"I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep and am known of mine." John 10:14

The other day someone asked me is I felt like I had lost my identity. I hadn't really thought much about it until then and so I've been contemplating it ever since. When tragedy strikes or when life as we know it changes drastically, yes it is possible to lose one's personal identity. What defines me is a myriad of things: I'm a missionary, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a daughter, a musician etc. When Malcom was diagnosed with cancer, suddenly things narrowed down to focus on the "wife" part of me. Taking care of him of necessity consumed much of my time, thoughts, and energy. When people saw me or talked to me their first thoughts were to ask about how he was doing. I have had to make adjustments to do things and handle things that previously he did. So I guess for a while I felt defined by the circumstances of life.

Now that Malcom is well on his way to restored health, the other things that define me are emerging again. I've begun to find ways to use my music for the Lord at church. I'm able to give more attention to doing those things that a missionary does...for even though we are not bodily present in Taiwan, today's technology allows us to still be very much involved with our people and ministry. Besides that, the work of a missionary is not limited to a geographical area!

I think it's important to remember that first and foremost my true identity is wrapped up not in who's wife I am or who's mother I am, but rather in the fact that I am Christ's child. Or as He puts it, I am His sheep. He knows me and I know Him. There is no loss of identity there! I am His and He is mine.

Malcom finished his chemo treatment last Friday. He had an allergic reaction to some medication given for the inevitable mouth infection, so that has caused some discomfort. All the other side affects are there as well, a little more bothersome each time it seems. But over all he is doing well, a fact for which we continually lift our praise to God.