Image vs. Identity
Random Conversations have lessons too
During a recent conversation with another Kingdom woman, she commented “I love your brand!” “it’s so pretty”. She continued to say, “I love the colours, and the imagery, especially the bird!”. My sister was referring to our Hummingbird Journeys brand, and my immediate response was “thank you, we bless God”. I had every intention of leaving my response at that. As we continued speaking, though, her earlier comment about the “pretty brand” kept echoing, so I yielded to what I believe God intended to use as a teaching moment regarding image and identity.
Pretty? Powerful? Or Both?
I asked, what do you know about the bird in our imagery? “Other than the fact that it’s a hummingbird?” she asked, “not much really.” I continued. “Did you know that the hummingbird doesn’t sing like other birds do. In fact, the hummingbird moves in silence. The sound we hear is from the movement of its wings. Did you know that according to the law of aerodynamics, the hummingbird should not be able to fly? The odds are stacked are against it, its wings are too small in proportion to its body. But, not only does this bird defy scientific logic with its flight, it is one of the fastest birds known to man. It is also the only bird that can fly in all directions, upwards, downwards, sideways, forward, and back. It is also the only bird that can fly upside down and can hoover. Note the size of the hummingbird, small enough to be overlooked, but see how its luminosity draws its observers in. Wherever it is present, the hummingbird can’t be missed.”
Wow! She said, I never knew that! I went on to explain how the hummingbird is a representation of the women we are called to serve. Women who have had the odds stacked against them, women who are limited, according to the laws and logic of men, women who we create safe spaces for, so that they can be equipped and emboldened to defy all that seeks to keep them grounded. Women how eventually take a flight which wows and inspires, and who make an impact with their presence.
Who are you?
There is a clear difference between our image and our identity, that goes without saying. Our image is what others perceive us to be and this perception is usually formed based on what can be seen. Recognising someone or something only by their image means that there is a limited appreciation of what exists beyond what is seen. Our identity, on the other hand, is who we really are. Having said this, it’s interesting how much time and effort is put into crafting the ideal image, with less enthusiasm invested in nurturing our identity.
Quite often, images are interchangeable or conditional even, and can be modified to suit a given situation or audience. However, identity is permanent, consistent, unconditional. Identity may impact our image, but our image does not alter our identity. Identity therefore remains most important. If we are to truly live victorious lives, then we must know who we are, without a shadow of a doubt, and be ready to confidently own that identity.
Agape, Kareem
_____________________
Connect With Us
If you would like to reach out to us for counselling and emotional support (ie. feeling overwhelmed…need someone to talk to), you may do so here. To ask general questions about Hummingbird Journeys, do not hesitate to contact us. For more information about what we do here at Hummingbird Journeys, you may have a look at our FAQs.
Copyright © 2020 Hummingbird Journeys. All rights reserved.
