Who Are You Without the Title? Rediscovering Your Identity When Life Strips It Away

"From My Heart to Yours"

Before I hand you this story, I want to ask you something. If you took away your title today — wife, mother, ministry leader, the role you built your whole identity around — who would be left standing?  I've asked myself that question more times than I'd like to admit. There was a season when everything I did got quietly confused with everything I was. And when that thing was taken — a role, a relationship, a season of life I thought was permanent — I didn't just lose the title. I lost the mirror I'd been using to see myself.

Beatrice knows that place. For 37 years, her name and her calling were stitched together — nurse, caregiver, the strong one. Then God said, "This is the end of nursing as you know it." What she discovered on the other side of that sentence is why I'm handing you her story today.

If you're in that place right now, staring at what's left when the label is gone, I want you to know: you haven't lost yourself. You've just been handed the chance to find out who you were all along, underneath it.

~LaVonda

God's Warrior Woman ~ Beatrice's Story

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

 As a Registered Nurse, my profession was more than just a job; it was my passion. Nursing, to me, was a ministry of caring for others in their time of need. Whether it was comforting patients or supporting their families, every moment felt like an opportunity to serve and witness the power of God at work. Despite the challenges, I found joy and faith in seeing lives touched and healed.

After working for 37 years doing bedside nursing, it began to take a toll on my health. Chronic pain in my lower back began to hurt with radiating pain to my legs.

Have you ever been in so much pain that it brought tears to your eyes? 

The pain was so intense it felt like it was penetrating to my bones. For months I would go to work and leave in so much pain.

In 2019 while at work, walking down the hallway; I heard the Lord say, “This is the end of nursing as you know it.” Tears began to roll down my face. I pondered,  “What Lord?”  My mind was all over the place and I knew deep down inside, I knew a change was inevitable for my well-being.   People’s lives were in my hands to provide quality patient care and to be a good leader.

Following back surgery in June 2019, my road to recovery was a slow process. I had experienced surgeries before, but this was the worse.

I needed help with everything. I found myself relying on my family for support, grappling with feelings of helplessness and isolation.

Through prayer and perseverance, I began to witness small victories that strengthened my faith.

Though physical pain persisted, I began to feel a renewed sense of spiritual connection and purpose. 

I thank God for a praying and loving family. My husband, mother, children, and grandchildren took great care of me.

I became depressed because I’m the caregiver in the family. I felt helpless, isolated and a burden to them. I would cry out to the Lord, "Lord, help me to walk again. Help me to care for myself again."

Every time I was able to do something for myself, I began to give God Praise and Thank Him.

The more I called on the Lord, the more my faith increased. I went from needing total assistance to the walker, then a cane. Just thinking about it, I feel the presence of the Lord! Glory!

The surgery went well, the intense pain was gone. However, I was still left with some residual weakness and numbness on my right side.

In September, I was still not able to completely take care of myself. I went in for a follow up appointment with the surgeon. He told me I could go back to work. I asked him, "How can I go back to work, and I can’t even take care of myself totally?" He responded, "Use common sense."  

After leaving his office, I questioned why he would say that to me. I wasn't prepared, neither physically nor mentally, to go back to work. Consequently, I had to take long-term disability leave, and eventually, I had to retire.

I needed to rediscover myself after working for so long. I found myself asking, "What now?" and questioning, "Who am I? What do I enjoy doing?" I didn't have immediate answers to these questions.

It was a humbling realization that God's plan was at work guiding me towards a path of rediscovery and spiritual growth. In the midst of personal challenges, the Covid-19 Pandemic became rampant around the world in October 2020. The healthcare system was overwhelmed, with thousands of deaths, long working hours, and a staff shortage. Despite my eagerness to resume work, it became clear that I would not be physically or mentally able to work under those conditions. 

SELAH

Let's stop here for a moment. 

Scripture never lets identity rest on what we do or what's been done to us.  Isaiah 61:3 says God trades our ashes for beauty~ not a new title, but a new nature.  And Paul goes further in 2 Corinthians 5:17; if you are in Christ, you are a new creation.  Not repaired. Not renamed. New.
So when the title is gone - when the role, the relationship, the season has ended - you are not standing in the wreckage of who you were.  You are standing at the edge of who God already said you are.  Jeremiah 29:11 was never about the plan you lost.  It was always about the future He already secured.

Take a breath.  Let that be true before you read another word.

~LaVonda

But the Lord knew. He knew I would not be physically or mentally able to work under those conditions. He was in control all the time.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. (Romans 8:28 KJV)

During this period of reflection, I began to spend more time in the Word and prayer. My hunger and thirst for God had been renewed.

One day I was on Facebook and saw a post about joining an Online Bible Study (OBS) through Faith Gateway. It sparked an interest. Not knowing what to expect, I took a leap of faith and joined.

I ordered my book, The 28 Day Prayer Journey, by Chrystal Evans Hurst. In the beginning, it wasn’t personal. I continued to read and listen to the videos.  Then several people volunteered to host a Zoom meeting. I was like what is that? I went to our friend “Google”. Got the information I needed, and the journey began.

I joined in on a few meetings here and there. God is so good, He blessed me to connect with three groups of powerful Women of God: Joyful Journey, 28 Day Prayer Journey, and Sisters in Faith.
It opened a whole new avenue for fellowship with other women believers. Hearing other women of God discussing the Word without any judgment or criticism was captivating.  I had found a community of like-minded believers who offered support and encouragement. Engaging in discussions and fellowship with these women helped me to explore my faith and deepen my relationship with God.

Do you know what it's like when you are around some women you don’t feel free to voice your needs or concerns?

^“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15(KJV)

Engaging in discussions and fellowship with these women helped me to explore my faith and deepen my relationship with God.  In doing so, I realized I needed to grow more spiritually.    

Let us embrace our gifts, overcome obstacles, and walk boldly in the path that God has set before us.  

During these last three years, I have learned the importance of having an intimate relationship with Christ.  It’s not a one and done deal, but it’s a daily walk with the Lord.

Being intentional in seeking God.  Spending time in prayer, studying the Word of God and community fellowship.

As a community, we have studied a variety of Bible Studies and read empowering books, from some fantastic authors.  I have even learned how to tap into the creative side of myself through painting.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

God has equipped us with so many gifts and talents, that are just waiting to be released. 

Spiritual growth is for you.

Let us not let the devil keep us from using what God has equipped us with through the Holy Spirit.

For such a time as this, God took me off the job to rebuild my relationship with Him and to be A Warrior Woman for Christ.

Reflect for a Moment

Do you know who God says you are?  What label have you been living under — the one you'd write first if someone asked, "Who are you?" Now ask yourself honestly: did that label come from God's mouth, or from a role, a wound, or someone else's expectation?

If God stripped away every title you carry, what is the one truth about you that would still be standing? Write it down. Say it out loud. That's where your rebuilding begins.

A Warrior's Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding us that our identity is never found in our profession, abilities, or season of life, but in You alone.

When unexpected changes, pain, or loss come, help us trust that Your plans are still good and full of hope.

Strengthen our faith in the waiting, restore what has been broken, and draw us into a deeper relationship with You.

Give us the courage to embrace the purpose You have for this season and to boldly use every gift You have placed within us for Your glory.

Make us women who walk in Your strength, stand firm in Your truth, and live as fearless Warrior Women for Christ.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Make sure you check back next week for another Warrior Woman!

You Are An Overcomer!

You are not alone; God created you in His image, which means you have power and authority.  He has equipped you with His strength and boldness. I would love to connect more and give you a FREE gift - The Warrior Woman Workbook: Overcoming Through the Power of Prayer and Fasting. 

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The Warrior Women Series will offer motivation and inspiration through heartfelt stories, illustrating that you can overcome challenges through the powerful combination of prayer and fasting.

If you're rebuilding your identity after a season of loss, this is exactly the work I do with women in coaching. "Let's talk." Schedule a call today. 
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About Today's Warrior Woman ~ Beatrice McNeil

Beatrice McNeil is a woman with a heart to serve. She was filled with the Holy Spirit in 1980 and God has anointed her to teach His word and lay hands on the sick in faith for healing.

Beatrice is a retired Registered Nurse after 37 years in healthcare. She embodies a true passion for both healthcare and spiritual guidance. Her professional philosophy revolves around her commitment to serving the Lord and others finding fulfillment in the fellowship with Godly women. 

Beatrice's passion lies in serving in the Women Ministry and Media Ministry at her local church. She is the visionary for Women of Praise Facebook Group that provides a platform for spiritual growth and community support. 

Beatrice's impactful work in these ministries and groups reflects her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others through faith and service.