Learning to Be You: How Our True Identity in Christ Sets Us Free

We all want the confidence that comes from living out of our true identity, but how do we get there? We don't magically discover our true selves when we reach our twenties. And some of us spend our entire lives feeling like we are living a lie. We can be torn apart by our duplicity or we can become so comfortable with putting on various personas to suit our situation that we don't even realize we're doing it. But if we are followers and disciples of Christ, our identity is already decided. What we need to learn is how to understand and embrace it.

In this honest and penetrating book, David D. Swanson calls readers to take off their masks, discover the true source of their identities, and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that comes from being authentic and transparent to ourselves, our God, and the people who surround us. He gently leads readers from their hiding places to a life of conviction and courage.

From the Back Cover

Who am I?

Some of us spend our entire lives trying to answer that question. But if we are followers and disciples of Christ, our identity is already decided. What we need to learn is how to understand it, embrace it, and let it lead us to a life of conviction and courage.

In this honest and penetrating book, pastor David Swanson calls you to take off the mask, discover the true source of your identity, and enjoy the peace and satisfaction that come from being authentic and transparent with yourself, your God, and the people who surround you. If you want to lead a meaningful and fulfilled life, it's time to learn how to be you.


"As my pastor, David consistently nurtures my soul. By reading this book you will find your own soul encouraged and your life infused with purpose and direction."--Vonette Bright, cofounder, Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru

"This book is riveting. Learning to Be You is personally engaging, intellectually enlightening, and spiritually fulfilling."--Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor, Northland--A Church Distributed

"I am grateful to David for his clear articulation of these important principles in the Christian life. May the reading of this book set you free to be who God created you to be, ultimately reflecting the nature and character of God."--Bob Creson, president and CEO, Wycliffe Bible Translators USA


David D. Swanson is senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. He speaks at retreats, conferences, and churches throughout the United States and is engaged in a national media teaching ministry called The Well. He and his wife, Leigh, live in Florida with their three teenage children.