Identity Through The Lens Of A Legally Blind Girl

Something I have lived with my whole life and have become too comfortable and honestly fond of. My glasses. When I think of myself and how people perceive me, character qualities aside, I first think of my glasses. Some people might be known for their wavy blonde hair or their edgy way of dressing. You see that person and you think, “Carleigh? Oh yeah, Carleigh with the glasses!” That’s what it’s been my whole life and honestly, I like it that way. This is where I've realized something as simple as my glasses can cause me to find myself in an identity crisis. As childish as it may sound, I don’t feel 100% me without them on. It wasn’t until a close friend made the remark to me… “you’re still you without them on”. When she said that I couldn’t help but be kinda shocked by it and say, “Oh my glasses? No they’re just glasses! I know I’m still me without them on.” It was then I realized I had put

my identity in something as common and simple as the glasses on my face. This sent me into a silent spiral of self-reflection and realization of just how insecure I was without them. I remember this even going back to me as a young kid at a sleepover. I would always make sure to be the last one to go the sleep because once everyone else was asleep I would take my glasses off. I did the same thing in the morning. I would make sure I was the first one up so I could put my glasses on. At the time I didn’t even realize what I was doing or really why I was doing it. I was never a subconscious kid growing up, at least that’s what I thought. These habits followed me into high school and even into college. Some of these actions being conscious and some still done subconsciously. That comment I mentioned earlier that was made to me by my best friend...that comment was made on my 20th birthday. I’m twenty right now. I let this identity crisis go on unnoticed and called out by others for my whole life. This is not where my identity lies. Yes, it's okay to like my glasses and be confident in wearing them but it should never come to a point where if I don't have them on I become insecure and feel vulnerable. But that’s exactly how I feel. This is where I am beyond thankful for friends who call me out in love and point me to real Truth. A friend to tell me that the only identity I should fully rest in is my identity in Christ. He is where I find my identity. Not as a girl who wears glasses, but a girl who is loved and known by the King.