Artwork By Taneesha Cecilia Balachander

How do you respond with love?

What is your identity? A ques

Name Of The Artwork: I Found Peace Caption Of Artwork: How do you respond with love? When I got baptized, it was something I really struggled with. I needed the other person to feel the sadness, the humiliation and the anger I felt. I would give it back with a sarcastic comment or a threat. I would withdraw and ask the Lord to avenge me like I was a wounded soldier. The Lord responded by giving me more difficult people and difficult situations but with it, He gave me grace and peace to see them the way He does. That doesn't mean I don't feel the barb or the disappointment but I'm no longer ruled by it. And I thank Him for giving me that peace. I've learned that responding in love takes a while for some and can be easier for others but ultimately it is what God wants. The situation may not change but your heart can. You can talk about the things that upset you but the moment it affects your journey and direction, that's a problem. So ask God for help, He is ready to provide the peace, the grace and the love to pour out to others. Name Of The Artwork: Self Caption Of Artwork: What is your identity? A question that many have battled and have overcome or lost. The struggle to form one's own identity and make a mark in this world is the new rat race of life. But what if I told you that your identity can never truly be complete? What if I told you that you are a constantly changing being that can never conform to a single identity? I don't know about you but that takes a whole lot of pressure off of me. The pressure to be somebody or something. I have never been the same. The 15 year old me used to be crazy about Yakult but not the 23 year old me. The 23 year old me struggles to forgive but I can hope that the 40 year old me will find it easier. The 40 year old me may be self-conscious but I know the 70 year old me will be the coolest old lady on the planet. My identity is in Christ. I may never be complete, I may never be the same but I am His. And that's enough for me.