I Know Who I Am

 It may appear strange to come to the realization at this point in my life that I know who I am. It is refreshing to not only know that I have a voice but that I know what to say. Moreover there is a strong perception of liberty due to the fact that I have matured enough that there are few among us that are capable of shutting me up or backing me down because I know what I am talking about. I know not just because I have learned some things but because I have experienced enough to know some things as the truth. I know the outcome of some choices because my head was hard enough to stubbornly experience some things over and over.

I will listen to someone who has demonstrated that they know something that I don’t know but need to know. Experience has taught me that there are times to just be quiet and listen. But there are also times when you need to speak out even when all others seem to be in opposition. Just because others don’t agree with you does not mean that you are wrong. Secure maturing brings about a level of boldness that can come no other way but the process of maturing.

 I have reached an age that I am young enough to know that I still have destiny that needs to be fulfilled but old enough to know that if I do not do it now it will never get done. I have more years behind me than I have in front of me. So I have made the decision to be me and accept whatever comes with that.

 For many years I fell into the trap of trying to be what others wanted or expected of me. Sometimes I would jump through their hoops trying to meet their criteria. I found that to be frustrating and I wasted a lot of time. Because even though I did all that they asked I was still left behind. People may not accept you when you are not what they want you to be.  Even those who are supposed to love you may turn their backs on you when you don’t respond the way they think that you should. But on the other hand they will not respect you in the long run if you don’t stand strong for what you believe. So it is better to be the person that you were created to be and travel your own journey led by the One who created you.

That brings me to the question, “Who am I?” I am many things. I am first and foremost a preacher of the “Gospel”, pure and simple. I intend to spend the rest of my life using the gifts that the Lord has given me to spread the most important “Truth” to mankind. Because I am a teacher I will teach it. Because I am a writer, I will write it. Because I am a story teller, I will tell the story.

 I am looking forward to an exciting end to my journey. It will be a journey that strengthens my spirit and feeds my soul. The pleasures that I receive will be passed on in the works that I accomplish. So I pray that the teachings and the stories that come from me will serve to make those that come behind me wiser about how to live this life that has been given to us. In turn their lives will be more abundant and they will be able to give even more than I.

 Do you know who you are? If not, it is time to find out. Your age doesn’t matter. Living a few years on the right track is better than never being on the track at all. How can I find out who I am, you ask? I say ask the One who created you. He is glad to make you know. It is better to live a life of destiny, however short the time, than to die after a life of regrets.

Pam Palmer Cooper