Who Do You Think You Are?

“Who do you think you are?”

It sounds like a harmless question. But when it echoes in your soul like a rebuke, like a judgment—it stings. For years, that question haunted me. I could be top of my class, receive every accolade, and still feel unworthy. “You’re so amazing at your craft, so detailed. So thorough. So helpful,” they’d say. I’d smile, but inside, I was crumbling. Because I wasn’t doing these things from wholeness—I was trying to earn what I didn’t believe I already had: value.

Can anyone relate?

You strive harder than most. You show up early, stay late, say “yes” to everyone, but still feel like you’re not enough. That was me. Trying to earn my seat at the table. Covering up a wounded soul with achievements and over-performance. I lived with a constant question mark over my identity, always wondering: Do I really belong here?

And then, El Roi, the God who sees, met me in my hidden ache.

It began with a conversation with my loving aunt, a pastor and faithful woman of God. She became the angel God used to whisper, “You are seen.” Then came baptism as an act of surrender. And later, I found myself invited into two Bridgeway ministries that would change my life: the Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI) and the Cancer Support Ministry.

WLDI isn’t just a nine-month leadership training. It’s a sacred journey into the heart of God and into the truth of who He says we are. Through this program, I began to see that my identity didn’t have to be earned. It was already spoken over me by the One who created me.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…” 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV). Let that settle in: Chosen. Royal. Holy. His.

It was in the WLDI sisterhood that I began to trade the lies of inadequacy for the truth of my calling. I wasn’t just a woman trying to do good. I was a woman sent—appointed by the King to walk in purpose. Through Scripture, prayer, mentorship, and tears, I began to believe what God said about me.
“You are mine. I have called you by name.” Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV)

Names are powerful. They’re not just labels. They are declarations. And God had been whispering a new name over me all along: Beloved. Worthy. Whole.

I grew up in a devout Muslim home. While my faith background gave me a sense of tradition, it wasn’t until I encountered Christ that I experienced identity. Being born again didn’t erase my past, it redeemed it. Now I carry both stories, woven together by grace.

The Cancer Support Ministry gave me a tangible way to live out this new identity. Serving men and women battling cancer reminded me that God calls us not just to be healed, but to become healers. Through prayer, presence, and practical care, I’ve witnessed the power of love to restore dignity.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…” Luke 4:18 (NKJV).

Being part of the leadership of these ministries at Bridgeway has shown me how the church truly becomes a healing community. They quickly became my spiritual lifelines. When you step into serving or learning here, you’re not just attending, you’re being transformed.

And now I know, without striving, without performance, who I am.

I am Sophia Tade, beloved daughter of the Most High, warrior of grace, woman of purpose. And every time that old voice tries to whisper, “Who do you think you are?”, I answer with confidence: I am who He says I am.

“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…” Isaiah 49:16 (NKJV)

To the child of God reading this who still doubts her/his worth, I say “come closer. Join a ministry. Say yes to the process. Let God write a new name over your life.” He is no man that He shall lie. God is not respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). What He did for me, He will do for anyone.
It won’t happen overnight. But it will happen. And when it does, you’ll look in the mirror and see not just who you are—but whose you are.

I would like to take this opportunity to warmly invite anyone walking through cancer or walking as a survivor to our upcoming, “Victory Over Cancer” Awareness Breakfast on Saturday, June 7th, from 9:00–11:30 AM at BCC Columbia Campus. Please share this invitation. This is a morning of hope, connection, and spiritual encouragement you won’t want to miss. Because your story matters. And so do you.

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