According to dictionary.com the word expression has a couple definitions, but for this purpose I'd like to focus on the definition as follows: an indication of feeling, spirit, character, etc., as on the face, in the voice, or in artistic execution.

There is something about expression that makes people either completely comfortable or completely uncomfortable. There's really no in-between. Just because you appreciate the expression doesn't mean that you accept the entiresubject of what is being expressed, but I believe expression is the art that was placed in all of us. You can picture it in every person you know: it's the deep laugh that comes out so loud you stop and think, whoa. it's in a painting that takes hours to create yet has so much personality of the artist that it is unmistakeably theirs. it's the smile and light in a singer's eyes that give their voice a stronger sound that is felt and not just heard. it's our quirkiness, our mannerisms, our shy smiles, our sudden outbursts, our silly grins,- it's who we are. This dance that is the individual part of who we are flows into every part of our lives. If it is altered or hindered, it is not genuine. Hold on to this expression; it was not put in you for you.

The joy and beauty and peace and strength that you find in your life must be shared. It must be expressed! God did not create us to live in this life for ourselves. We are called to be an expression of Him. Take the joy in your life, no matter how small or large, and share it! Express it. Whether you sing, paint, dance, speak, cook, sew, twitter, garden, decorate, walk, waltz, write, or just laugh- do it. When you get to see it in others and witness their expression, embrace it all. Appreciate the individualism. It's like the weather. Every season has it's ups and downs. Winter is cold, but the snow is beautiful. Spring is dusty and allergy-ridden, but the fresh flowers and green land is breathtaking. Summer is hot and humid, but the bright skies and sunny days are uplifting. Fall can be rainy, but the colors and the crisp air are refreshing. The snow, the flowers, sunshine, and the leaves turning are all expressions of the land. The ability to feel cold and heat and the wind and the rain is part of humanity. Our senses connect us to each other and allow us to relate.

For example, food and drink are great social gatherings because of the senses that they evoke. Taste is the most common and most comfortable of all senses (save perhaps sight) because of the fact that one must eat to live, therefore one must partake in the sensation of taste. The same reasoning is followed with drink. To create and serve a meal is not only gracious, but it is an invitation to take in the shared celebration of the sense of taste. Everyone is invited- encouraged- not only to eat and drink for hunger's sake but to indulge for the sake of indulgence (and in good company!). Commonality allows for comfort and enjoyment which gives freedom for expression. At this place is where expression can thrive. Unfortunately, our humanity also leads to hindrances such as politics, bias, or even timidity.

This expression is part of the person that God created in you.
Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

I live with a cat.

Here's the thing- it's an identity crisis. Okay, maybe it's not that dramatic. I highly doubt I am the only one that experiences this in life. It is the first time in my life when I truly have not be able to make sense of who I am. It's like everything in my life that I am doing doesn't feel like me. Recently, I have done some things that I have never done before- some of them I never thought I would. (Careful how you use the word "never")
I live with a cat. And I really like it! She's curious and funny and likes to play with me. Who knew? I dry my jeans. Women will understand this more, but for the first time ever I can actually dry my jeans because I need them to fit like they did when I bought them. I have lost some weight, and most of my clothes don't fit. This is more disconcerting than it sounds. I joined a gym. Yep, I pay to work out and I can watch TV while I run. I still try to run outside when it's not sweltering, but the summer heat can be deadly. I work on MS Excel more than Word. Numbers over words- ugh. While I am embracing these new things, there are also other things that I am struggling with. I am not in school taking classes that I love. I am not a part of a team or community. I have few responsibilities or commitments unless I decide to take them on. These are things I have known the majority of my life, and now without them I am trying to find who I am.

But it is true that my plans and ideas are not all that my life is going to be about. I am reading a book about God's purpose for women and His call for their lives. The call for Eve was to be God's image bearer and an ezer, a strong helper. Eve is not defined by her interests or talents or her place in life, but she was created to be an image bearer of God- one created in God's image. An ezer is a warrior as the Hebrews used the word. Because Adam was alone in this world, God created an ezer to stand beside him and face the challenges of the world together. Man and woman were created in this world to stand alongside and encourage each other. It is when men and women join together that His image is shone most brightly. No matter what place in life women find themselves, God has created women to be image bearers and ezers.

-Lost Women of the Bible by Custis James.

So it is not really about cats or jeans or Excel, but it is about becoming and being the woman God created. How hard it is to remember that daily.