Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Who Am I???

When I was younger and introduced to a friend's parents for the first time, after telling them my name, the following question usually followed, "and who are your parents?"

When I started dating a new guy and told my parents about an upcoming date, after telling them his name, they would ask, "and who are his people?"

Maybe it was a southern thing, maybe global, but although we all have "a given name," signifying who we are, we are also defined by those we are associated or related to. My grandparents were large, well-known farmers in the county. To this day, when I meet someone locally and am introducing myself, I add that I'm "such n' such's granddaughter, my maiden name was...." Recognition then follows!

Today, in many circles I am better known as Ashley's mom, David's mom, or Kevin's wife. Our dog, Bailey is a beloved icon in the community. Some know his name better than mine, and I am simply known as Bailey's owner. Sometimes I think my real name is otherwise obsolete! LOL!

I may at times question who I am, what my identity is. But one thing I am certain of, is that I AM a child of God. So often I feel so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of LIFE! But I am reminded in Psalm 139, that He "created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (vs. 13-14.)

I'd like to share two songs that are both beautiful by their words alone. One song is an old southern gospel written by Rusty Goodman, and the other, a contemporary Christian, by Casting Crowns. I encourage you to take a few moments and listen to them both and read along with the words below! I hope that they bless your heart, as they do mine! :)



Who Am I?
(Words & music by R. Goodman)
~Sung by Elvis Presley

When I think of how He came so far from glory
Came to dwell among the lowly such as I
To suffer shame and such disgrace
On Mount Calvary take my place
Then I ask myself this question

(Chorus) Who am I?
Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so That to an old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?

When I'm reminded of His words
I'll leave you never
If you'll be true I'll give to you life forever
Oh I wonder what I could have done
To deserve God's only Son
To fight my battles until they're won


Who Am I ~Casting Crowns
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're

Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours, Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear, 'Cause I am Yours....I am Yours


More importantly than knowing Who I am, I know who He is, "I am God, your God." Psalm 50: 7. My name and identity may change thorough the years, but "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

~Rhonda :)

23 comments:

Deb said...

Amen Rhonda! The words to those songs are beautiful and deep. Thanks for sharing. Deb

Darlene said...

This post is so true!!! You said it so well and I LOVE those songs!!! BEAUTIFUL!

Unknown said...

Hi Rhonda,
Thanks for sharing those beautiful words with us!
diane

Rue said...

Beautiful post Rhonda :)

Rich tells people his grandparents names all the time to let people know who he is. I think it's just a small town thing :)

Hugs,
rue

Jerri Lynn @ Southern Sassyness said...

Such a pretty post - thanks for the reminder about exactly WHO I am!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I understand this post. We live in a very small rural town. So, when you meet someone they always ask what church you go to. Isn't that funny!! And they always try to figure out who you are by your last name. Hey, I just noticed Sarah Palin on your blog!! I can't wait until the watch her tomorrow!!!

Grandma Faith said...

You hit the southern nail on the head there, you sure did. Thanks for the words to the songs. That's a message we can never hear too often. Take care.

Missy Wertz said...

It is beautiful Rhonda. I am His, that is who I am. :D

onlymehere said...

Very beautifully written and so true!

Kathy said...

Lovely post, Rhonda, and beautiful songs!
Kathy

Unknown said...

Lovely encouraging post! Those songs are so nice to hear.

Pearl said...

As always... a beautiful E.W.W. post. Love the songs you selected, too. The question of "Who are your parents?" is a true "Southern thing" for sure! LOL ... I know I've answered that question countless times in my life. Thanks for the reminder, though, of who I "truly" am! God bless...

~hugs, love ♥ 'n prayers~

Pearl

Anonymous said...

I remember those days... who are your parents?.... These days our town has grown so much and so many people have moved into our area. It's always a joy to find a homegrown kid.... love those songs too!

Anonymous said...

I remember those days... who are your parents?.... These days our town has grown so much and so many people have moved into our area. It's always a joy to find a homegrown kid.... love those songs too!

Picket said...

Beautiful...beautiful post Scooter...loved the words to the songs...so true and yes it is a Southern thing around here too for someone to ask..who's your folks...where you from...you JB's daughter ain't you! lol Hope you are having a beautiful day today!

Anonymous said...

Yes, beautiful. I do the same thing to my teenage nieces and little brother when they are talking about someone from back home. Who are their parents?

Those are two beautiful songs. I love posts like these they are very inspirational. In such a busy little world we live in we need little reminders like these.

Thanks!

Michelle said...

Those are beautiful words to great songs..

I think the "Who are you parents and who are your people" are a Southern thing....it just seems to mean eveything around here and it does say a lot...you are who you hang around and who raises you and people just respect that...it defines us and gives us ground, respect and part of our idenity to pass on....

Anonymous said...

You'll always be just "Rhonda" to us!!! Beautiful post! BTW I Love your dining room and want that cart!lol Have a great night- Sincerely, Jeannette

Kellie said...

Love that... so true. Aren't we thankful God knows us by name... everyone of us?? That is so hard for me to fathom, but such a blessing to know He loves me that much.

Alexandra MacVean said...

Hi Rhonda. Stopping by to say hello...and I LOVE that song...actually, I LOVE Casting Crowns. They have the most amazing and powerful songs!

Anonymous said...

I love this post! It was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your songs with us.

nikkicrumpet said...

I grew up in a small town and so I know just what you mean with the family name thing. It made you behave...because you knew your actions would not only reflect on you but on the generations that went before...I think thats part of whats wrong with the world today...people don't have the same reguard for their family name. Great post!!!

Monogram Queen said...

Yes, "who are your people" is definitely a Southern Thing! :) It's nice you have so many pieces of your identity though!