It’s been more than six years since my insecure self first opened a Word document and typed the words “I Am …” What followed was very little typing, and a whole lot of staring at the screen:
I am …
The cursor blinked while I waited for inspiration. Clearly, the sentence wasn’t finished. I needed more. But what came next?
Perhaps I could talk about my relationships, the people who called me “wife” and “mom.”
Or I could mention my business, the speaking I loved and my independent, entrepreneurial bent.
FOOD. Yes! I could talk about my love of all things food—cooking and eating—and the long-distance running that had to happen as a result.
Or how about my volunteerism and church attendance, the ministries I participated in and the faith I claimed to love? Those were important and certainly looked impressive.
All of those things were part of what made me … ME. Problem was, I didn’t feel like I did them very well. Marriage, motherhood, work and faith. Was I good enough at any of them to claim them as my own?
I didn’t think so.
Who am I?
The cursor continued to blink, and I continued to wonder.
Now, fast forward to TODAY {good gravy, somebody grab the Kleenex}. Because today—six years and one hard and undone story later—I’m finally able to announce I found my answer. An answer is delivered in a book far more redeeming than those first two impossible words:
I Am: A 60-day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is.
{Let all the praising and high-fiving and donut-eating commence. Because HELLO. That kind of gestation deserves more than a little birthing celebration.}
As of today, that half page Word doc is now a book, 288 pages that took shape through far more hardship and heartache than my much younger self could’ve imagined. But it was worth it. So very worth it. Because all that struggle finally delivered the significance I’d long been looking for.
Rather than write more words, here’s an inside peek into the backstory for the book, my heart for the message … and how I Am can bring new life and lasting security for you. {click on the video below}
Are you ready, my friend?
Are you weary of wondering who you are, why you are, and where you fit in this world? You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to answer the “Who am I?” question. You don’t need to keep killing yourself hoping to be loved. Self-esteem techniques and self-help strategies aren’t enough.
Instead, soak up the words of I AM. He’s the One who created you. The One who loves you and has promised to be with you, forever.
Let’s you and I stop chasing after value, and instead receive it.
You and I are enough, because He is enough. And that’s a beautiful way to live.
[reminder]On a scale of 1-10, how much do you struggle with your identity and value in this world? Now, are you willing to allow God to rebuild you, on His truth? [/reminder]
I ordered mine and I am super excited to read it!
Thank you, Julie! Enjoy, and I pray our Father fills you up to overflowing with HIS words. <3
I don’t know my place on that scale, but I do know that I must be more than just the roles I fill
Yes, ma’am. You are so much more! Much love to you.
I have been listening to the videos for I AM and received my book yesterday! I think this came into my hands because I have felt so lost. I could say yes to every sentence in page 19. It’s true, “No amount of affirmation of encouragement seems to stick.” I’m so very tired of trying!
I tried to find the link to the scripture memory verse cards on your website, but could not locate it. I would like to get those. If you could send them to my email, I would do appreciate it.
RaDonna, I’m so glad you’re finding encouragement in I Am. Our God couldn’t love you more than He already does!
As for the scripture cards and easel, they can be purchased here: http://michelecushatt.mybigcommerce.com/i-am-verse-cards-and-easel/
I love this post, this book and all that God is revealing to me through it. Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear it, Angela. <3
Thank you so much for writing this book and for writing your first book. I admire your perseverance and honesty. I am thankful that you have allowed me and so many others to look in on your life. In doing so, it’s as if you have looked in on my life because I know that you understand the heavy weight of fear that comes with lengthy trials. I know my story needs to be told as well. Thank you for helping me to begin that process.
Yes, yes, yes. I totally understand the weight of fear. With you, friend.
You don’t have me on your scale! I know that sounds so sad but I would probably be a 20. Children leaving the nest, others getting married, my mother being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, menapouse. I am really struggling with everything this new year! I pray this book is my answer and me finding you I know was no coincidence. I am very tired and my mind is tired of the roller coaster ride. I am ready to finally find “Joy” for once in my life. After all I should have “Joy” I know Jesus and he has saved my life several times!!! I found you through Kathi L on her podcast that I just started listening to. Such inspiration thank you to for bearing your soul, people like that are so hard to find theses days. I do that and am usually just left standing there in my own (vomit) as I call it while they smile and say oh that’s so bad! Haha