046 : Identity in Christ, Not my Body with Ashley Barksdale
Identity in Christ: Embracing Who You Are Beyond Your Body with Ashley Barksdale
In this powerful episode of The Refined Sisterhood podcast, Kait and I have the privilege of sitting down with our friend Ashley Barksdale, who shares her beautiful journey of discovering her true identity in Christ. So often, we allow our appearance, our physical bodies, or the world’s standards to define us. But as Ashley so gracefully reminds us in this episode, our true identity is found in who we are in Christ, not in what we see in the mirror.
Understanding Our True Identity
The world constantly tells us who we should be, how we should look, and what we should achieve. From social media to societal expectations, the pressure to fit into certain molds can feel overwhelming. But as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our identity isn’t rooted in our bodies, our appearance, or our accomplishments. Our identity is found in Jesus Christ alone.
In this conversation, Ashley shares her story of how she struggled with body image and the constant battle to measure up to worldly standards. She walks us through her journey of healing and how she came to understand that her worth comes from Christ, not from her physical appearance.
The Lie of Finding Our Worth in Our Bodies
The world’s focus on outward appearance can lead us to believe that our worth is defined by our bodies. Whether it’s the pressure to look a certain way, fit into a particular size, or meet unrealistic beauty standards, many of us have internalized the lie that our bodies are what define us. But this isn’t what God says about us.
Ashley beautifully challenges this lie in the episode by reminding us that our bodies are temporary vessels, but our true identity is eternal. Our worth is not based on how we look, how we compare to others, or how society sees us. Our worth is rooted in the fact that we are beloved daughters of the Most High God, created in His image and chosen for His purposes.
What the Bible Says About Our Identity
In this episode, we dive into what the Bible says about our identity. From the very beginning, Scripture teaches us that we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This means that our identity is inherently valuable and rooted in the Creator. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we begin to see ourselves through His eyes—loved, accepted, and redeemed.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece, created for good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do. Our identity is not based on what we do, what we look like, or what the world thinks of us, but on the truth that we are created by God, for God, and with a purpose.
Embracing the Freedom of Identity in Christ
Ashley shares her personal experience of how she found freedom in embracing her identity in Christ. She talks about the peace and joy that comes from knowing that we are not defined by the way we look, the number on the scale, or the size of our clothes. Instead, we are defined by God’s love for us and the beautiful purpose He has for our lives.
This freedom allows us to step into who God has called us to be without fear, shame, or comparison. When we understand that we are fully loved and accepted in Christ, we can confidently live out our calling and walk in the freedom He offers us.
How to Walk in Your True Identity
Ashley offers some practical advice on how to live out our identity in Christ daily. Here are some key takeaways:
Spend Time in God’s Word: The Bible is full of truth about who you are in Christ. As you read Scripture, let God’s words remind you of your worth and identity. The more you internalize His truth, the more it will shape how you see yourself.
Stop Comparing: The world will always try to compare us to others, but we are uniquely created by God. Choose to embrace your individuality and reject the lie of comparison. You are exactly who God created you to be.
Focus on Your Heart: Instead of fixating on outward appearance, focus on cultivating a heart that honors God. When we focus on our hearts and inner beauty, it changes how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Embrace God’s Love: Remember that God’s love for you is unconditional and never changing. When we understand the depth of His love for us, it gives us the confidence to walk in our true identity.
Living in the Freedom of Your True Identity
The freedom that comes with understanding our identity in Christ is life-changing. When we stop trying to measure up to the world’s standards and instead embrace the truth of who we are in Christ, we find peace, joy, and purpose. Ashley’s story is a beautiful reminder that our worth is not tied to our bodies or our achievements, but to the love and grace of our Savior.
Closing Thoughts
Your identity is not found in your body, your appearance, or anything that the world says about you. Your true identity is found in Christ—secure, unshakable, and rooted in His love for you. When we embrace this truth, we can walk confidently in who God has called us to be, knowing that we are enough just as we are, because of who we are in Christ.
With love,
Maddie & Kait