In today’s world, identity is a major topic of discussion. People often ask, “What do you identify as?” or “Where do you find your identity?” The concept of identity shapes how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world around us.
What is Identity?
The dictionary defines identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” But as Christians, our identity is not rooted in worldly definitions—it is found in Christ. We are continually transitioning into His likeness and image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Where Do We Find Our Worth?
It’s natural to find comfort and security in the roles we hold. Personally, I have found great joy and purpose in being a mother and grandmother. My family, my parents, brothers, children, and grandchildren—has been a source of stability and strength for me.
However, Jesus gives us a sobering reminder in Matthew 10:37: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This does not mean we should love our families any less, but rather, that our ultimate worth, security, and trust must be found in Christ alone.
Identity Built on the Fruit of the Spirit
Our character and identity as believers are shaped by the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22-23
Some people find their identity in wealth, success, or recognition. Others build their worth on titles and positions—whether in ministry or the corporate world. But being a pastor, evangelist, teacher, prophet, or apostle is not an identity; it is a calling. These roles are responsibilities given by God for the purpose of perfecting and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Likewise, positions such as CEO, manager, supervisor, or leader in any field can be blessings. However, if our security is found in promotions, financial success, or public acknowledgment, we will always be left wanting. Instead, we are called to do everything unto the Lord:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23
A Testimony of True Identity
My father, Bishop Bill Hamon, gave his life to Jesus at a small brush arbor meeting with just a few teenagers in an open field in Oklahoma. The woman who ministered that night may never have known the impact of her obedience. If her identity had been based on large crowds, financial support, or public recognition, she might have felt like a failure.
But because her identity was in Christ, her worth was found in His grace and mercy. And in the end, her reward in heaven will be just as great as my father’s—because she was faithful to her calling. This is the essence of finding our fulfillment in God rather than in earthly success.
You never know if that one person you are talking to and helping will change thousands of lives. God has called us to be obedient in the seemingly small things as much as the seemingly large more noticeable things. Obedience will help to form our character and our identity.
The Danger of Misplaced Identity
When we place our identity in people, fame, fortune, or material possessions—even in our families and mentors—we will inevitably face disappointment. These things are temporary, but our identity in Christ is eternal.
My True Identity
At the end of the day, I identify as a Christian—someone who is being transformed into the likeness and image of Christ. From glory to glory, I seek to reflect His character through the fruit of the Spirit in my life. May we all find our true identity, worth, security, and purpose in Him alone.
These past few days have been disturbing in many ways. Yesterday, I was driving from the gym and a cop was behind me. I immediately got nervous. I wasn’t speeding or doing anything wrong, but with everything going on, it didn’t give me a safe feeling. The institution that is designed to protect and serve is tainted. It has been tainted by individuals. I want to speak into this from a different perspective than most people have been talking about it.
Racism can be undone in any individual
Racism can be undone in any individual Racism can be undone in any individual, and we can play a part in it right now. No person is born racist. People are taught racism from their family, environment, culture, and personal experiences. Their initial exposure to prejudice was not their choice. However, even if they have been exposed to that belief system, they have a choice. They can choose in each instance whether to reinforce the belief or break it down. So many have fallen into this system unintentionally, and now they continue walking it out. It will take continual, intentional desire and effort to break out of it.
Racism is a human value issue, not just a black and white issue
Racism is a human value issue, not just a black and white issue Discussing it primarily as a black and white issue creates a couple of problems: it discredits the voices of other skin tones and it draws a clear line between two enemies, distracting from the real problem. Now we’re focusing primarily on two polar opposites at war, missing that racism, or hatred of other skin tones, exists in all shades. For example, in the Caribbean culture, there is discrimination between lighter and darker-skinned Caribbeans. By continuing the “black and white” label of racism we keep lock people into categories rather than identifying with them as individuals. The real problem is the devaluing a human being, and robbing them of the image of God they were designed to represent. And the first step to solving the problem is discussing human beings as human beings rather than categorizing them by their color.
People behave like people, not like an ethnicity
People behave like people, not like an ethnicity The riots and the destruction that you’re seeing is not a race trying to get their way. It’s the anger and pain of injustice that human beings are internally walking in. Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. Psychology teaches that anger is a secondary emotion to hurt, fear, and rejection. These humans are revealing the deep pain, rejection, fear, and hopelessness they feel and live with every day. They need empathy, to know that we understand that you’re angry and we care what happens to you.
There is an answer to these issues. The answer is not found in changing the systems or in a reconciliation church service. It’s solved at the dinner tables and in homes. I’m not talking about just talking about the issues at the table with your own family. I’m talking about inviting one another into our homes and connecting. It’s hard to label and categorize someone you’ve spent time with and gotten to know personally. Connection is the answer. This needs to happen on all sides.
There is hope and its found in each one of us doing our part. We have to let go of pre-existing mindsets and connect with someone different than us. CONNECTION BREEDS COMPASSION!
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20
The solution to racism is not found in changing systems or reconciliation services.
In conclusion, as a society, we must recognize that racism is a learned behavior and can be undone through intentional effort. It is important to understand that racism is not limited to just the black and white binary, but it is a human value issue that affects all skin tones. The riots and destruction we are currently witnessing are a manifestation of anger and pain from longstanding injustices. The solution to racism is not found in changing systems or attending reconciliation services, but in connecting with people of different backgrounds on a personal level. By fostering connection, we can breed compassion and love, and ultimately work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
What God is Revealing for 2023? – Join Apostle Jane Hamon for the Word of the Lord!
Apostle Jane Hamon recently shared a powerful message during a conference earlier this year.
In John 16, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit and how he needs to go away to send him to us. But what’s interesting is the word that Jesus uses to describe the Holy Spirit – paraclete. This Greek word means “one that walks alongside,” but it also means someone who becomes our advocate and helper in times of trouble. Essentially, the Holy Spirit stands up for us and takes our side.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting. In the Aramaic language, the word for paraclete is “perata,” which is actually two words combined. The first part, “perak,” means “the one who removes or destroys,” and the second part, “letter,” means “the curse.” So when you put them together, “perata” means “the one who removes or destroys the curse.”
Wow, talk about powerful! The Holy Spirit isn’t just our helper, but he’s also the one who destroys curses and sets us free from the things that hold us back. And Apostle Jane Hamon believes that we’re going to see an incredible release of this yoke-breaking, curse-destroying anointing through God’s people this year.
It’s amazing to think about how the Holy Spirit works. He’s not just a comforting presence, but he also empowers us to overcome and conquer the things that try to bring us down. So if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Apostle Jane Hamon’s message and get ready for an incredible year ahead.
Hamon, known as the “pioneer of the modern-day prophetic movement,” has dedicated his life to Connecting Generations of Prophets by teaching, training, and activating countless individuals in the prophetic realm through his work with Christian International.
The importance of different generations working together in prophecy
Tiam-Fook is the founder of International Young Prophets, which serves the office of the next generation prophet. I first met her during a conference in Norfolk, Virginia where I was later part of a prophetic roundtable with a medium sized group of prophetic voices in the Hampton Roads area.
During the special hour-long episode, I was struck at how Hamon and Tiam-Fook honored one another. They were modeling how important it is for each generation to run together. To pray, minister and prophesy together.
The example of Moses and Joshua
Moses and Joshua were of different generations, but they prayed together. Joshua would participate and see Moses’ prayer life as they were in God’s presence. But Joshua understood that even though Moses was God’s friend and spoke to Him face to face, he needed his own encounter and friendship with God. Joshua watched Moses carefully and applied the principles he saw in Moses, staying in the tent to pray.
We need generations of fivefold ministry gifts praying and ministering together. We should give our elders who lead us well double honor. And the young, emerging apostles and prophets should imitate those who have paid the price before them like Bishop Hamon. We should glean all the spiritual truths and wisdom we can and then seek God’s face for our own encounter.
It’s no secret that from the place of prayer we learn to prophesy. But when we are running together with generations in mind, I believe there is a supernatural acceleration and blessing.
The need for mutual respect and openness between generations in prophetic ministry
Tiam-Fook said each generation needs each other. Our generation needs the older generation, and together we need the younger generation. Unfortunately, there are ministries that won’t allow older, more experienced apostles and prophets to speak into their lives. But then there are some who won’t listen to anyone younger than they are. This should never be the case.
The power of intergenerational prophetic activation
At the end of the interview, I asked Hamon and Tiam-Fook to lead us in a prophetic activation. Encouraging those watching or later listening in to my podcast to participate. It was a powerful time as Hamon gave the scriptural foundations to be activated. And through this they modeled several generations working, ministering and running together.
I want to encourage you to consider who to run with in the generations before you or after you. And. reach out to them and start meeting with them today.
What God is Revealing for 2023? – Join Apostle Jane Hamon for the Word of the Lord!
Apostle Jane Hamon recently shared a powerful message during a conference earlier this year.
In John 16, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit and how he needs to go away to send him to us. But what’s interesting is the word that Jesus uses to describe the Holy Spirit – paraclete. This Greek word means “one that walks alongside,” but it also means someone who becomes our advocate and helper in times of trouble. Essentially, the Holy Spirit stands up for us and takes our side.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting. In the Aramaic language, the word for paraclete is “perata,” which is actually two words combined. The first part, “perak,” means “the one who removes or destroys,” and the second part, “letter,” means “the curse.” So when you put them together, “perata” means “the one who removes or destroys the curse.”
Wow, talk about powerful! The Holy Spirit isn’t just our helper, but he’s also the one who destroys curses and sets us free from the things that hold us back. And Apostle Jane Hamon believes that we’re going to see an incredible release of this yoke-breaking, curse-destroying anointing through God’s people this year.
It’s amazing to think about how the Holy Spirit works. He’s not just a comforting presence, but he also empowers us to overcome and conquer the things that try to bring us down. So if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Apostle Jane Hamon’s message and get ready for an incredible year ahead.
