Ever heard of the phrase, "Love and be loved"? Sounds good, doesn't it? But something is wrong with it. That phrase seems to imply, that you first love before you're loved. It seems as though being loved is the result, or reward of loving.

Today we learnt in class that Westerners are usually individual selves, and Asians, collective selves. It means that Westerners generally find their identity in who they are as a person, eg. kind, pretty etc. On the other hand, Asians tend to build their identities around relationships. For example, I am a child of God, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I didn't realise this before but it's quite true. Other than relationships, we build our identities around our social roles. For example, I am a student, a GB Officer, a cell member, a cell leader, an employee at the florist, a tuition teacher, a driving student, a future social worker. Do you begin to see what i'm trying to drive at?

No wonder we're all so tired and weary! At least i am. We build our sense of worth on relationships (esp females), and our roles. That's why whenever there's a relationship problem, we break down. And when we fail to perform the tasks expected of us in the roles we play, we crumble. But our identity transcends these. If i were to summarize the above and tell you what my identity REALLY is, it is that I AM A CHILD OF GOD. There's so much meaning in that.

As a Child of God i have authority over TEO. I have the Holy Spirit residing in me. I could go on forever reciting benefits. But above all, as a Child of God I AM LOVED. Not a love that has to be earned, but a love that is freely given, willingly without conditions. For God loved us even while we were enemies, even while we waged war against Him. How much more, when we walk in His ways and return His love? The world says, "Love and be loved". God says, "Be loved, and love."

Yes the above roles i mentioned should be fulfilled. But not as a part of our identity. For it is impossible to please everyone, to make everything right. Circumstances will fail, anytime. But our identity is not based on how much ppl like us, or how well we perform our tasks. It is based solely on the fact that God is our Father and He loves us, just the way we are.

Ever heard of regression? Hahaha it's a psych theory tt ppl tend to revert back to their childhood, or simpler days as a method of coping with stressors. I think i'm like that. I become a child running into my Heavenly Father's arms everytime life gets too tough to handle. And i know His arms will never fail. =)

Warrior’s Hands
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Great is my God
Who calms the seas
He is the one
Who made the trees

He holds our lives in His hands
I can do everything through the one
Who strengthens me

Cos He’s in my life
And watches over me
So now I can stand up and sing

I am a child of God
I am a gift from heaven
Like arrows in a warrior’s hands

Today I’ll make my stand
Cos I am not afraid
Of those in my way

Like arrows in a warrior’s hands
Today I’ll make my stand
My God is great