Self Evaluation

Is self-evaluation important in communication? As we continue to grow in life, we begin to realize that communication is vitally important to our daily living with others. In order to communicate effectively, we must self-evaluate ourselves to better understand who we are as a communicator. Identities of religious orientation, vocation and family background are three cultural identities that I believe influence how I identify myself.

My religious orientation is a large factor in my cultural identity. I am a Christian and I was also brought up in a Christian home as well; however, it was my choice rather or not I became a Christian. We believe that religion is not necessary; rather a relationship is what the focus should be. We believe in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than having a daily routine in which one goes through the motions of "a religion". Being a Christian, I also believe in the Ten Commandments and strive to abide to them throughout my life. We are given a choice rather or not we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior. If one chooses not to accept Him, then they are choosing to reject Him. Jesus Christ is offering everyone a free gift. That gift is eternal salvation and a relationship with Him. He came to this earth to die so we could have eternal life with him and forgiveness of sin. I have chosen to accept this free gift and I am proud to say that I have been a Christian for twelve years now. As a Christian I still fail, but the beauty of grace from Jesus Christ is always there to forgive me if I ask. It is important, as in any other relationship, to work on growing the relationship to the next level. As a Christian, I do this by having quiet times with the Lord where I read His word and pray to Him. I strive to do it daily and diligently so that I am always continuing my relationship with Jesus Christ.

I believe my second cultural identity is my vocation. Because of my choice to accept Jesus Christ, I have decided to live my life as a Christian missionary. As a Christian missionary, my duties are to serve the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. A Missionary's task is to share the "good news". This "good news" is that Jesus Christ has a free gift for us all if we accept. Many people have never heard of Jesus Christ, so a missionary goes out to find these people that have never heard and tells them. This is the missionaries' main focus; however, missionaries also operate in a variety of different fields. Missionary's can have many different job titles in order to serve to the greatest capacity, but the main goal of a missionary is to "tell". I have chosen this vocation because I believe the Lord has led my life in this direction and His desire for me is to serve Him as a missionary.

I would classify my third cultural identity as my family background. We are all brought up in different homes and in different families. My family is very country. I could describe them as the Beverly Hill Billy's for people to gain understanding of the culture I came from. My culture is equipped with southern accents, duck-tape, wrangler jeans, belt-buckles, Dixie outfitter shirts, cowboy boots, tobacco, pick-up trucks and plenty of camouflage. Although I never desired to be equipped like that, my family sure has been. Coming from the south, I was brought up with southern hospitality. Nothing tastes better than Granny's cooking and no one was complete without owning a roll of duck-tape. Also, men are to treat the women with the utmost respect in multiple ways. For Holidays, all of the family gets together for a big