Your Purpose Gets Clear When You Know Who You Are with Chassidy Bayone

Welcome To Ready Set Collaborate

SPEAKER_00 0:05

Welcome to Ready Set Collaborate with Wanda Pearson. This is where ideas spark, connections grow, and collaborations fuse success. Tune in for inspiring stories, expert insights, and game-changing conversations. Let's build, connect, and thrive together. Remember, collaboration is the key to success.

SPEAKER_01 0:28

Welcome to another inspiring episode of ReadySet Collaborate Podcast with Wanda

Who Are You Without Titles

SPEAKER_01 0:33

Pearson. Today we're having a conversation that gets to the heart of a question many of us eventually have to ask ourselves: Who am I when I remove all my titles? My guest today is Chastity Bayon, author of Who Are You? I love that title. No titles necessary. I love that title too. Creator of Who Are You 59 and co-owner of I'm Still Here LLC. Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, Chastity brings 13 years of military service together with a passion for helping people discover who they are beyond their careers, accomplishments, and responsibilities and labels. At the center of her work is her faith and her desire to help others discover their identity in Christ, serve a purpose, and advocate for greater unity among people. Today we're talking about identity, faith, service, purpose, and what happens when we stop defining ourselves by what we do, begin understanding who we truly are. I love that chastity. So, Chastity, welcome to the Ready Said Collaborate Podcast. Thank you for having me. Oh, absolutely. I have to read a little bit more of your Bible. I didn't read everything in there. Okay. As an author, speaker, and non-commissioned officer, she inspires others to uncover the root causes that bind them so they become the men and woman God is calling them to be. Chastity empowers others to identify with Christ. And I said that, but I'm gonna say it again. Chasty empowers others to identify with Christ, who created them to be asking one of the toughest questions many to struggle to answer. Who are you? And that's true. Who are you? So thank you so much for being with us. And I want to talk about this military. Oh, yeah, and your co-owner. Did I say co-owner of I'm Still Here, LLC? You do, yes, yeah. I just want to make sure I put I emphasize that. 13 years of military. Oh my god. So say hello to the audience, Chastity. Hi, everyone. How are y'all? I'm D. I am so happy to have you here. And when my friend told me, you gotta have this young lady on your podcast. I said, let's do it. Let's but I want to make sure she feels comfortable. And I said it's just a conversation. That's all. Because you already know the answers, right? Right. So, Chassie, before we talk about everything you do, I want to begin with a question at the center of your work. Who is Chassie Bayon? Bayon? Bayon. Bayon. Bayon, okay, that's that Louisiana Bayon. So you can say it two ways, actually. So it's Bayonne if you want to be very fancy with it. And Tony is where like from Louisiana Bayou, so it's Bayon. Okay. Thank you for everything. Because it's funny because we had my husband used to work with a guy, said his name was Tony Bayon. And that's I said that. So who is Chassie Bayon without any of her titles? Can you tell me who you are? I am a daughter of Christ. That's who I am. God created me to be his daughter, to be an heir. My identity is to be the light of the world, the start of this earth, and that's what he called me to be. That's who he created me to be. Nothing else, just a daughter. Absolutely. I love that. I love that. So what happened in your life that caused you to start asking yourself, who am I?

Grief Sparks The Identity Question

SPEAKER_01 3:51

Just a little backstory about me. I lost my parents at a young age. I lost my dad during basic training. And I lost my mom and my grandmother in Indiana when I was stationed there for three years. And so just going through grief and just sitting there, what is my purpose? Who am I now that I'm not Ben Aronda's daughter? I'm not my grandmother's granddaughter. Now I'm just sitting here and just wondering. I was sitting in the office. I was like, why am I here? What is my purpose? And I just found myself just wondering, what's next for me? What am I supposed to be doing in this moment? And that caused me to start thinking and start praying and just really trying to figure out who I was without being a daughter of my mom and my dad and being a soldier and being a mom. Who was I outside of that? I love that. And I'm so sorry to hear about your parents. Now, how old were you when you lost your parents? I was 24 when I lost my dad. And I was 29 when I lost my mom. Oh, I'm so sorry. But you have your children. I have my kids. My three. I'm just yes. How old are your children, by the way? They're 10. My daughter just turned 11 yesterday. 11, 9, and 4. Okay. And what's your daughter's name? Autumn. Happy birthday, Autumn. What a beautiful name. Because she's gonna see this podcast, right? It's gonna see this podcast. And it's actually my birthday today, too. So she was the best. Happy birthday. No wonder we did it on this day. I didn't know it was your birthday. I would have had balloons and stuff. It's okay. Happy birthday, many blessings, I tell you. So this is a good day to have your podcast, right? Because you're celebrating, you're celebrating the birth of you and that the many years and your daughters yesterday. So yeah, a blessed and enjoyable birthday today. Thank you.

Why We Attach Worth To Titles

SPEAKER_01 5:49

So why do you think so many of us attach identity to our careers, relationships, and compagnons, or titles? I believe that mainly people, it's culture. And so they want to be in control of something. They want to have control of who they are. They want to have control of the businesses, the things. And so they get caught up in this is who I am. If I'm the CEO, if I can make it to the top and I'm the boss, I can do this. Or if I got the degree, then I'm a doctor, so I can tell people that I did this, I accomplished this, and they just get caught up into what society calls our identity. And without those things, they find themselves being lost. Absolutely. And actually, that was my next question. Your book is called Who Are You? No Titles Necessary. Inspired You that title, and exactly what you were saying about the titles of what you know. So it's so funny, and it's like sound cliche, but God actually gave me the title because he was like, Who are you, Chastity? When I was trying to find myself, I was caught up in addiction, caught up in drinking, trying to find myself in different men, in my work, and in being a mom, just overloading myself with so many things. And God was like, Who are you? If you don't have those things, if you don't, if you're not in that relationship, if you don't have the job, if you're not the mom, who are you? And so God actually inspired me to name the book, Who Are You? Because a lot of people don't know how to answer that question. They do not, if it's not with the titles, if it's not with the accomplishments that we do here on earth, they don't know how to answer that simple question. And so I wanted to ask that question and be blunt and direct. I love that. And then also, what do you mean by you when you say no titles necessary? No titles necessary mean your accomplishments, your performance, you being the CEO, you being the boss, or you being the certain title that you have to meet to qualify or feel that you people admire you, or validation, those things don't matter. They do not matter in the end. What matters is God created you to be who He created you to be, and that's a daughter and a son. Absolutely. Because whenever you had a big CEO title, and it's just okay, your job is no longer necessary. Well, and it's so true. That's why I don't know. That's why I created working for a corporate for 36 years. And when I got out, I had I can do whatever I wanted to do. I can name the title, whatever. So I named my business WD Prince Associates, right? That's who I am. So that's who I am. But but the title means nothing. It's not if God don't give it to you, let's put it that way. But he created you for a purpose, and he wants us to walk that out. He wants us to walk the purpose that he created us for out. And our identity shouldn't be caught up in what the world says we are. They should be created, what God created us and he created our identity for a purpose and for a calling. And so that's the reason why I am so bent on who are you? Because our identity comes from Christ. It does not come from this world. Absolutely. Yeah, I love that. So what happens emotionally or spiritually when a title we've depended on is suddenly taken away? We were just talking about that a little bit. So I really love this question because the answer is the same for both. You die. Emotionally, you die, spiritually, you die. Because a lot of people don't know, they can't answer the question. If they are so caught up in the titles, they don't know who they are without them. Or what does that mean emotionally? Emotionally, you lost yourself. You're questioning yourself, who am I? And you're trying to find yourself in so many things in different people and validation from people. And when you don't find those things, you you have nothing else. You have nothing else left. Spiritually, you are disconnected from God because you don't understand that your identity comes from Him. And so it's constant, it's a constant cycle of trying to be something that you're not. I love that. And that is so true. So for someone listening who says, I don't know who I am anymore, what would you encourage them to begin? Find the root. Find the root of why you feel that way. What is bought, what is keeping you chained and bound to not finding who you are or being content with who God created you to be. And for me, it was grief. I had to let go of the grief. I had to actually talk about it. I had to actually speak with people and be able to be honest. Hey, I'm hurting right now. I'm in pain right now. I can't find the light in this moment. And so finding a root for me, it was grief. For other people, it might be drinking. For other people, it might be abuse. For other people, it might be rejection. Just actually finding the root and actually letting it go so that you can be content with who God created you to be. And just really finding yourself in Christ. God, what do you want for my life? Seeking Him first and asking Him, who am I in you? I love it. I love it. And actually, we're going to get into the next segment of faith and identity.

Prayer Scripture And Letting Go

SPEAKER_01 11:22

Your faith is central to your message. How did discovering your identity in Christ change the way you saw yourself? I began to love myself. I began to see myself how God saw me, which is love as a daughter, as kept, as sustained, as he was my comforter. And so I was able to be at peace and joyful because I finally am whole because of him. I didn't have to be whole because of things that I was into in this world. I was able to see myself how he's called me, up a daughter, as someone who is whole, as someone who is loved and seen. And so that's yeah, I love that. And and really it's like we love yourself, but also, and I know my book is on forgiveness, and you got to forgive yourself first. We put we be beat ourselves up so hard that we don't realize that we're not forgiving, we're blaming everybody else, but you gotta forgive yourself first. We were not created to be perfect, we're not perfect. We were born into sin, so we're not gonna be perfect, and God gives us grace every single day. Yes, yes, yes, exactly. And would you even think she was nervous about this podcast here? Because I think she's done a wonderful job. She's doing a wonderful job here. So, how do you distinguish between who God says you are and who the world tells you you should be? Yeah. With Jeremiah 29 loving God, so the plans he has for you, plans for you give you hope in the future. That is so true. But it you have to believe in yourself first and forgive yourself first. But I love this, I love this. So, how do you distinguish between who God says you are and who the world, oh yeah, I think we talked about that. Okay. So, what role does prayer or scripture play when you're struggling with your identity or purpose? It plays a huge role. It plays a role in reminding me of who I am, it plays a role of giving me peace and comfort. Because a lot of times we get lost in our own minds, some that the devil attacks us left and right. We have to be reminded by who we are and the word and prayer. Oh my God, it's the strongest place. Just being able to just really tap into communicating with God, building a relationship with Him, and just understanding how to hear from Him. Just sitting and just really taking the time to just, God, I just want to hear from you. I don't know the answers, I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do in this moment. And He guides us, He orders our steps. Absolutely, but we got to listen. That's the problem a lot. Because I don't listen sometimes. Don't obey. I learned that the hard way. And it's time to you can't obey just a little bit. You gotta obey fully. Yeah, it's time to obey fully. Yeah. I'll tell you, Chassie. I had actually woke up. I was in North Carolina, and God woke me up and gave me these words. Let go, let God release something my dream. Then all of a sudden he said again, let go, let God release. I'm like, oh, I woke up, I said, Oh, okay. I was worried about some things. Once I said that, that's when I got peace. That's when you get your peace and your healing. Because you gotta let go, let God release, release whatever is bothering you. Can do that, that release what? What do you need to release? So that that is so true. So that has been my my my thing this year. I tell people because I do inspirations as well. So can someone know their purpose before they fully understand their identity? Ask me again. Can someone know their purpose before they fully understand their identity? I don't believe so. I believe that you have to find yourself in Christ before you know your purpose because you have to have a relationship with God. God gives us those plans, he gives us the desires of our hearts. And if we don't have a relationship with him, we don't understand our identity, we don't understand why we were created, we don't understand our purpose in life, and we have to seek him first for the answer. And if we don't have a purpose, we try to find a purpose in the world, and that's not what he wants us to do. Yeah, and it's a lot of people that don't understand that may not believe in God. They may just want to do their own thing. And that's when it costs us when we want to have control over our lives. It costs us so much. I gave a class on the cost of control, and I struggled with that. I struggled with wanting, oh, I'm gonna go get my money, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna be self-made, I'm gonna get it out of the mud. I was that person grinding in the military, moving up in ranks and doing everything to be the perfect soldier, to be the perfect mom, to be the perfect fiance. And it almost broke me. It broke me because I didn't have anything to sustain. I didn't have the foundation, the right foundation, to be the person and become the woman that God was calling me to be because I wanted to do it on my own. Once I let go of that control, everything just fell into place. Yep, yeah, exactly. Remember, I said let go, let God release. Because it's so true. Everything you're saying is so true because we try to hold on to things. And I I try to help God to let me help you guys, let me put it in this wonder. Just be still. Exactly. Just be still. And once I be still, we be still, that's when all of a sudden you get people it come things come out when your blessings come when you do that. So that I wow, yeah, we got good, we got a good conversation

Military Ranks Pride And Leadership

SPEAKER_01 17:19

going here. So let's talk about your military service, strength, and purpose. You have 13 years of military service. How was serving in the military shape the woman and leader you are today? It helped me mature a lot. It put me in some challenges mentally and physically that I didn't expect. I was always in shape. I played sports in high school and continued to work out in college. And so when I joined the military, I was thinking, oh, I'm just gonna go and learn how to shoot. I'm gonna throw some grenades, blow some things up. But it actually taught me that it was a more mental game than a physical game. And I was just able to learn how to become a better leader. When I see toxic leadership, I wanted to be the difference. I wanted it, and it's so crazy because God said it was set apart. And so I wanted to be different. I wanted to be a leader that actually cared about unity, that actually cared about bringing people together to be able to complete the mission, but also become a family because we're one body, all of us. No matter our skin color, no matter our race, no matter our age, no matter our gender, God calls us to be one body. And the military taught me it's a big family being in the military. So it taught me a lot, but it actually taught me how to really tackle the mental part of it. That yeah, that is structural. So the military naturally comes with ranks, roles, titles. Did that experience influential message about discovering who you are beyond a title? Yes, because we get caught up in our rank power happy, they say, or abuse of power. And so a lot of us we are we're just trying to get to the next rank. We're trying to anything that I can do to get to the next rank, to get to the next title, so I can be my own boss, or I can be the leader, the what we call it is the non-commissioner in charge. And we're just trying to reach the highest level, whether it's for money, whether it's for clout, like the kids like to say nowadays. Or to just be someone's boss. We're all trying to get to that highest level. And so I know I found myself very proud and prideful because I got to sergeant so quickly. And I quickly found out that just getting to the rank doesn't mean anything. Even though I got to the rank, it's more to it. Now I have to lead soldiers. And if I don't know how to lead myself, like if I don't know how to follow myself, how am I gonna lead other soldiers into the mission and executing and actually protecting them and being there for them if I don't have those qualities? And so that's the military taught me those qualities to be able to lead by example, yeah. And that taught you discipline and resilience and serving others, right? Yes, definitely discipline, definitely different discipline and resilience, yeah. Very understanding because it's structure, it's structured, it's organised, or organized, and it's just they teach us like from the different levels, being able to be prepared, but also being courageous, not afraid to step out there, not afraid to be the leader, not afraid to take on the task, not afraid to see it head first and have personal courage, selfless service, just being able to serve with your battle buddies, to be able to serve with your soldiers and be a family, be united to one together. I love that. Love that, I tell you. And we I'm gonna have to have you on again for my my podcast.

Unity Collaboration And Giving Back

SPEAKER_01 20:57

So unity is another important part of your mission. Yes. Why do you believe we need more unity today? Because we all God created us to be. It's so many things that's happening in the world nowadays where we're all divided, whether it's race, whether it's different laws that's being passed, different things, perspectives, and how people are, the way that they think, the way that they speak, is causing a lot of division nowadays and identity. Identity crisis. People don't know who they are, they're confused about what they should be, and we need that. We need unity. We need people to not see people as an enemy, but to see people how God sees them. Because that's what God created us to be. He created us to be united. We're stronger together. We come together, we pray together, we be there for each other, we witness to each other about the things that we've experienced, we overcome it. Iron sharpens iron. We're able. Able to help someone free themselves from the bondage, the change that they're going through, because free people help free people. Absolutely, absolutely. I love that. I love God, it is so true. Everything you're saying, because it's that you're all out there on that field. You got to protect each other. And on that note, since this is ready, said collaborate, I have to ask, what has collaboration taught you about accomplishing a mission that is bigger than yourself? That we need people. We can't do this alone. We cannot do this alone. We weren't created to do it alone. He created us to be together. He put Adam to sleep to create Eve because he didn't want him to be alone. And it's the same for us today. Yeah. That's so true. So what is who are 59? And what do you hope people experience through it? So who are you? 59, it's my brand. And so it's just a way of getting out there into the community and giving back. But the 59 stands for 5 stands for grace, the 9 stands for final. And every time I see that number, I was reminded that God gives me grace. And that's final. I found myself in hard places and unforgiving myself. And he is give yourself grace. I give you grace, undeserving favor freely every day. And so it's just a constant reminder to just keep moving forward because God is with me every step of the way. Absolutely. You put that perfectly.

I’m Still Here And Releasing Shame

SPEAKER_01 23:36

So what does the name I'm still here mean to you personally? I faced some challenges where I wanted to give up. I was suicidal and I went through some hard times, and I found myself thinking no one will care if I'm here or not. And it's a business that me and my co-owner got together because she was really ill and almost lost her life. And so we both were very strong. And we're still here. I'm still standing. The things that I went through did not break me. And I'm still standing because God's grace and God's healing, and He brought me out of that. And so things that I face, challenges that I face in the future, I know that I'm being kept and sustained. And it they won't break me. Any attack, no weapon formed against me will prosper because I know I know that God is with me. And my foundation is Christ. And so I'm still here because of Him. I love it. And that's another one of my favorites. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. So, what would you say to someone who survived a difficult season but is struggling to understand why they're still here? It won't break you. The season will not break you. You've gone through it, you are still here. God is not done with you yet. Amen. Amen. Yep, drop the mic. So, what is one title label you believe people need to give themselves permission to release? What is one title label you believe people need to give themselves permission to release? One title label. I know it's hard. I know it's more than one title. It's one that comes to your mind to say, you know. Yeah, it's it's hard to really when I ask that question, it is hard to think about it. I would say worthless. That title, because a lot of people feel like, oh, I'm not worthy of God blessing me. I'm not worthy of receiving the things that you know, and it's not about material things, but a lot of people feel like they're worthless of being able to be blessed. And so that's something that they need to release. That's a actually a huge title. And I know that's not like your typical title, right? It's not uh, oh, it's great. Yeah, it's not like the doctor or being a soldier or being a mom or a dad, but that a lot of people call themselves worthless or they treat themselves as worthless. That is so true. And I my title is we hear people say, I can't do this. And that that's something I tell my husband, not say I can't, because my father taught me that can't come in cans. Don't say you can't do it because you get locked up in that can, but you got to release it to say I can do this and do all things to Christ for strengthening me. Right? So, what legacy do you hope to leave through your book, your business, your military service, and your ministry to others? All the things that you've been talking about. What what legacy? That's a new one. I don't know if I've ever been asked that question. I want to leave behind the truth of who I am. I want my kids to know who they are, who they belong to. And so I just that's what I want. I want to leave back a legacy of giving back to my community. And in whatever community he has me in this moment, I want to give back. And so that's the important legacy that I want to leave behind. I definitely want my kids to know who they are and who they belong to. That's awesome. That's awesome. I'm sure they're gonna know because you're gonna put this podcast on for them and let them know. We talk about it every single day. I let my me and my daughter and my sons, they know they will answer that question. I know who I am and I know who I belong to. That's awesome. That's awesome. I love it because you really got to integrate that to your kids because it's a lot of abuse and bullying. Yeah, nowadays, this generation is so caught up on what oh, I'm self-made. I do this, and I just not what it is. We are God created. Absolutely. I have to say, real quick, but my my 10-year-old grand, they were my book signing, I got six grandchildren, but a 10-year-old, she said, Nana, because I asked the last one. I said, Are you reading my book on forgiveness? Yes, I am. And I looked at my daughter, and it needs to start with mom and dad, because they need to learn for about forgiveness. I said, Okay. I said, So you were listening to what I was saying because my younger daughter interviewed me, but it is so true. She's but she said her school, she said a lot of these kids need to know about forgiveness and because of the bullying that they do with each other, yeah. But that that is so true. So finally, Cassie, finish the sentence for our listeners. When you truly know who you are, you can do anything God can help you with. That's right. Just release it. Let go, let God release. Go and let God exactly.

How To Find Chastity And Subscribe

SPEAKER_01 28:59

So tell people how to get in touch with you and also your book. You have your book on Amazon. Let me know how to get in touch with you. So they can order my book off of Amazon. Who are you? You know, titles necessary with just my name. If then they can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Miss Chastity Bayon. That's great. And I'm gonna have that on the show notes as well. So I love what you have at the end of this. Strive to inspire, cause change, and be the difference. Yeah, I love that. That tells it right there. So, and also your email. I have your email on here is mayoncassidy at gmail.com. Yes, deep. Yeah, so that's all gonna be in the show notes. So, Chassity, thank you for such an inspiring, thoughtful, provoking conversation. It was awesome. It really was. You're reminding us today that our careers can change, our roles can change, our circumstances can change, and even the titles people give us can change. But our true identity goes much deeper than a little. To everyone listening, I want to leave you with Chassity's powerful questions. Who are you when no titles are necessary? I encourage you to connect with Chastity, Beyon, Beyon, Bayon. Bayon, Chassity Bayonne and it's actually C-H-A-S-S-I-D-Y. I love how you spell it with the two S's there. Learn more about who are who are you 59? And I'm still here at LLC and explore her book. Who are you? No titles necessary. Chassity, thank you so much for being on our podcast. And I'm looking forward to listening we're gonna have another one on here because we're gonna have a continuation of this because we can get to talk more and more. Many more questions I wanted to ask you. I appreciate you being on here and awesome job you did. Thank you for having me. You are welcome. You would never know you were nervous because you did a great job. Thanks. Make sure you uh subscribe and the podcast, it's gonna be on every podcast platform, but also on YouTube. So make sure you subscribe to my my YouTube channel, Ready Set Collaborate Podcast. That way you don't miss the episode. Stay calm. Make sure you advise to the circumstances that can change your life at any time and even give up titles. So God is in control. Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 31:20

That wraps up another episode of Ready Set Collaborate with Wanda Pearson. I hope you found inspiration and valuable insights to help you build meaningful connections and successful collaborations. If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more great discussions. Until next time, keep collaborating and making an impact.