I wonder how you identify yourself? What labels do you use? We are often defined by the job we do or worse, by what we are paid for that role. We add other tags: parent, provider, dog walker, the list goes on.

Recently it made headliness that St Albans is the most expensive place in the country to buy a house, more so than London. That raises all sorts of concerns, not least for first time buyers. But how many of us felt morally uncomfortable knowing that our home is of such economic value? Having our identity linked with wealth and privilege can be unsettling, particularly when we see wars and famine unfold.

Confronted with the news that his biological father was not the man he had believed to be his dad, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby issued a public statement. In it, he acknowledged the difficulties of coming to terms with the revelation. However, he also spoke of his identity being based on who he knows himself to be before God. This assurance provided him with the resilience to cope.

Knowing our identity enables us to be true to ourself in any given role or situation. It gives us the core strength to cope when under pressure or threat of any kind. Our external roles in life are a good talking point at parties, but do they really explain who we are and where our strength comes from? When the labels are removed, who do you say you are?

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