Abraham Lincoln once said:

“I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down...”

My parents named me "Mike"

I am a 45 year old man, married to Ann for 24 years, father of Samantha, Matthew and Ryne.

I am a teacher ----- but I prefer learning
I am smart-----but I am not always wise
I am pretty cute on the outside-----but many times, ugly on the inside
I am motivated-------but I am also too impulsive
I am caring-------but I also get annoyed with people
I am forgiving------but I often won't forget
I am an physically strong--------but I do get lazy at times
I am creative------but I often create chaos
I am loving------but I take those I love for granted
I have initiative-------but I also procrastinate
I am funny-------but I am also moody

As many boys growing up I had dreams of becoming an astronuat, race car driver, actor, doctor, or professional football player. I became a mechanic and teacher. But those are things I wanted to or did "DO", not who I "AM".

In my later youth all I wanted was to have a family and be a father and husband. I am a father and a husband now, but is that who I "AM"?

When I became a Christian, I struggled with this question even more, "What does God want from me? Who does God want me to be?"

Through the years I tried to be "everything" to "everybody" and I still struggle with putting to high of expectations on myself.

Who am I? Well, I will tell you what I "want" to be.

Super Dad! and always know the answers to all my kids problems.....but I have fallen short many times.

Super Husband! and love my wife unconditionally, be her rock, always provide and make her feel loved and safe......but I have let her down more times than not.

Super Teacher! Make every student a success, a scholar, and a good person...but I very quickly learned that is impossible.... and it was hard to accept.

SuperMan! Save the world, know the answer to all lifes questions, always be happy, content, and possibly fly and see through walls.

Who am I? Well, I feel I am some of those things, and on the other hand, none of those things.

Today, I am Mike, the crack-addict, on a journey to find freedom.

Today, I am Mike, the child of God, on a journey to please Him.

Today, I reflect on whether or not "Who I am" is "What I am" and if I am just a product of my environement and upbringing. What could I have done different, is it possible to change "Who" or "What" I am and whether I can or not, is it "Me" or the opinion of "others" that really defines "me"

The bible tells me that I was made in God's image and that He wants me to "be holy because he is holy" I am conforted in the fact that God loves me unconditionally and through Jesus he sees me as someone or something no human, including myself could.

The quote by Abe Lincoln really made me think about if it was really important to wonder or worry about who or what I am. It has made me realize, that although past decisions and actions have defined "what and who I am" to the humans in my life, none of it matters as far as God's impression of "ME"

What is most important, I am beginning to see, is that in spite of all the good and bad things I have done. In spite of what I look like, what I do for a career, and how I succeed or fail as a husband, father, or human being, God still sees me the same and his only expectation is that I "Seek HIM" and as long as I begin to be lead by His spirit instead of my own selfish will, I will be what God intended me to be... so.....

Who am I? I am "MIKE" I am "A child of God" and like Abe Lincoln, I do not want to let God down, although I still do everyday, but the glory of knowing that I belong to God and that His love and acceptance is unconditional tells me that....

"I AM SUFFICIENT"