It happens a lot. People approach me in public places and ask, “Have we met?” My response is always the same. “No,” I say with a smile, “we have never met.” That is when the stranger standing before me dives into a long, drawn-out story about how I am the spitting image of a girl they knew from high school, a co-worker’s wife, or someone’s sister. The most comical mistakes are those to which I am thought to be a celebrity. An older man in the Albuquerque airport thought I was Melissa Rauch, otherwise known as Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz from the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. A group of adolescent boys on skateboards and scooters in Moab, Utah swore I was Taylor Swift. A lady I work with said I resemble Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie, and my all-time favorite encounter was with a shuttle bus driver who refused to believe I was anyone other than Private Benjamin herself – the legendary Ms. Goldie Hawn. 

Most people apologize for their errors once corrected and laugh off the embarrassment. Although they may stare at me because, to them, the resemblance is uncanny, they accept the truth regarding my identity, unlike a handful of others who are steadfast in their belief that I am who they say I am. 

Societal pressures and expectations often seek to define and limit who we are. I am grateful that as a believer, my identity is not determined by the opinions, beliefs, or labels placed on me by the world’s standards. My identity, and yours, is defined by who God says we are. God’s perspective on our identity is unchanging, loving, and deeply rooted in His knowledge of us. The Bible is full of scripture that outlines who we are in Christ – here are just a few of my favorites.

• You are a beloved child of God (1 John 3:1). He loves you unconditionally and delights in having a relationship with you.

• You have been chosen by God and called into His kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). He has a purpose for your life and invites you to participate in His divine plan.

• Through Jesus’ sacrifice, you have been redeemed and forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Your sins are washed away, and you have a fresh start.

• You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). He empowers you to overcome challenges and walk in victory.

• You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). He has created you with unique gifts, talents, and qualities.

• You are an ambassador of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:20). You represent Him in the world, carrying His message of love, grace, and reconciliation.

• As a believer, you are a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). You share in His inheritance and have access to the blessings and promises of God.

Knowing our identity not only gives us joy because we know that we are loved, forgiven, and have a greater purpose, but it also provides a solid foundation for balanced living. It guides our values, priorities, decision-making, and relationships, helping us to find harmony and fulfillment in all areas of life. By centering our identity in Christ, we can live a life that reflects His love, grace, and wisdom. 

In the grand scheme of things, mistaken identity in relation to whom God says we are serves as a reminder that our true essence is far greater than that of the world or our own self-perceptions. As we awaken to the truth of our spiritual identity, we can navigate the world as confident, compassionate women with a profound sense of purpose! 

Now, I am sure I will be mistaken for someone else in the future, but to be honest, I really don’t mind. It has become a game – who will they say I am tomorrow, the next day, or the day after that? I guess only time will tell. How about you? Have you ever been mistaken for another? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

Prayer:

Lord, I come before You today with a humble heart, seeking a deeper understanding of who I am in Christ. I am not defined by who the world says I am. I am not defined by the work that I do or the roles that I take on. I recognize that my perception of myself is often clouded by worldly influences and my own insecurities. But in Your divine wisdom and love, You see me through the lens of truth. I surrender my limited self-perception and ask that you reveal to me the depth of who I am in Christ. Teach me to walk in the fullness of my identity.