Your heritage may shape you, but God's love defines you...

Looking up at a large tree with spreading branches — Where you come from matters, but it's the light above that defines you...

This week, I want to share something very personal — a simple Ancestry.com update that led to a much deeper conversation with God about identity and worth.

When my husband mentioned, “You have a new DNA match,” I brushed it off. I thought, I already know who I am.

Half Belgian, half Bulgarian. I grew up in Europe. I have an accent — that’s me.

Then I clicked through the results and saw something new — traces of Roma, or Gypsy blood.

And for a moment, Reader, I froze.

I had always described my background in a way that sounded “beautiful”: European, educated, multilingual. I speak French, I know different cultures, I have heritage and history. But in that moment, God revealed something deeper.

It was as though He whispered to my heart:

“Alexandra, I didn’t choose you because of where you come from.

Not because you speak many languages, or because you’re refined, or accomplished.

And I didn’t reject you for the parts of your story that the world might look down on.

I chose you simply because I love you — not for who you are, but for who I am.”

That realization both humbled me and set me free. Because the truth is, we often hold onto the very things that make us feel “worthy.” Can you relate, Reader?

Our background. Our beauty. Our education. Even our pain.

But none of that is what defines us.

Paul said it so perfectly in Philippians 3:7–8:

“Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

He had lineage, education, and accolades — yet he said all of it meant nothing compared to knowing Jesus.

It made me wonder: What are you holding onto, Reader?

Maybe it’s your past, your achievements, or an image of who you thought you’d be by now.

But God’s not impressed by what the world celebrates — and He’s not ashamed of what the world rejects.

He looks at the heart.

In this week’s episode of Curious for Christ, I talk more about this — how even science explains that when we cling too tightly to things that aren’t meant for us, our brains and bodies stay in fight-or-flight mode. But when we surrender and let go, our nervous system literally shifts — our breath deepens, our heart rate slows, and peace enters in.

It’s a reminder that God designed our bodies to respond to trust. When we let go, both our mind and our spirit find rest.

And if you’re like me, Reader — emotional, intuitive, and deeply sensitive — you might be tempted to believe every thought and feeling that comes your way. But here’s what I’m learning:

Emotions are real, but they’re not always true.

They often rise up to keep us safe, but they don’t define us.

Taking every thought and emotion captive to Christ — that’s how we hold onto truth.

You are chosen, Reader.

You don’t need to be more, or better, or different.

The enemy will whisper lies — but God’s voice is steady.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

— 2 Timothy 2:13

So this week, take a quiet moment and ask yourself:

“What am I holding onto that God is inviting me to release?”

“What would it look like to rest in who He says I am?”

And if you need encouragement to keep your eyes on Him, join our Curious for Christ Facebook community.