This post is submitted by our Children’s Ministries Director, Erin Skifter Many years ago I was given a hydrangea plant.  The hydrangea is characterized by large, lush leaves and beautiful, full flower clusters in shades of pink, periwinkle and white.  The flowers can be so full that when my sister and I used to play “bride”, we’d use a single stem to represent the bouquet.  They are also known for changing color depending on the composition of the soil.  These characteristics make up the identity of the hydrangea and we recognize the type of plant from them.  But this week we had work done on the porch and my lovely, full hydrangea was moved out into the full sun.  Today, I found it scorched-the full leaves black and dry in the worst parts.  There was nothing to do but cut it down to the lowest buds. I also have characteristics that make up my identity.  Some external like pastor’s wife and twin mom.  Some come from what I’ve done like foster-care advocate or homeschooler.  Others come from within like leader, dreamer, exhorter or networker.  What happens when the areas where I expressed my identity are taken…