By Nicole Brown
Growing up, I was active in church and attended a Christian university. I believed I was secure in my identity in Christ and, by extension, my worth. However, in 2019, failing a crucial career exam brought me to my lowest point. I was ashamed, especially since so many colleagues had passed it on their first try, and I felt my personal worth plummet.
During the difficult days and weeks after, God began to reveal that I was placing my identity and my worth in people, in my career, and in my facade of “everything is fine.” I was striving to be the most liked person in the room, seeking approval as a measure of my value. It was a difficult revelation, leading to repentance and a relearning of what it means to live in and for Christ, and crucially, what it means to find my worth in Him alone.
This lesson transformed how I approached my career and relationships. I began to worship differently, I stopped chasing accolades, and I learned to say no when necessary. I started stepping into the life God had called me to and understanding that my worth was in Him, not in my job title, degrees, social media presence, or relationships.
Living authentically in Christ
When your identity and worth are secure in Christ, your choices — from how you spend your time to how you dress — shift from a pursuit of fitting in or impressing others to an authentic reflection of who you are becoming. You have the freedom to pursue what matters, to serve others, and to live with integrity, all stemming from an understanding of your inherent value.
Personally, it felt like a tremendous load was lifted. I returned to my studies with renewed purpose and passed the exam. God has shaped me into the HR professional I am today, and I’m still discovering new layers of God through my identity in Christ and the continuing revelation of His immense value for me!
Join the journey to discover your worth in Christ
When I heard about this year’s MCL Women’s Retreat, Finding Our Worth In Christ, happening September 19 and 20 at Broadmoor, my heart leaped. I pray that at least one person who attends will walk away with a newfound identity and sense of worth in Christ. When your identity is firmly rooted in Christ, your focus shifts from external validation to an overflow of inner peace. It’s the freedom to live authentically — not to impress, but to express the joy that comes from knowing you are deeply loved by your Creator, and that in Him you have found your worth.
Will I see you there?
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Nicole Brown, the creative force behind Lelia’s Southern Charm, channels her passion for fashion into inspiring content, sharing her latest finds, Pinterest-worthy outfits, and local favorites. When not curating her digital closet, she’s exploring new destinations and cultivating a community that celebrates finding the joy in the everyday! Find her at LeliasSouthernCharm.com, @leliassoutherncharm on Instagram or TikTok, and Lelia’s Southern Charm on Facebook and Pinterest.