My nephew is one and a half.
He doesn’t say a lot yet – just a few random words, and only when he feels like it. (I already am a huge fan of his stubbornness. I hope he’ll grow up sticking to his guns.) Recently my sister has been teaching him different animal sounds.
She’ll say, “Noah, what does a puppy say?” and Noah will woof obediently. Or, “Noah, what does a lion say?” and Noah will roar. “Noah, what does a monkey say?” and Noah will twist his whole body, grinning, because he knows you’re about to tickle his underarms.
Noah, of course, is not a dog or a lion or a monkey. He’s a little boy. But there are moments where I wonder if he convinces himself he is a lion because he can roar.
In the same way I wonder if I can convince myself I am unworthy because of the things I have done.
If you asked me who I am, I would hand you a variety of answers. I’d say my name is Aliza Latta. I’m 23 years old. I’m a writer, I’m in school for journalism, and I’m an artist. I’m a poor college student who owes the government a lot of money, a daughter, a sister, an apprentice of Jesus, and Noah’s auntie.
There are so many things we could say about ourselves, but if they all got stripped away, what would we be left with?
If I got kicked out of school, would I still be considered a student?
If my fingers got chopped off and I couldn’t write or make art, would I still be considered a writer and an artist?
A friend of mine has had four miscarriages in the past two years. We were together the other day, talking about this. She looked at me and said, “Aliza, all of my babies have died. Am I still a mother?”
The past few months have shaken my identity all up. I woke up questioning who I was, mourning things that had happened, and wondering where I was supposed to go or how I was supposed to move on from the person I thought I once was.
Humans — I know — are constantly evolving, shaping and shifting and growing and molding into new, changed people. This is a wonderful gift. I am very glad I am not the same person I was six years ago or six months ago or six days ago. But it begs the question: If we are consistently changing, what is the basis of our identity?
I have placed my identity in school, in a relationship status, in success. I have placed it in my Instagram following and in my independence. Each of these places are like shifting sand beneath me: zero strength or security.
But Christ is teaching me a new way.
My nephew might think he’s a lion because he can roar. He can walk around the house roaring, and convince himself that’s who he is. But I look at him and I don’t see a lion. Instead I see the truth: my little baby nephew who is extraordinarily loved.
I can look at myself and see a girl who is full of shame. I can convince myself that this is who I am — someone shameful and guilty and gross. But God looks at me and doesn’t see a shame-filled girl. He sees the truth. He looks at me and sees someone who is worthy. Not shame-filled, but worthy.
I want to know who I am in my deepest core.
You could chop my fingers off and maybe I wouldn’t be able to write, and maybe I wouldn’t be able to create art, but I would still be worthy. That is my identity, because it’s who God says I am.
Each morning I read aloud spiritual truths of who God says I am. I am healing from wounds that are stitched deep inside of me, and learning who I am is like medicine for my soul. In the morning, this is what I say:
- I am a child of God.
- I am helped by God.
- I am chosen by God, holy and dearly loved.
- I cannot be separated from the love of God.
- I am a member of Christ’s body.
- I am blameless and beyond reproach.
- I have been given great and precious promises by God.
- I am God’s workmanship. (I am enough.)
- I can do all things through Christ, who gives me the strength I need.
- I am tenderly loved by God.
- I am not condemned by God.
- I am Christ’s friend.
- I have the mind of Christ.
- The Holy Spirit lives inside of me.
- I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
I call this My Morning Manifesto.
I half read/half pray this over myself every single morning. The only way to combat lies is with the truth. Unworthiness, inadequacy, shame — those are lies, lies, lies.
Jesus said in John 8:32, “The truth will set you free.”
I’m on a hunt for truth this summer. I’m searching for who I am. And each morning as I read this out loud — despite sometimes having a hard time believing it — I am slowly unearthing my identity.
Michele Morin says
Walking around every day in the beauty of this truth (Morning Manifesto! I love that!) would change everything. Glorious freedom!
Aliza Latta says
It has changed everything, Michele. I hope it changes everything for you, too.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Aliza,
I love your manifesto….keep saying and praying God’s truth over your life. Behold you are a NEW creation….the old has passed away. Gone. Forever. I know I have wrestled with my worth in God’s eyes. It’s a TRUTH that is just sometimes so hard to believe….that God can be that magnanimous. I found, however, that no matter how many times I declared the Truth, it often didn’t stick. As in with everything in life, I learned I couldn’t do this on my own – it wouldn’t be an act of shear will on my part. So, I began praying, “Lord, work this Truth – Your Truth- into my heart and soul on a level that I will never doubt it.” Once again, I let go of the me doing it and asked God to do it for me. Sure, I continued to read and speak Truth, but it was when I came to a place of dependence and reliance on Him to do the working of the Truth into my very core, is when it really started to take hold. I have found this to be true of almost everything in my life – not in my strength, Lord, but only in Yours. Praying God will work that Truth deeper and deeper into the very core of you. Beautiful and honest post….so genuine. God will honor your earnest searching…He will!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Aliza Latta says
Thank you for your prayers and your constant encouragement, Bev. I learn I can’t do things on my own every single day…
Cheryl says
Good advice Bev..hope you are feeling much better…I have been praying for you
You have such great wisdom….shows you have been through the waters and still have clung onto His precious Hand.
May The Almighty God continue to guide and protect you dear sister.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Hi Cheryl,
Getting there….slowly but surely one step at a time. Thank you for your continued prayers!! Yes, I have been through the waters, but God has been faithful to never let them sweep over my head. So thankful for His righteous right hand that holds on firmly to mine!
Blessings sweet sister,
Bev xx
Summer Rae says
Aliza,
Thank you for sharing this. The raw honesty and love behind your words is truly inspiring and encouraging. What a blessing this was to me, and I am certain all who will read it. I cannot tell you just how much this “hit home” and truly touched my heart in a mere comment… after a hard day of fighting the enemy’s attacks God knew exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you again. I pray you and your family have a wonderfully blessed day.
This side of heaven,
Summer Rae
Aliza Latta says
Summer! So glad this hit home today. Thank you for your prayers.
JHaf32 says
Beautiful. Thank you. And thank you for your Morning Manifesto. I struggle to consistently implement a positive morning routine that centers me around our living, loving God; with a chaotic household, short & powerful are elements are a must. Your mantra will be part of it.
Aliza Latta says
So encouraged to hear you’re going to implement the manifesto!
Ciju says
So beautiful and well said!
Aliza Latta says
Thank you, Ciju!
Barbara Kennedy says
Wow Aliza: this exactly what I am going through. I just turned 60, and looking back over my life and still hunted by fears, I am seeking the truth of who I am in the word of God. Because I am just plan tired living as I did in the past. Thank you
Hope says
Barbara, It is so good to see someone else “my age” feeling the constant changes that make recreating ourselves over and over so necessary. When we are grounded in God’s love we do have a firm identity. Hopefully we are becoming the women we were created to be. Love your response!
Katherine says
Hope and Barbara, I feel the same way. Sometimes I think “I’m 60, but I still feel 25.” Shouldn’t I have figured out some of these questions by now?
And I have to remember that no matter what my age, I’m still a child of God. Thanks Aliza for the manifesto. I will add it to my daily routine.
Aliza Latta says
Barbara, fears are so powerful. I think we can choose to give into the fear, or choose to actively turn away from it. So hard, but so worth it.
Penny says
Aliza,
This was very refreshing.Tthank-you for your most inspiring words this morning.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Penny says
Whoops, sorry for misspelling thanks….
Penny
Aliza Latta says
Thanks, Penny!
Stephanie Burke says
This is absolutely beautiful and everything I needed. Thank you and thank God for you!!❤️
Aliza Latta says
So excited to hear that, Stephanie!
Janie McReynolds says
Love this Aliza! I am thankful you are claiming truth and defusing the enemy’s lies. It amazes me how easily we believe them! Why is that? I don’t get it. I tend to be an easy target too. Thank you for sharing this and keep believing the truth! You are a child of the King most high!!! Praying for you Aliza!
Aliza Latta says
Thank you for praying for me, Janie! Grateful for all you do!
Darlene says
Thank you for this devotion this morning. Exactly what I needed to hear! We so often search for our identity in others things and people but ultimately we need to know our identity in Him. He is the only one who can give us that. As we seek Him more and spend time with Him and claim His truth I believe He will show us more of himself. I am believing that He will give us all spirit of wisdom and revelation that we may know Him better! That is his heart. Once again thank you for you beautiful devotion, blessings!
Darlene
Aliza Latta says
Yep, how many times have I sought my identity in someone or something? Countless amount of times. Thanks, Darlene!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Beautifully said, Darlene!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Ellen says
I went thru this very thing when I retired 3 years ago. For over 20 years, my identity was tied to being a teacher. When I retired, I had such a difficult time wondering what my identity was now that I was no longer a teacher. I am still working on this but your morning manifesto is right on. And here’s a coincidence, the quotation from John 8:32 is one that I have hung on my bedroom wall and look at every morning when I first wake.
Aliza Latta says
It’s so hard when our identity is tied to what we do, and easy to shift into that way of thinking. I love that John 8:32 is the first thing you see!
Jen says
Aliza ,
Wow ! For 23 , you are also an awesome string young lady ! I just want you to know that I love your ” Morning Manifesto” and am saving it as well as planning to add to it for my own ! This was such an serine read this morning as I sit on my patio drinking my iced coffee , enjoying the sounds of God’s beauty in the birds chirping , and reading my daily dose of inspiration !
I wish you all the best , stay blessed ,
Jen
Vickie says
Beautiful words on the ‘Morning Manifesto’! Is it okay for me to share those with others, citing them as yours, if I speak to a women’s group sometime? Blessings.
Cynthia says
Ah, a Morning Manifesto…genius! Thank you for the inspiration to create one for myself (of course, I will be stealing a few of your sentences!). This blessed me much this morning Aliza. I guess it doesn’t matter if you’re 23 or 48 or 82, we all still awake doing our part to fight the enemy and the lies. Thank you for making it just a bit easier for this 48 year old today!
Wendy Shelley says
Loved this Aliza. You are a gem. When our hearts are open to the Saviour, He leads us day-by-day and changes us in the same way, day-by-day. The King James Bible explains it well, “Line upon line, precept upon percept,” meaning, He teaches us moment by moment, on how to be a victorious, well-adjusted, mature, daughter of the King. You are well on your way…keep moving forward…even if it’s inch by inch! This is a life-time journey. Continue to battle through with God’s truth. Our goal as handmaidens, is to, ‘finish well.’ I love you so…
Calista Baker says
Love this! At age 56 and after several life adjustments I, too, have been on the hunt for myself. I’ve been emersing myself in knowledge of God’s love for me as His beloved daughter. I really like your practice of the Morning Manifesto. I’m going to work on my own. Thanks for the idea!
Hope says
Calista, I’m a bit ahead of you in age but as I’ve sat here reflecting on this I realize that we have a purpose and can’t stop searching just because of a number. Our experiences make us uniquely qualified for helping others to move ahead in life too. You chose the perfect word-“Adjustments.” Every day seems full of them!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Agreed!! Adjustments….
Bev xx
Jackie says
Aliza,
Thank you for the amazing manifesto that I so need in my life right now. I copied it and placed right in my view for my morning prayer. Thank you for helping me realize that I am not alone in this struggle of feeling enough and for reminding me that He knows we are enough. God bless you!
Theresa D'Auria says
I think I have questioned myself many times over the years about who I really am. How do I identify myself? As a woman who was raised Catholic attended Catholic schools, college graduate, teacher later wife and mother of two adopted children, cancer survivor, now a grandmother.
We constantly need to remember that we are always the precious child of God who loves us totally as we are created in God’s image.
Rebecca L Jones says
We are all new creatures in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 And Colossians 3:3 says we have died and our new life is hidden in Christ. It takes some prayer and searching but you are on track. God must have big plans for you as a seep thinker. And why do we walk around in shame whe Isaih 53 says He took it. You nephew can teach you a lot. No, he roars and he’s not a lion. The devil roars and he’s not one either, only a fallen angel trying to be a king. Don’t let him give you your identity. Your nephew is a doll, teach him about Jesus, and you will learn a lot from him. And to the friend with miscarriages, yes, I think she’s still a mother, don’t let grief or blaming yourself,keep you from helping children in the mean time, and I pray God blesses her in His time and makes it beautiful.
Rebecca L Jones says
Sorry Aliza, I meant deep thinker.
Cathleen T says
Love the morning manifesto. May add that to the prayer I do with my kids each night. Part of my training them up in the way…:)
Thank you for sharing.
Beth says
Perfect — instead of beginning the day with a “To Do” list, beginning with an “I am, through God’s grace” list. Love it!
Daneen Jill says
Love this idea! No more “To-do’s,” just “To-be’s!”
AndiW says
Powerful. I’m reminded that ‘death and life are in the power of the tongue’. Stating truth audibly engages our brains further than simply thinking the thoughts. I’ve read lists like this time and again and forget them after awhile, leaving them behind. Then, upon re-discovery, my heart is once again opened to hope and the idea of living His life abundantly with freedom!
Thank you for sharing this Word. May you grow ever closer to the One Who loves you most!
Beth Williams says
Aliza,
Your post hit home today. I hear those lies and a lot of times I believe them. Life happens and choices are made. Looking back one has regrets about how they did life. Those sneaky lies come forth. The devil would have you believe you messed up & God can’t love you anymore. Fact is He always has always will love us–just the way we are–flaws & all. After all we were created in the image of Almighty God. He sees beauty-inside & out. We need to recite His truths over ourselves daily. Thanks Aliza.
Blessings 🙂
Lucy says
Aliza
I’m sitting on my bed now contemplating on your words. Asking the same question. Who am I if all the things I do are taken from me. You see, I too often I asume that I am what I do, and it takes a good shake up to remind me that God can still see me through the mountain of quests I bury myself under. Your post reminded me that even in my failed attempts of finding myself, He knows who I am. He’s always known. One thing I’ve learned through my journey is to let God tell me who I am because I can label myself something He didn’t assign me. When I do this, and it’s quite frequently, I find myself frustrated and again buried under the “what I do is what I am” mountain. I love your morning manifesto. I’ll have to add it to my morning routine. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Nancy Ruegg says
Wow! Aliza, your wisdom and insight at age twenty-three surpasses that of many who are much older. I can’t help but think God has GREAT things in store for you, because you are seeking him with honesty and applying his truth with ferocity. That manifesto is powerful! I’m going to include it in my prayer time as well. Though much older than you (68, to be exact!), I still need to affirm my core identity. Thank you VERY much!
Karen says
Wow. Your 23 years old??? I’m old enough to be your grammy, but, young lady, your gentle words touched me. At times I feel so unworthy and your analogy using your nephew and his impersonations was such a good comparison of how I feel and the truth of how God sees me. Thank you. You are wise beyond your years….and a very talented writer. God bless.
Heather says
Aliza, Thanks so much for sharing your Morning Manifesto. Your post has been sitting in my inbox for a week, but tonight was the perfect time for your words. I will carry this manifesto into a new work environment & routine next week!
alejandra says
Necesitaba esto. No sabes cuanto.
Estoy en el trabajo mientras leo esto pero por dentro estoy llorando y queriendo llegar a mi casa y volverlo a leer.
¿Puedes orar por mi?
de verdad que lo necesito, muchas gracias!