| Several years ago I was asked to submit a speaker bio for a talk I was giving at a local church. I had decided to speak on the importance of living out of our true identity in Christ, and I had entitled the message, "Who am I?"
I simply couldn't write a bio for myself. I tried and tried, but it just wouldn't come. As the deadline for submitting the information drew near, I became more and more agitated about writing a few simple sentences.
"I don't want it to sound like a resume," I said to my husband, Jack. "And I'm not interested in promoting myself."
Finally, concerned about my stress level, Jack said, "I'll write it for you."
The irony of someone else having to write my bio for a talk called, "Who am I?" was delicious. Maybe it also says something profound. When we struggle to see and name who we are, God gives us the gift of each other.
So, who am I? First and foremost, I am a beloved child of God. That's the identity you and I share.
But here are the more specific details of my journey.
I was born in Arcadia, California, and graduated from Smith College, receiving my B.A. in English Language and Literature. I then went on to Princeton Theological Seminary, where I met Jack while walking to a reception for new students. Our first date was in his candlelit dorm room, where we feasted on microwaved lasagna while music from Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" serenaded us from a boombox. We got married two years to the day of that very first date.
Since our graduation from seminary, Jack and I have served churches in Scotland (where our only son was born), Oklahoma, and England. We currently co-pastor an amazing church filled with wonderful, Christ-like people in West Michigan.
What else? I love all things British--especially tea. I love to read. I love to travel. I love teaching piano. I love watching movies with my family. I love to write. I've always loved to write.
I pray that my words will help you see the truth about who you are. May your own story always be deeply rooted in the lavish, uncontainable love of God.
Grace and peace,
Sharon
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