The Shadow of Childhood

3/19/2025

Written by: April Mills

As I listened to Josh’s message on Sunday, one phrase sent me traveling at warp speed back into childhood. Memories flooded my mind, and I found myself thinking about moments and experiences that I haven’t thought of for decades.

Have you unknowingly accepted an identity that is different than your God given identity?

As each of us cross the threshold into adulthood, we bring with us the sum of our experiences. Whether good or bad, we bring them with us. We pack them into suitcases and carry them as we transition from childhood into adulthood. The words of the people in charge of our wellbeing are buried and stored deeply in our DNA. No matter if those words were affirming or condemning, they go with us as we traverse life.

Right now, within our church family, there are adults who still struggle with trauma they experienced as a child. In this moment, someone is reading this devotion, and their mind is flooded with memories of hateful words, shouting, pain and struggle. They are remembering the pain of basic needs not being met, and the anxiety of trying to fix an adult world as a child. They are remembering abuse, neglect, fear and shame. They are carrying emotional scars and perhaps physical scars. They were told they were of no worth, made to feel unimportant, invisible, and a burden. They received little words or comfort, praise or love. Home was stressful, lonely, and painful.

Friend, if this is you, let me speak to you for a minute. You are not that which was spoken over you. You are not the hateful words that they so carelessly threw your way. You are not the things they accused you of being. You didn’t deserve the neglect, the indifference, the anger, the blame, or the abuse. You didn’t. You simply didn’t deserve it. The enemy used all of this in attempt to force an identity on you that is not yours. The enemy used all of this to destroy you then, and if he can, he will use it still today. He will use it to steal your focus from your true purpose, and blind you from the glory of God. He will use the pain of your past to keep you locked in a box, and as Josh said, keep you trapped for life. Your life was designed to glorify God in all His kindnesses. We can’t let the enemy steal that from us. There are people waiting to hear your story, and waiting to receive your gifts.

I know that those words and actions found a home in the deepest recesses of your heart. Well, friend, it’s time to pull them out-and pull them out by the root. It’s time to break out of the box. It’s time to receive the identity that was yours before the dawn of time - a son or daughter of the living God. Jesus gave us this inheritance through the cross, and the enemy and all his lies and plans have no power or ownership over that. God isn’t angry with you. There isn’t a disclaimer in God’s word stating all of His mercies and promises apply to everyone but you. He rejoices over you with singing and gladness (Zephaniah 3:17).

Friend, my prayer for you this week is that you feel the powerful and comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. I pray every root planted by the enemy is pulled out, and destroyed in the fire of His Glory. I pray the chains that have bound you are broken, and the redeeming power of Christ heals your heart and mind. Above all, I pray you step into your identity as a son or daughter of the Most High God, and the peace of God overtakes you. It’s time, friend. Rest easy and receive the goodness of the Lord.