Growing up in a small community was very beneficial in instilling some great values in the younger generation. It was a place where everyone knew who you were either by name or association. Since there were more than one Paul, in that community, my friends often referred to me as “Shirley’s Paul” associating me with my mother in order to distinguish me from the other Paul’s in the community. The older generation would say, that’s Sidney’s and Shirley’s boy” giving my parents ownership, or maybe even blame for me. They often could tell because I resembled one or both of my parents in different ways.

 

We live in a society today where many people do not feel they “belong” to anyone and are unsure of who they are. In their search for their identity they allow themselves to be defined by the things they have or what is happening to them.

The good news is that while our past and present circumstances impact us they do not define who we are. For who we are is defined by our relationship with God and others. It is not what happens to you but who you belong to that truly matters!

I am happy to say I belong to God my Father who has blessed me with great relationships with my parents and family. I love being married to Kelly and being Dad to Nathan and Kelsie because our relationships with each other is shaping us all into who God wants us to be.

Folks will often make comments that our children look like Kelly or I that’s DNA, but what is more fascinating than that is when you see your children doing things or acting in a way that reflects you as parents, that is a result of spending time together.

May we spend quality time with God so that people will see the reflection of God in our lives and be amazed at His greatness.  Find your identity in God through Jesus Christ that you may belong to His family and show His glory.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

Who do you belong to?