Have you ever stopped to think about all the different versions of yourself that exist?
There’s the version people see on social media- we all know that is really only 2% of who we “really” are.
The version that shows up at work- the composed, capable one who gets things done.
The version your family knows- the one shaped by history, expectations and shared memories.
The version your friends experience- comfortable, open and familiar.
Then there is the version only God and you truly know.
And then the version that exists in the minds of people who knew us years ago, or who they “think” we are now.
Recently during one of my therapy sessions, my therapist asked me who i was? That got me to thinking, who am I? How did I get here? Do I even like the current version of myself? I already know the answer to these questions and so do you!!
Here is the truth- Life has a way of shaping us through seasons we never expected. Every challenge, every joy, every disappointment, and every waiting period has played a role in forming who we are today. Some seasons strengthened our faith. Others tested it. Some drew us closer to God, while others left us questioning everything.
This version of you didn’t happen by accident.
Scripture reminds us that we are constantly being shaped: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). That means God is not finished with you- no matter how unfinished you may feel.
The difficult part of personal growth is taking an honest look at ourselves and asking whether the version we are living in aligns with who God is calling us to be. Sometimes we are living out of habits formed in survival, not faith. We learned to be guarded, independent, or silent because those traits once protected us. And while those versions were necessary at one time, they may not be the versions God is inviting us to live in now. Because sometimes the version we are living in was built to survive a season that no longer exists.
Those versions served a purpose. Each season has taught a lesson. And each step forward matters-even the small ones. They kept you going. But that doesn’t mean they’re meant to stay forever.
And if you realize you don’t fully like who you’ve become, that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re growing aware—and awareness is powerful. It’s the first step toward change.
Growth requires surrender.
Surrendering old mindsets.
Surrendering control.
Surrendering the belief that we must remain who we once were.
And that surrender takes time.
Faith-based growth isn’t about instant change—it’s about daily obedience. You didn’t get here in a day, and God doesn’t expect transformation in a single moment. He works in layers, gently refining us through experiences, prayer, reflection, and sometimes uncomfortable stretching.
This is where grace becomes essential- Where it matters most.
Grace for the version of you that did the best they could with what they knew at the time.
Grace for the choices you made when you were tired, hurting, or afraid.
Grace for the moments you wish you could redo.
God’s grace meets us exactly where we are, not where we think we should be.
One of the hardest truths about growth is realizing that not everyone will recognize—or accept—the new version of you. Some people only know the old you. Some are attached to who you used to be. But your growth is not meant to make others comfortable; it’s meant to bring you closer to who God created you to be. You are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to outgrow people, patterns, and even old versions of yourself. You are allowed to decide that who you were is not who you want to continue being. And maybe the most freeing realization of all is this:
Not everyone will know—or accept—the new version of you.
Some people will hold onto who you used to be. Some will only see you through the lens of their own experiences with you. That’s okay. Their version of you does not get to define your future.
Each version of you has served a purpose.
Each season has taught a lesson.
And each step forward matters—even the small ones.
So if you’re in a season of questioning, changing, or becoming, take heart. Trust that God is working even when progress feels slow. Continue showing up. Continue praying. Continue growing.
The only version that truly matters is the one you are intentionally becoming.
So take your time. Be honest with yourself. Reflect often. Make small changes. Choose growth over perfection. And above all—allow yourself grace in the process.
You are not behind.
You are not forgotten.
You are becoming.
And the best version of you is not the one everyone understands, but the one that walks faithfully in alignment with God’s purpose.
Southern with Sass 