies, God knows who each of us are to the fullest. He knows the Truth and sees it inside of us, and how to best bring it out so the world can see. If you are struggling to write a list or in asking God for help, consult a priest, deacon, parent, trusted adult, or you can even contact me if you want. These figures are out there to help you find God's calling, so don't underestimate the power of phoning a friend! Lastly, remember that you are beautiful in God's eyes. Your Laughing Sister, Callahan

Check out the BEING GODLY WOMEN quotes page for more inspiration!