Who Am I?

Before getting my B.S. from Biola University, I would have told you about myself from the roles I play for others. I am a devoted wife, a fierce mama bear, a loving daughter-in-law, a loyal friend, and a hard-working servant of Jesus Christ. You would have found me telling people that I am raising history makers and world changers, already writing myself out of the story all together. In 2019, I was asked to speak at a large scholarship awards banquet, I immediately thought there was no way for me to do that, I am a nobody. My then 6-year-old daughter told me if someone hands you a microphone, then you better use it. I responded and told them I may not be the person they want for the job; my story is written by the Almighty God and if you give me a microphone, the gospel will be preached. They agreed to let me share my story and for the first time I openly shared with hundreds of strangers the vulnerability of being me. This was when I realized that my pain, suffering, heartbreak, and hardships, they were not just for me, but it was so that God could be glorified.

I have shared my story numerous times since then, with more and more confidence each time. I now know that I have strengths and something of value to bring to the feet of Jesus to use in His kingdom. In Positive Psychology we were asked to take the VIA assessment and my top 5 strengths were listed as: kindness, spirituality, the love of learning, gratitude, and judgement, and I have seen those develop into what they are today. I am far from perfect, but I do know that God really does use our weaknesses for His glory. I can let go of my trust issues and stop striving so hard for unattainable goals and run the race in front of me, because God is good, even when I cannot see it. I am finally comfortable in the process of becoming myself.

So now, if you were to ask me who I am it would be something like this…

I am a follower of Christ, dedicated to furthering the kingdom of God by bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, comforting those that mourn, proclaiming liberty for the captives, freedom for the prisoners, and telling everyone it is the year of the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61:1-2). By the grace of God, I am still standing, when by every earthly measure I should have been taken out and be down for the count. God has equipped me with power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and every day I am abounding in hope (Romans 15:13) and counting on the joy of the Lord to be my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Meanwhile, I am actively waiting on the Lord. You will find me in my garden or deep in a book, pursuing what God has for me today, and sharing that knowledge with everyone that God has given me influence with. I will continue to do whatever work that is set before me as if I was working unto God and be grateful for every open door. When handed a microphone, I will preach the Good News, without fail. I will walk in boldness, speak in wisdom and laugh for the bright and hope-filled future I have. One day, God willing, I will be Doctor Simpson, who will use her education to teach others how to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength not with mere words but by example.