Proof Of Ownership

“A sense of belonging is not physical. We can’t find it by changing where we live or what we do. We have to carry it within us.” ~ P.C. Cast

Who is your owner? What a great question to ponder. Many have asked this question when they have stumbled upon a stray animal, but never of themselves. Eternalize the question for a moment, who do you belong to? You might say, “I don’t belong to anyone; I am my own person.” Others may joke, “just ask my spouse, significant other, etc.” Hopefully, most of you will say, “We belong to God, and we belong together because God created it that way.”

“Not belonging is a terrible feeling. It feels awkward, and it hurts as if you were wearing someone else’s shoes.” ~ Phoebe Stone

When we bring home a dog or a cat as the newest member of our family, it’s wise to purchase a collar and attach a name tag to prove ownership. The tag has the animal’s name and the owner’s contact information. We can also have our pets microchipped, which also helps provide proof of ownership. Our pets know who their owners are, but strangers may not. When it comes to people, many feel they don’t belong to anyone or anything.

In society, we like to wear branded clothes, symbolic jewelry, have tattoos, and even plaster our cars with emblems and stickers, attempting to let the world know to whom we belong, e.g., country flags, sports teams, gangs, religious denomination, family, or other organizations. You can find a sense of community in external agencies. But WHO DO YOU belong to?

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ Mother Theresa

God created everything to be in community with everything; it’s referred to as the circle of life. You belong in community with God and with others. Since you were made in the image of God, you have a say-so. You get to choose who you identify with and with whom you will do community. God is the Creator of the universe and desires to be in community with everyone. No one is to be left out of the community. You don’t have to be alone, a stray, or an orphan any longer. You must learn to seek God first and foremost, and you will never have to live another day alone. Welcome home, welcome to the community for whom you were created and meant to belong.

My Creator, You created everything and everyone for a relationship in the community. We belong to You, and we belong to each other. Please grant me the strength and courage to quit being a loner and claim my seat in Your kingdom, where everyone belongs, and everyone is loved equally. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. Amen.