Remember Who You Are

I remember sitting with my son and husband waiting for the newly released movie to begin. The theater buzzed from parents issuing directions to their young cubs and the gleeful disregard of their offspring. Then suddenly as if a spell were cast, the crowd is hushed as the giant screen comes to life. A small stir in the seats as the usual credits scroll before us and then nothing. For a few seconds the screen goes black and the slate of my mind is wiped clear of subliminal messages. The darkness is powerful, unsettling and holds every one's attention. We are forced to behold the darkness.

Then like a bolt of lighting and crack of thunder, there is light. A tangerine sun bursts onto the screen to the wail of an African song and I am commanded to remember a beginning. The great ball of light continues its ascent over a dark shadowy plane, casting its rays of life on every living creature. I sit reeling in my seat, my skin dancing, as a tale I know well plays out before me. A king is born and all of creation draws near, to get a glimpse at their future Savior. Time is reset and a new story begins. Then as quickly as it came upon us the vision is gone...but my memory was absolutely stirred.

Disney's The Lion King will always hold a special affection for me. Partly because it was my sons first of many Disney obsessions and, priceless memories of wildlife adventures, video games, costumes and well loved furry companions are attached to the amazing film. Nonetheless, I am also very fond of this inspiring tale because it speaks to me of my own obsession with a King.

While I thought we were at the theater that day for our sweet son, I've come to realize it was also for me. God would use this story again and again in my ministry to draw me back to THE beginning, MY beginning and the truth: He has a plan for my life. Though blood lines rise against me, and insecurities may prompt me to flee my post, my Father seeks me in the dark of night and gently calls to me, "remember who you are."

Who am I? I ponder the question.

Oswald invites us today to "recall what God remembers," of our journey together. While my mind is drawn to recall my failures and stumbling faults, the Spirit of Love remembers my pure devotion. This unyielding truth encourages my retreat to the land of my first days upon the GREAT ROCK. Newly inspired, my mind rolls back the scroll of years to the time of my rebirth: when I was held up by God for the heavenly kingdom to behold...a newborn child of the King. I can hear the Angels erupt in praise. I can see saints kneel in adoration before the throne. I know their eyes are not on me, they look to the One who holds me. Their worship-filled chorus fills my ears and speaks to my virgin heart of the Love I will come to know.
The purest envy conveyed in their song.

In my spiritual youth my Father captivated me. He held my heart, inspired my steps and stole my breath with His glory. I was in awe of Him. Days of watching him at work and marveling in His manner were plentiful. Few distractions stole me from His side. My Father was my favorite companion and ever conquering hero. How like the playful cub, I sought His affections in the early morning and His time of instruction in the afternoon. I felt invincible in the shadow of His glorious mane.

In those days my Father showed me His kingdom and told me of my future inheritance: a view unlike any to be seen. Still, my sinful nature was drawn to the shadows and though instructed never to venture beyond the light, I had lessons to learn.

Like Simba, my young mind was not yet conditioned to fully comprehend my Father's rules and boundaries. There was darkness to conquer and my paws were itching to prove myself. I disobeyed the King, and I dare say exasperated a few servants in the process. Yet, my Father knew I was eager to take my rightful place in the kingdom and kept his watchful eye upon me, as I foolishly thought myself stronger than I was. Before I could wear the crown of righteousness, I would have to sever the ties of my past which kept pulling me back into the shadows.

My journey lead me to a graveyard as well--of my past, my parents and my pride--yet unlike Simba, I walked the valley of death in the presence of my Father. Though the devil's servants licked their chomps eager to devour me in the process, the mighty hand of God kept them at bay. While they were not allowed to touch me, their presence was awfully intimidating, for I could hear their teeth chatter. Oh, yes, the time in the shadows was challenging: for the enemy roamed around looking to destroy me.

But, He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world,(1 John 4:4)

By the Grace of God I persevered. I fought the good fight and after a gnarly battle with the devil himself, I too--in the power of Christ--defeated the enemy. My own journey through the tomb matured me. The Lord sent down from heaven rain to wash away my sins and fire to purify my soul. Afterwards, I stepped back into the light, looking more like my Father than before. The past behind me, my homeland was restored and I was free to stand unashamed upon the Great Rock. The joy of a great love welling up fond memories, beckoning me to remember.

In the days to come I would find the scene played out again. Only this time all creation roared as my offspring, wide eyes blinking, is held up for heaven to behold. Together we would play in the grass and no doubt wrestle...his temperament so like mine. Yet, I would remember the words of my Father and I would lead him to the Great Rock: upon its foundation show him the Kingdom. Recalling my own journey I would warn of the shadow land and make known the boundaries. Though I know his own nature will tempt him to cross them. While my heart desires to chain him to the Rock of Jesus, I know I have not the power to do so. He will be called to battle his spirit's foe just as I was. When I ponder what his graveyard will behold, I force myself to remember...he will not travel the valley of death alone, for he will do so in the presence of his Father.

The story is indeed about a "circle of life," (The Lion King). The circle of love that begins and ends with the Alpha and Omega. The cycle of birth, death and resurrection which the King of Kings begat is our eternal inheritance. A destiny our Father cares too much to allow us to forget. So he seeks us in the dark of night and wrestles with us in the light of day. God lovingly tends to us like a Father should. And though along our journey we may stumble or cross boundaries, or Father will be faithful to remind us...Remember who you are.

My time of reflection helps me answer the question, "Who am I?" With a spirit of thankfulness, I remember my true love and humbly proclaim by His hand...

I am Tracy Lynn Lane Frazier the creation of the great I AM. I am a repetitive sinner, FORGIVEN and saved through the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ: the one and only Son of the Most High God. I am a recipient of divine grace. I am a child who lives by faith, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who seeks to do the will of her heavenly Father. I am a saint in the process of sanctification. I am a warrior in a spiritual battle,(my very name means warrior)! I am a victor with Christ over the grave. I am a daughter of the King, a princess of the Kingdom of Heaven who is anxious for her crown.

Now, I echo Oswald and place before you the question; "Who are you?"

Ponder before you answer the question, for the enemy will whisper lies in your ear. DON'T believe him!! Keep close to the Father and remember WHO YOU ARE!