Seeing Through the Illusion: Becoming Who God Created You to Be

We live in a world full of illusions. Filters, highlight reels, quick fixes, and constant noise telling us who we should be. It’s easy to get caught up chasing things that sparkle on the outside but quietly starve the soul. But the truth? It’s not about doing more. It’s about becoming more of who God made you to be. Here’s how we can walk through this world with clear eyes, grounded hearts, and unshakable peace.

See the Illusion for What It Is

Illusions lose their power when you name them. The need to impress, to be “enough,” to keep up. All of it fades when you remember it’s not real.

Ask yourself:

Is this feeding my spirit, or just my ego? When we pause long enough to notice what’s pulling our attention, we start seeing the truth behind the glitter.

Reflection:

  • What “illusions” have I been believing lately?

  • What helps me come back to what’s real?

Anchor in Identity, Not Image

The world chases image. God builds identity. You don’t have to perform your worth. You already have it. Therapists call it values-based living; faith calls it walking in who you are in Christ.

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14

Write down who God says you are, chosen, loved, enough, redeemed and repeat it until it feels like home again. Find out the definition of your name. See what it means and walk out the nature of who you are.

Reflection:

  • Whose voice am I listening to more? God’s or the world’s?

  • What truth do I want to believe about who I am?

Make Space for Stillness

In a world that glorifies constant motion, stillness feels rebellious. But that’s where peace lives. That’s where we remember what truly matters. Stillness lets us breathe, listen, and let God remind us that we’re already on the right path. We just have to be still and know.

Reflection:

  • How often do I give myself quiet space with God?

  • What would it look like to protect that time more intentionally?

Discern the Fruit

Not everything that glitters is gold. Some things drain your joy while pretending to feed it. When you’re unsure if something is healthy for your soul, look at its fruit: Does it bring peace or pressure? Love or fear? Rest or striving? “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16

Reflection:

  • What voices, habits, or routines bear good fruit in my life?

  • Which ones secretly leave me feeling empty or anxious?

Surround Yourself with Light

We become what we’re around. Choose voices that speak life, friends that hold you accountable, and spaces that lift your spirit. Community is the soil where your roots grow strong.

Reflection:

  • Who helps me become the best version of myself?

  • What kind of environment helps me stay close to God?

Focus on Becoming, Not Proving

You were never meant to “arrive.” You were meant to become. Every season, even the hard ones, is shaping your character, softening your heart, and drawing you closer to Him. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s transformation.

Reflection:

  • Where do I feel God inviting me to grow right now?

  • How can I show myself grace in the process of becoming?

Final Thought

In a world obsessed with doing, may we be the ones devoted to becoming. Becoming more kind, more grounded, more faith-filled. More like the One who created us. Because that’s where the real beauty lives. Not in illusion, but in truth.

My Best Friends Wedding

My Best Friends Wedding

Photographers: Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_photo

Photographers: Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_photo

What a day! My BFF is MARRIED to my hubbys BFF. THANK YOU JESUS!!!

January 5, 2019, was one of the greatest days of my life. I witnessed my best friend marry her God given husband. Paul and Mariel are two of the most genuine and loving people I’ve ever met and their wedding exuded just that.

Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_photo

Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_photo

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I was honored to be standing by her side on the biggest day of her life. I was Mariel’s Matron of Honor and she was my Maid of Honor. Her hubby, Pauley, is like a brother to me and I’m so thankful he let me be apart of every little event leading up to the wedding, including the engagement. He even let me help pick out the ring!

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From the engagement in Vegas and bridal shower, to the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner, every event was so epic and full of love and happiness.

December 1, 2017 / Las Vegas

December 1, 2017 / Las Vegas

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Mariel’s Bridal Shower / Childress Vineyards

Mariel’s Bridal Shower / Childress Vineyards

Bachelorette Party / Bahamas 2018

Bachelorette Party / Bahamas 2018

Mariel is so much more than my best friend. We’re bonded together by God and I’m blessed to have her in my life. It’s not what you have, it’s who you have!

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Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_Photo

Trinity Photographers / Instagram: @Trinity_Photo

We started off 2019 with a bang! Congratulations to one of the best couples I know, THE SWAN’S!

All my love,

Whit