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May Palacpac

My youngest son asked me yesterday what it means when people say ‘just be yourself.’

I wish the answer was as easy as just do what you feel is right for you, but I know that he must have heard it online, so I wanted to make sure that he understands it in biblical context.

I told him that it’s easier for a person to be themselves if they know their identities in the first place. If they know who they are in Christ.

I began to tick off what it meant on top of my head:

You are accepted. Romans 15:7

You are chosen. John 15:16

You are forgiven. 1 John 1:9

You are loved. Romans 8:28

You are a child of God. John 1:12

God has plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11

You are blessed. Ephesians 1:3

You are part of His family. Ephesians 2:19

You are treasured. Exodus 19:5

Jesus died for you. Galatians 2:20

You are complete in God. Colossians 2:10

I reminded him (and his brothers) that the One who knows them the most is their Creator. And if they know who they are to Him, it’s easy to just be yourself.

But if you don’t know all these, you will only do what the world says you should be. And that’s not really being who you are.

Only a man who knows who he truly is can walk in freedom to be who they are.

(This was originally posted on Facebook in April 2024)

11 responses to “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO JUST BE YOURSELF?”

Karletta

2025-04-21

Such a thoughtful question from your son. And it’s a good one. Most people by adulthood have had so many layers, ideals and expectations put upon them, that they lose themselves. They don’t even know who their “self” is. Family and social expectations. Religious and educational institutions. Commercial, media and entertainment entities… etc.

Everyone seems to want to put another layer on: “This is how you should be. This is how you should act. This is what you should achieve.”

Only when you know who you are (from the spirit, from inside without the layers), can we know how to “just be yourself” The concept of Grace is a beautiful place to start. We start pulling some of those layers off, and reach deep inside. It takes work, but very rewarding once you discover who you yourself are.

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Melanie E

2025-04-16

Being yourself can vary a lot from person to person. This means we need to look at our own wants, needs and what we believe etc to be able to be ourselves. It helps to be able to think for yourself which comes with age and not to follow the masses when it is easier to do that.

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Life With Sonia

2025-04-16

This was such a beautiful reminder. I love how you grounded “being yourself” in biblical truth — it’s not about chasing feelings or trends, but about knowing who we are in Christ. That list of verses? I’m saving it for my own quiet time. So simple, yet so powerful.

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Michelle

2025-04-16

It’s not always simple or straightforward to live life as the most authentic version of ourselves, but it *is* totally worth it when you do. I try to always ask myself, “Is this the most authentic version of me?” and check in with myself regularly.

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Emily

2025-04-16

In many ways, it can often feel difficult to live as our most authentic self! However, I think that by doing so, we can really feel the most fulfilled we can possibly be.

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Rose Alexis

2025-04-16

Those are good scriptures for support. Youth have a go at it feeling they have to fit in, that’s for sure.

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Catherine

2025-04-16

When you knew who you are and be yourself you will never have a hard time to find peace and you are not easily break by other people.

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Ben Butler

2025-04-15

I love these verses. They really did make me stop and consider that maybe I’m just the me I’m supposed to be.

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Kristy Bullard

2025-04-15

Your youngest is very self-aware and deep-thinking. It’s wonderful that he feels comfortable coming to you and asking these questions.

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LisaLisa Charleston

2025-04-15

“True freedom isn’t just about being yourself, it’s about being free from the opinions and expectations of others. You don’t have to walk through life trying to please the world. My purpose is to please God, not people. That, to me, is what it truly means to be yourself.” !

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Mow Debnath

2025-04-15

True freedom comes from knowing your authentic self! When you understand who you are, you no longer need to seek permission to simply be..

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I’m May

Fifty-something storyteller, award-winning writer, long-time content creator, podcast host, artist, an advocate for alternative learning and a staunch supporter of the arts.

Email me at maypalstories@gmail.com