The Issue of Identity

For some time, I’ve been very interested in the root causes of depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, perfectionism, etc.  As I’ve learned more about these and other issues, I’ve come to believe there is a common basis for the development of so many challenges that cause distress and suffering.  Aside from physiological causes, like a chemical imbalance or a broken gland, I’m convinced that the culprit is a misunderstanding of identity. 

I’m a fan of Kurt Francom’s LeadingSaints, a collection of resources aimed to aid church leaders in better fulfilling their callings.  Each year, a virtual summit is held around a certain topic and experts are invited to share their ideas and research.  Earlier this month, the summit was “Liberating Saints: The Online Conference That Will Help Latter-day Saints Support and Lead Those Who Struggle with Pornography.”

Having served as a bishop, I’m aware of the weighty challenge pornography plays in the lives of many individuals.  So I was interested in the topic. I viewed/listened to several of the interviews. One underlying message I heard repeated was: Rather than shame and berate those with pornography problems, we need to help them understand their true identity.  If they really understand how valuable they are as children of a loving Father in Heaven, the problem is significantly diminished.  

I’ve recently delved into the issue of anxiety and how prevalent it is.  Again, aside from physiological causes, I believe healing occurs when a person realizes his worth as a child of God.  

This morning at church we learned about a new initiative for children and youth.  Six outcomes of the new approach are outlined in a guide for parents and leaders. The first bullet point is that the program will help children and youth “Know their eternal identity and purpose.”  

The first phrase in the Young Women Theme is: “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father . . .”  

The adversary is cunning and organized (see my post from July).  If he can get a child to doubt her divine identity, then he doesn’t have to tempt very hard to keep her from progressing.  His believable lies are easily taken in.  

I speak from personal experience here.  My perfectionism was rooted in faulty core beliefs about my self-worth and potential.  Then shame took hold and the lies became ingrained.  

I’m finding that the more I discover my true identity, the less I struggle.  It’s like peeling back layers of falsehood that were keeping me bound down. As I embrace truth and light I gradually emerge from darkness and captivity—not as a perfect person, but as one with divine capacity.  

To be continued . . . with Part 55