This retreat is modeled after an annual retreat led by Amy Jackson at The Perch. The Perch helps exhausted people
connect with God to rest, find peace, and experience transformation. These experiences are used with permission.
Please consider checking out the wonderful ministry of The Perch.

Invitation #3: Who am I?

Materials: Mirror and sharpie
Time: 20-30 minutes

The Bible uses the word “satan” when referring to the enemy of our hearts, but satan is not a proper name. The word means “the accuser.” Many of us live with deep seeded lies, accusations that influence what we believe to be true about who we are and what God thinks of us. Henri Nouwen said these accusations fall into three categories. We are strongly tempted, he said, to believe we are what we do, what we have, or what people say about us.

We may attach love to these lies, believing we are loved because of what we do, what we have, or what people say about us. We might believe our value is found only in these places. Or we might believe they are our identity. We might say, “I am smart,” “I am successful,” or “I am popular,” and anytime we fall short, it feels like evidence that we are not valuable or lovable.

“I am what I do.”
Take a moment and consider how you have bought into this lie. Have you believed you are loved or valued because of your:

  • Accomplishments in school or work?
  • Success in life?
  • Achievements in the past?
  • Plans for the future?
  • Parent’s, children’s, or grandchildren’s accomplishments?

Reflect on these questions and write down two ways you are tempted to believe you are what you do.

“I am what I have.”
Take a moment and consider how you have bought into this lie. Have you believed you are loved or valued because of:

  • Your possessions (home, car, clothing, etc.)?
  • The amount of money you make or have?
  • Your life experiences (travel, family adventures, struggles, etc.)?
  • Your family?

Reflect on these questions and write down two ways you are tempted to believe you are what you do.

“I am what people say about me.”
Take a moment and consider how you have bought into this lie. Have you believed you are loved or valued because of:

  • Your reputation at school, at work, or in the community?
  • The number of friends you have or who your friends are?
  • The size of your social media platform or how many likes you receive?

Reflect on these questions and write down two ways you are tempted to believe you are what you do.

Now, take a moment and look back on your list. Is there one particular lie that stands out? Which one have you been most tempted to believe this past year? In your bag, you received a small mirror and a sharpie. On the back of the mirror, write the lie you have been most tempted to believe.

Now that you have named a lie that you are tempted to believe, it can be helpful to spend some time recognizing and holding tightly to the truth. Below are just a few passages of scripture. Each of these represents the truth about how God sees you.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
You are the Lord’s!

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (Jeramiah 31:3)
You are God’s beloved!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
You are God’s masterpiece!

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1)
You are God’s child!

“I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (John 15:15)
You are Jesus’s friend!

Which one of these verses resonate with you in this season? Is there one that stands out? What is the truth you want to cling to in this coming year?

Take three minutes to reflect on the verse you chose. You might read it over and over again, allowing its truth to wash over you. Or you might choose to close your eyes and imagine Jesus speaking these words over you. “You are my friend.” “You are my (daughter or son.)” “You are my masterpiece.” “You are my beloved.” “You are mine.”

Return now to the mirror. With the sharpie, write the truth on the front of the mirror. You may choose to write it across the middle in such a way that you see the words across your face as you look into it, or you may choose to write it across the bottom. After you have written the truth, take one minute to look at yourself in the mirror. Ask God to help you see yourself through the eyes of the Creator who loves you.