“I used to base my identity on the way I looked” – Grace Fisher’s Story

Anyone familiar with Nigerian street lingua understands that for every “Do you know who I am?!”, there is an equal and opposite “Who are you!?” reaction. Sometimes, both questions may get stuck in an aggressive call-and-response loop that goes on for several moments. 

In the context of a hectic rush-hour, if someone asks ‘Who are you?‘, it’s probably expressed with a combination of 85% mockery and 15% genuine inquiry, just to be on a safe side.

However, in many other real-life contexts, it’s an expression that calls for a deep reflection on one’s identity. 

For Grace Oluwaferanmi Fisher, finding an appropriate answer to the “Who are you” question required going back to the ultimate drawing board – God’s word. 

It’s why she was so full of expectation heading into the new Identity teaching series that Sycamore Church started on Sunday, September 29th. 

She shares her story in this blogpost.

Introduction

My name is Grace Oluwaferanmi Fisher. I’m the third born of five children and I’m a very calm and reserved person. I combine running an online cake store with being a final year student of the department of European Studies, University of Ibadan. 

Expectations for new teaching series…

When I heard the announcement for the new Identity series, I instantly thought of affirmations – the kind that reaffirms me of who I am as a child of God. Because, sometimes I tend to forget. I was excited about listening to a message that would remind me of who I am, maybe even from a new perspective.

But my expectations did not end at simply being reminded of my identity in Christ. I also felt like I needed to discover truths that I could use as a constant weapon against the lies of the enemy. 

This was particularly important to me because I have some experience with building identity on the wrong things. 

There was a period in my life, a couple of years back, when I used to base my identity on the way I looked. If I was dressed in a way that I absolutely liked, I would feel so confident and powerful. And in itself, that’s not a bad thing. But I found that whenever I stepped out and saw people that were better dressed than me, I would suddenly start to lose my confidence.

It was so bad that I didn’t want people to notice me in a room whenever I felt like I didn’t look good enough, or there was something wrong with my outfit.

My confidence was tied to my looks, despite the fact that since childhood, the “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” line had been drummed into my head. 

To break out of that phase, I had to go back to study what the Bible said about me and what God saw when He looked at me. I recognized that I needed to build my confidence in God alone and not just what I have or who I think I am.

Also Read: “I was born into patterns that existed long before me” – Adebunmi’s Story”

Highlights from teaching series

One practical highlight from the Identity Week 1 sermon was the reminder that my identity is in the affirmation of heaven! I’m not a child of God because I think I am, but because God calls me His child. It’s a truth that empowers me to live in the full expression of my God-ordained life and show forth His light in my life. 

I also really loved the example of Peter – my weak faith moments don’t disqualify me from being a child of God or from the plan and purpose He has for me.

Now I know that on my best and worst days, I’m loved, I’m chosen, and I’m all that God has said to me. Not because I feel like it, but because God has said so. I think it’s so profound to learn that my doubts don’t disqualify me from God’s love and grace. 

Watch: Same Same is Good Enough | Identity Part 1

Applying Identity Sermon insights to real life situations…

Right now, I’m dealing with my school work, and this has been the toughest semester ever. When Pastor Tolu Moody was listing a couple things about Jesus and what that meant for us, one of the things he mentioned was Jesus is faithful, so my life is in good hands because the one I have is faithful. And it really hit home.

It reminded me that the same God that has carried me through every level is still faithful and He will finish the good work that He has started with me. 

⁠Jesus is strong enough an anchor for my identity. Not my achievements, not the validation from those around me, not my dressing. But my identity is locked in a revelation of who Jesus is. Jesus is good, so there’s goodness in my life. Jesus won, so I will win too. This apple won’t fall far from the tree that is Jesus.

Related: Struggling With Life As a Student? Campus Connect Dey For You

On Expectations for Identity Series Part II

I’m looking forward to new perspectives and a deeper understanding of identity. If Part 1 of the teaching series could have this much impact, I can only imagine how great Part 2 will be.

Now I know that on my best and worst days, I’m loved, I’m chosen, and I’m all that God has said to me. Not because I feel like it, but because God has said so.

– Grace Fisher

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Conclusion

Like Grace Fisher, we have major expectations of all that God is going to do through the second part of the Identity teaching series. It’s happening this Sunday, and here’s how you can be a part:

1. If you’re in town, join us Onsite @ Sycamore Church Building, Behind Mobil Filling Station, Samonda, Ibadan.
2. Alternatively, you can join in online through YouTube
3.  If you’re in Lagos, you can join in onsite @ Eridan Space, Ikeja, Lagos.

If you enjoyed reading Grace Fisher’s Identity story, you can share the story on any social media platforms you use. 

We also want to hear from you, so please share with us your thoughts on the subject of Identity in the comments!

Interview by Victor Anih

Victor serves with the Content Team at Sycamore Church 

(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)