More Than Enough – Finding Your Identity Beyond Titles and Roles
"Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion."- Brennan Manning
Introduction:
How do you define yourself? Is it through your job, your talents, or the roles you play in your family? In a heartfelt conversation on the "I'll Just Let Myself In" podcast, productivity coach, author, and speaker Jori O’Neale shared how she discovered her identity beyond titles and roles. Her chapter in the book More Than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity reflects on this transformative journey of finding purpose and worth solely in Christ.
This blog post has been adapted from the interview by Lish Speaks. This interview can be found under season 2 of her podcast, "I'll Just Let Myself In." Listen to it wherever you consume your favorite podcasts.👊
Rediscovering Identity Beyond Titles
Jori’s chapter, "More Than My Gift," explores a profound truth: identity in Christ cannot be tied to achievements, professions, or even God-given talents. She opens up about the challenges of detaching her sense of self from her roles as a teacher, wife, and mother, and her journey to recognizing her worth in Christ alone.
“I realized that my titles—teacher, mother, wife—were gifts, but they were not who I was,” Jori shared. Through setbacks like an ACL injury that sidelined her career, Jori learned to surrender her roles and embrace her identity as a child of God.
God in the Midst of the Struggle
Jori’s journey was marked by moments of divine intervention and surrender. After multiple miscarriages and a life-altering injury, she found herself questioning her purpose. In those quiet, broken moments, God led her to transform her pain into purpose.
He instructed her to create a prayer room, which became a sacred space where she poured her heart out to Him. It was in this room that God gave her the inspiration for her books, including her contribution to More Than Enough. Jori describes this time as a period of refining, where she learned to hear God’s voice and trust His plans.
Empowering Women Through Faith
As part of More Than Enough, Jori joined a group of women united in their mission to empower others through shared stories and devotionals. The book covers a wide spectrum of struggles and victories, offering encouragement to women in every stage of life—from young adulthood to motherhood, widowhood, and beyond.
The collaborative process brought new depth to Jori’s faith and storytelling. “Hearing the other women’s stories was transformative,” she said. “It reminded me that struggles with identity aren’t just mine—they’re universal.”
Balancing Faith and Fearlessness
One of Jori’s core messages is the power of combining faith with fearlessness. She hopes to teach her children to see that loving Jesus doesn’t mean limiting their ambitions. “God isn’t just for Sunday,” she said. “He’s the God of the whole world. And we can pursue our dreams boldly because of Him.”
Jori emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles, particularly for Black families. By pursuing her dreams and showing her children what it means to live holistically as a woman of faith, Jori hopes to inspire them—and others—to navigate life with confidence and courage.
Living Out Your Legacy
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, Jori’s answer was simple yet powerful: “She was a firestarter for Jesus. Everything she touched turned to flames.” This sentiment captures her dedication to using her gifts to ignite faith and transformation in others.
Practical Takeaways from Jori’s Journey
Detach from Titles: Reflect on whether your identity is too closely tied to roles or achievements. Ask God to help you see yourself as He does.
Prioritize Relationships: Jori emphasizes the importance of consistent date nights and family time to maintain strong relationships with her husband and children.
Create a Sacred Space: Dedicate a space for prayer and reflection where you can seek God’s guidance and inspiration.
Serve Beyond the Church: Take your faith into the world—your workplace, home, and community. Ministry doesn’t have to be confined to a church building.
Embrace Collaboration: Sharing your story alongside others, as Jori did in More Than Enough, can amplify its impact and foster deeper connections.
Get the Book
More Than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity is available now at Barnes & Noble and other retailers. Whether you’re seeking encouragement, wisdom, or a fresh perspective, this book offers devotionals and stories that resonate with women across all walks of life.
Join the Conversation
How have you discovered your identity beyond titles and roles? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join us on this journey of faith and empowerment. For more insights from Jori O’Neale, check out her book Unleash Your God-Given Gift on Amazon.
Into More w/ Jori O'Neale - I'll Just Let Myself In - S2E6
Written by Jori O'Neale
Transcribed from Into More w/ Jori O'Neale - I'll Just Let Myself In - S2E6
