Protecting My Identity in the Middle of the Mess
Lately, I’ve been realizing that some of the hardest battles I deal with aren’t the obvious ones. They’re not the things everyone can see. They’re the quiet ones—the thoughts that show up uninvited, the memories that resurface, the stories I start telling myself when I’m tired or frustrated.
Right now, I’m dealing with someone who has been stealing my medical identity for years. I don’t know if it’s the person or the facility that is letting it happen or if it’s both, but I do know what it feels like—lots of phone calls, repeating the same information, and that uneasy feeling that something personal is being used and taken without my permission. It’s draining. And if I’m honest, it’s easy to let it take over more space in my head than it should and it can start messing with my peace if I let it.
And that’s when God showed me that I was letting other things creep in. My devotion yesterday was all about Identity and it stopped me in my tracks.
Why This Verse—and Why Now?
The answer is simple: God knows me. He knew I needed to read it, hear it, and live it.
Psalm 71:24 has been returning to my thoughts:
“My tongue will tell of Your righteousness all day long…”
Not because everything is resolved.
Not because this situation feels easy or settled.
But because my true identity needs guarding.
I know how quickly frustration can take the lead if I let it. And I don’t want irritation, fear, or exhaustion to be the loudest voice telling my story.
The Identity Thieves Women Face Today
The thing about identity thieves is that they’re rarely obvious.
They don’t usually kick the door down.
Most of the time, they just slip in quietly—especially when we’re already tired or dealing with something stressful—and start rewriting the story of who we are.
Here are a few I know too well.
Comparison
Comparison is sneaky.
It whispers things like:
- “You should be further along.”
- “She’s handling it better.”
- “You’re behind.”
It doesn’t motivate—it drains.
And it steals joy without asking permission.
Truth: God never compares His children. He knows us by name.
Past Mistakes
The past has a way of resurfacing when we’re vulnerable.
It says:
- “This is who you really are.”
- “You’ll never fully move past this.”
Truth: The past may be part of your story, but it doesn’t get to define you.
Performance and Productivity
This one shows up when life already feels out of control.
It says:
- “If you slow down, you’re failing.”
- “You should be handling this better.”
I’ve caught myself thinking this even while dealing with things I can’t fix overnight.
Truth: Your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish. You matter because you exist.
Shame
Shame is loud—and it’s relentless.
It tells us:
- “You’re too much.”
- “You’re not enough.”
- “You should know better by now.”
Even when something isn’t your fault, shame tries to take up space anyway.
Truth: Shame doesn’t come from God. Healing does.
Labels
Labels can be comfortable—or confining.
- “The strong one”
- “The one who has it together”
- “The difficult one”
Even good labels can start to limit us.
Truth: God names us. Everything else is secondary.
Why Speaking Truth Actually Matters
Psalm 71:24 doesn’t ignore pain.
It doesn’t pretend things are fine.
It makes a choice.
“My tongue will tell of Your righteousness…”
That’s not denial—it’s defense.
I’m learning that speaking truth out loud keeps frustration from becoming my identity. It reminds me that what’s happening to me is not who I am.
What This Looks Like Right Now
Some days, it looks like making phone calls and taking notes.
Other days, it looks like stopping mid-thought and choosing a better one.
When comparison shows up:
“God has been faithful to me right where I am.”
When shame tries to sneak in:
“God’s righteousness covers my story.”
When fear starts naming the future:
“My identity is secure in Him.”
Sometimes I have to say it more than once.
Sometimes all day long.
A Time to Pause
Maybe today isn’t about fixing everything.
Maybe it’s just about choosing one true thing to hold onto—and letting it speak louder than the rest.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, help me guard my heart and my identity.
When other voices get loud, remind me what’s true.
Help me remember who I am in You.
Amen.
One Question to Sit With
What voice has been the loudest in your life lately—and what truth needs to answer it?
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