IDENTITY : Be Aligned and Illuminating

By Ruth Kwalanda | June, 2025

I am deeply fascinated by the concept of identity. Who am I—truly? Why do I have a name? How do we define ourselves when all our labels are stripped away? When introducing ourselves, we often list our name, origins, profession, affiliations, and achievements. But is that really who we are? Or are we more than the labels we’ve collected over time? Consider this: on the day we were born, before the naming and roles, we simply were. I AM. This is the beginning of true identity—unattached to labels, pressures, or expectations.

Beyond the Labels

Labels can inform, but they should not define. True identity begins when we explore the unchanging dimension within us—our divine origin. This truth reorients us from seeking meaning in external affiliations to anchoring ourselves in who we are in God. In Barrett’s model of personal and organizational transformation, identity alignment occurs when values, purpose, and behavior are in sync. Everything DiSC reminds us that self-awareness—how we see ourselves and how others see us—is the foundation for growth. When we lead from our core identity, we lead authentically.

The basic start is, if we mute the label of our parenting for a moment, then we must ask whose are we? The answer redefines our entire perspective. You see if I say I belong to the government of Kenya, then my primary allegiance becomes government, and even look to government for my wellbeing and meaning and when it fails me, as it most definitely does, I am either disempowered or angry or find a way of being in the in crowd to of the day to find wellbeing and meaning. I could also say I am of my tribe, same manifestation.

Let me propose to you the identity of DIVINITY! You may have seen in my belief creed that I believe in God, I believe in the redeeming ministry of Jesus Christ and The Graces I am gifted with in Him, I believe in the Bible as an authoritative revelation of God and His will for humanity.

A Divine Identity - Some Truth Statements

TRUTH 1: Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it …” (New King James Version [NKJV],1982, Genesis 1: 26-28). So I am a fulfilled blessing of God. Many generations later, His Word is still accomplishing His Will and mission. Any time a baby is born it does not matter where on earth and who the human parents are, they are God’s they are a fulfilled declaration and will of God. And so I Am Divinity Expressed/Manifested.

TRUTH 2: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and Him all things consist. (Col 1:15-17, NKJV).

TRUTH 3: And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, FOR He will save His people from their sins.

TRUTH 4: God is Love (I John 4:16). In this the love of God was manifested towards us, that God has sent is only begotten Son into the world, THAT WE MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM. (emphasis added).

And so I belong to God, and that changes my perspective about me completely, I no longer have to be limited by my origins, parenting, roles, professions, affiliations, achievements, failures, perceived successes/ failings/ struggles and so forth. I hold my shoulders straight up and declare;

Behold What Manner of Love the Father Has Bestowed On Us, That We Should Be Called Children of God! And If Children, Then Heirs-Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Christ. The bible is full of our new identity descriptions in Christ.

Reflective Exercise: Beyond Labels

1. Write down all the labels you identify with—name, roles, tribe, profession, achievements, affiliations.
2. Click to reveal "I AM" Truth:
   • I AM.
   • I AM.
   • I AM.

Daily Identity Practice

• I am a beloved daughter of the Most High God (1 John 3:1)
• I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• I am a branch in the vine, Jesus Christ is the Vine (John 15: 5)
• I am a temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) – King David, c. 1000 BC
• I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people (1 Peter 2:9)
• I am a partaker of God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
• I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
• I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• I am led by the Spirit of God; therefore, I am a son of God (Romans 8:14)
• I am saved by Grace through faith, it is the gift of God not of works (Ephesians 2:8).
• I am rooted and grounded in love because Jesus dwells in me (Ephesians 3:17)
• I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)