What if you were kind to yourself today?
What if you looked in the mirror and smiled? Instead of counted gray hairs and wrinkles.
What if you didn’t step onto the scale? What if instead you stepped into the middle of your floor and spun fast and loud to the music blaring joy out the loud speakers?
What if you read a love letter today instead of Twitter? One written to you. A thousand years ago.
God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.
Expect love, love, and more love!
What if you believed it?
What if you changed up the dialogue in your head? What if you listed the things you were good at, the tasks you’d accomplished, the dreams you were chasing and the people you mattered to?
What if you wrote down the names of the people you love?
What if you thought up new ways to love them, on purpose? No matter what mood they were in.
What if you bought yourself flowers? And gave half of them away?
What if you walked instead of scurried between your to-dos?
What if you sat still for a cup of tea?
What if you made a phone call over lunch? What if you shared a virtual donut with a friend and told her all the things that you know would make your day?
What if you counted the number of times God says that He is with you? With you. Not sometimes, not when you’ve got it all together. Not when you’ve lost that weight, succeeded at that job, tamed that child.
Just with you. Period.
What if you remembered who you really are? Not who the magazines, the commercials, the media tell you you’re supposed to be.
What if you remembered and were kind to yourself – because you are a child of God?
Beautiful, called, named, beloved.
Worth more than the scale and the lists and the demands and the expectations.
What if you were to open your arms to the litany of ways in which you were beloved?
And believed it – what could you do then today?
How is it that false or foolish things that people speak over us when we’re 15 can hold more weight than the truth that people who love us speak when we’re adults?
Maybe it’s time to change that. Maybe it’s time to be brave and write down two things in the comments today:
1. What lie about yourself have you believed?
2. What do you know to be true and kind and sung over you by Jesus?
Don’t share it for us. Write it down for you.
In these comments or in a journal or the back of an envelope or on the bathroom mirror.
Write down the lie and then write down the truth and listen to the sound of the hammer smashing right through the one to make room for the other.
As our friend Jennifer Dukes Lee says, you’ve been pre-approved. Not by anything you’ve done but by everything God is.
Let’s pause to celebrate that today.
I’ll go first:
1. I have believed the lie that when someone else creates, it means there isn’t room left over for me.
2. I know that Jesus reminds me over and over again that the Kingdom of God is a co-op and never a competition. There’s always room for more.
OK, your turn….
Last photo by Jennifer Dukes Lee – we highly recommend checking out the #PreApproved Movement that she’s started.
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Oh my stars… I just love you and your words and heart and how they both just always point me back to Him!
I’ll go next:
1. I have believed the lie that people who succeed and achieve their dreams are all bold and full of faith, not filled with fear and trembling knees.
2. I know that Jesus is over the top, head over heels in love with me. Period. Not with an ‘if’ or a ‘when’ or anything else added to it.
YES! Me too with the thinking our fear disqualifies us. When instead brave is brave because you do the things you’re called to scared.
Lisa-Jo,
Wow…needed to read this, this morning. I have had that negative voice nagging in my head.
Okay, here goes:
1. I am not loved for just being me ( by God and by others ). I have to do something to earn or keep their love.
2. Truth: I am God’s beloved. Loved just for being me because He chose to love me. Others love me just as I am, flaws and all. I do not need to continually earn God’s or others’ love. God rejoices over me.
Thanks so much…blessings,
Bev
Yes, this is so good – oh how he loves us because he can’t NOT love. He loves with an ever chasing, never giving up love.
Lovely words Lisa-Jo. It’s like you’re in my head lately! Thank you for being such an encouragement and being available for God to speak to me through your words! You are a gift!
1. I have believed the lie that just because “she” appears pulled together in online she must be the perfect. “She” has a lot of twitter followers, a perfect world according to Instagram, and gets to be involved in a ton of super cool projects that I’d like to help out with too. “She” is perfect. I’m not perfect, I don’t have a big social media reach or time to blog everyday. I am not perfect, so there is no way for me to be involved with anything.
2. I know that Jesus loves me for who I am and all He asks of me is to BE with Him and in Him. He will open doors as He sees a fit for His will to be done.
Yes, so good. Because “She” likely feels just as small, unimportant or put together as the next woman no matter what her online presence might say. Love this -modeling grace to ourselves and others and remembering Jesus just wants to be with us.
Thank you for this! I needed this reminder.
1. I have believed that when I don’t keep my nose to the grindstone and spend every minute pushing towards goals, completing projects, or “improving” myself, I am wasteful and lazy.
2. God has given me abundant blessings and beautiful relationships. Embracing them and stopping my busy-ness to enjoy and celebrate them blesses my soul, makes me a blessing to others, and brings Him joy.
Jamie – I’ve been hearing that same message lately and been trying to deliberately build in time for “slow” and “unproductive” and just listening. Love hearing others are walking that same path.
This must be the year of reminders to pause. Listen. Be Unhurried in this hurry up life. It’s true ~ everybody is busy. Busier. We do need to stop. Pause. Reflect.
Is the hurry up life what I want for my family and my kids? Probably not.
Nicely written.
😉
The “hurry up life” – oh yes, so perfectly described. How it plagues us, doesn’t it?
This is so, so right on, Lisa-Jo. Thankful for this this morning.
1. I’ve allowed the approval, or lack thereof, of human beings to have too loud a voice in my heart… to define me.
2. The Father’s affection for me defines me and the blood of Jesus has declared my value. Period.
<3
Yes Dana, PREAPPROVED!! Just like Jennifer Dukes Lee says – we have nothing to prove, we only have to open our hands and receive his love.
Lisa-Jo, I really needed to hear these words today.
1. I am failing in every area of my life.
2. God has uniquely created me. That my talents and gifts were given to me for a reason and a purpose to be used in the life that God has given me. That I am who God wants raising the children He has given us, that I am the woman who should be married to my husband, that I am the right person for my life and with Gods strength, help and love anything is possible!
Yes, I hear that lie of failure too. And I echo your truth, that God has created us and called us to the life He’s placed us in. A good word.
Right there with you on that Jennifer.
Thank you for this message. It is exactly what I needed to hear.
1. I am trapped in an unhappy place where I feel like I make no difference.
2.TRUTH: God has me where exactly I belong.
So. Much. Amen. here. Thank you for that reminder for us all.
AMEN MC!! I hear the same lies about my current job! 🙂
So needed this today…haven’t stopped the tears for the last 1 1/2 hrs. Here goes…
1. I’ve believed the lie that I can never measure up, compete with, or conquer things in my life. Believed the hissing in my ear that I’ll never be good enough for my husband and that everything is coming down to whether I have it all or even enough to make him happy.
2. The truth is that Jesus said I have all in Him alone. When He was on the cross, I was worth it.
Please pray for me today..
Dear Jesus,
We pray for NB today. We pray she know that in you “it is finished.” All our fear and failing and worry is finished in you. That you carry our scars and you’ve paid for our aches. That we are safe in you because you have made it so. Please carry NB today.
Amen
The lie? That I’m a bad mom who has screwed up her kid
The truth? I’m loved. My son is loved. It’s not too late for God’s grace and power to take over
Yes, yes, ye – NEVER too late for a never giving up God. Amen to that.
I have believed the lie that my worth is determined by how attractive I am, how valuable I am, or how much stuff I can get done. My Father loves me as me – broken, shattered, weak – just me.
I don’t want my daughter to believe these same lies – I hope she only knows our Father’s love and not the worldly love.
Me too Jodi – right there with you praying our girls knowing they are beloved simply because Jesus can’t not love them. It is His nature to chase us and love us no. matter. what.
1. I’m not good enough… people will find out…. I will look like a fool.
2. Jesus loves me and wants me to spend time with Him… no expectations… He loves me and only desires my time spent with Him. My daily activities need only be a reflection of my love for Jesus, not a list of “to-do”s that are required for His love and affection. Praise Jesus!
Sweet Cherie – yes, me too! Fools beloved by Christ both of us 🙂 how he makes sense of our upside down lives and crafts beauty out of the chaos. So grateful to know you.
I’ll be a fool with you and with Lisa-Jo.
#foolsforChrist
A wonderful idea with which to start the Lenten season. Thank you Lisa Jo.
1. What is most important is your outward appearance.
2. God loves me for who I am. He sees the real me. The me I am inside. The me that strives to live His word. God loves me…extra 30# and all.
Amen to that! God loves me extra 30 pounds, wrinkles, bad temper, dirty dishes and never caught up on the laundry days. Thank heavens and Jesus for that1
Lisa’s heart is tuned to us the broken and weak,and I thank God for that.
1. My lie is that I’ll never be happy because of a broken dream .
2.Truth is my happiness is in Him, dreams or not. And that He does love me even
if my dream was not in His will
Amen, Lisa-Jo. Thank you for this encouragement.
1. I have believed that anxiety disqualifies me from living the life God has for me.
2. I know that He bears my burdens, and will equip me for every good work.
Amanda, Jesus said in Jeremiah 29:11–I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. I, too, battle anxiety, and I praise Him for assuring us that He loves us unconditionally, anxiety and all. And I am hopeful for my future in Him. He is with you (Isaiah 41:10), has a plan for you, and loves you!!!!
Thank you so much for this encouragement, Kay! God knew I needed to hear that — Jer. 29:11 was my favorite verse for a long time. 🙂 Yes, He has good plans for us — and even when things seem to be going wrong, He is working it out for good.
1. I have always believed I am unworthy. Not good enough. Damaged goods, wicked.
2. For God so loved the world (me) He gave His only begotten Son….
Thanks for the reminder this morning.
1. I am worthless, addidcted to self destruction,failing at every step in my life. Hiding from God.
2. My sins are not hidden, nor are they unforgivable. confessing them to God, and trusting will allow me to stop the pattern of giving room in my life to those who do not care. God loves me and cares for me.
How do you always know exactly what to say?
1. I have believed the lie that I will never be accepted, that I will never “fit in,” that I’m not enough.
2. I’m going to struggle with the truth, because I’ve never faced it head on before. The truth is that God loves me where I am. That Jesus accepts me for who I am, that he came to earth to die for me, because I’m enough. And I don’t fit in because I want to be a Jesus girl, not a world follower.
Oh, how many lies do we listen to in a day? How often do we listen to the whispers of negativity and doubt? Replacing those lies and repeating those truths will help us to focus in on and begin believing who we are in Christ!
1. Lie: What I do and who I am do not matter.
2. Truth: I am a daughter of the King. He has planned my days and I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
Psalm 139:13-14, Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you for helping us refocus today on the truth!
How do we need the Bible. The one sentence: Expect love, love, and more love! is so powerful. I went to the Scripture and realize we all need time in the Word. Letting the Word sink in in the morning and trying to ponder on that during a (even busy) day will make a difference.
I am surprised reading the lies above. Because right away I had a whole list, not just one. I don’t think I could just write one. So I think I am going to sit down with my journal this morning and have some Daddy time directed by todays post. Thank you so much!
1. I have always believed that because I’m not brave and courageous in the face of…anything, I am not good enough or worthy enough to have all the blessings in my life: my two beautiful children who are God’s gift, my wonderful husband, any amount success, the love of my family and friends. I have always believed that I walk alone, unworthy of any of it.
2. The truth: Jesus walks beside me. I am not alone. God has blessed me and has sent His son to walk beside me in my life so that I do not have to be alone. With Jesus beside me, I can be brave.
Oh Lisa, I did not know what I was getting into with this post…wowzers. Hot mess in Texas! 🙂
1. Lie: I believe everything is a competetion…someone must be best…if its someone else, then I have failed, at least temporarily.
2. Truth: Jesus doesn’t care if I’m winning because he is the kind and gracious King and Creator who loves me just because. He has redeemed me and molded me for his glory…and not for mine…
You are such a blessing to my life Lisa-Jo! Thank you for your beautiful words and for serving us women in such a beautiful way!
1. The lie I that bounces around my head constantly is that there is nothing special or unique about me. If I am ever complimented or praised I write it off internally by saying, “They don’t know the real you. If they knew the real you they wouldn’t say that.”
2. The truth (and it always bring me to tears when I meditate on it). Every hair on my head is known by the one who created me. He created me for a special and unique purpose and he knows the plans he has for me. Even if the CEO of the company I work for doesn’t know my name and doesn’t know why he pays me; God knows me by name and calls me HIS daughter. HE knows why I am here and even when I mess up royally his love is steady and unchanging.
1. Lie: I have believed that I am responsible for everyone’s happiness. I run around trying to smooth out my friend’s lives, trying to make sure they know they are okay, beautiful, worthy.
2. Truth: Only Jesus can give true happiness (joy). Even in friendship there is a balance to find.
1. The lie that I have believed ~ drilled into my by an abusive husband for 12 years whom I divorced 12 years ago now ~ is that I am not and will never be a good enough wife/mother/cook/person. Something that has made it difficult for me to step back in my current marriage and let my husband just “be.”
2. What I know to be true, is that God loves me, and that I was created in His image, and that He knows the plans that He has for me. That “all is well” and everything that I am experiencing now is part of His plan to bless me and prosper me.
1. I have felt for years that I am useless, in general and in the Kingdom, because I haven’t been working. I’ve had seizures and other health problems for over a decade and that adds to this. I also have felt unworthy, especially because I have never even dated anyone, having chosen to save myself for whoever God has for me. I see all these other happy couples, especially everyone who got together in high school and college, and I wonder, what’s wrong with me? Am I just hideous?
2. I know God has a perfect plan for me, that includes whoever He chose for me, and a perfect purpose for me that has a way to redeem all my health problems for my good.
I feel for you Brandee and I am sending you much love. I don’t know what it is like to have such health problems that limit you but what I do know about it to look around me and see all the happy couples wondering why I am not married. Sometimes when I saw certain people I knew get married I would truly wonder… if they find a spouse with all they have going on, then surely it could (should) happen to me. I stand with you in the truth, God does have a PERFECT plan for you. I waited many years until two years ago, at age 39, I sat next to this guy in church and we both knew… God was going something. We married later that year. I pray you rest is faith!! Much love to you!!
Beautifully written, and such an important reminder for women everywhere! As I read through the comments, I had an epiphany. Every lie written was based on a worldly view or expectation (or what satan would have us believe). Every truth was based on what we know of God. We stand separate from the two and get to CHOOSE, every moment, which to believe. The lie from the world, from satan, or the truth from a Heavenly Father who loves us. Which is essentially what Lisa Jo is telling us, right? That there are the two choices and we get to choose the truth! But, somehow by reading everyone’s comments, it just really drive it home for me and helped me see. So, thanks Lisa Jo, and thanks everyone else! A valuable lesson!
Erin, thank you so much for summing up what God has been teaching me. I do get to CHOOSE, every moment, what to believe–the lies in my head, from the enemy and the world, or the TRUTH of His Word.
Lovely, thank you for sharing.
{Melinda} Right now, I’m doing this awesome Bible Study called Duty or Delight by Tammie Head. One of the lies that I’ve realized that I believe is that God is chronically disappointed with me.
I’ve been asking the Holy Spirit to help me not believe that lie. And it’s been very freeing. Yes, sometimes God IS disappointed with me, but not in a condemning way. I want to daily live out my relationship with the loving, just God that He is, not one based on a lie of the enemy.
Thank you. I’ll look into it. It’s something I’m just beginning to understand that is a problem and that I need to face.
Lie: to not experience disappointment, motivated by fear, stay in the boat. Don’t take risks.
Truth: as members of the body, we’ve been individually gifted. One body–many parts, but ALL parts are necessary to make the body function well. My contribution matters to the body & God!
*drove
I love your post and encouragement. I am often mean to myself and then others. So needed this.
Lie: I’m not fit to be a Mom
Truth: God created and gave me a beautiful baby to love and cherish. He loves me and will help me though this rough months and in the end I will use this struggle to grow closer to him and learn to love Him, myself and others better.
Oh Lisa-jo- every day I check in to see what beautiful words you’ve written. Everytime there is something in your message that speaks to my heart. Thank you for being a beacon of God’s light in the life of so many of us.
The lie i keep hearing in my head is ” you’re an ok mother but if you were a great mother you’d be doing a better job soothing your little boy, playing with your big boy, managing tantrums balancing your time between housework, outside the home work, Mothering and all the things you wish you were better at as a wife too.” That no mater what I try or do I am not enough. it bils inside me at night when I think of all the things i should/could have done better or differently.
The truth: is Grace- a pastor once said- Grace means God Loves you Anyway. No matter what you’ve done or why you think you arent worthy. HE loves me, HE is there with me everyday. I am enough because HE is enough. HE gives unconditional love, and grace. He gave me these two little miracle and my amazing husband becase he loves me and I am worthy of the his love and their love.
I love what your pastor said about the meaning of Grace . . . “God loves me anyway”. I’ll have to put this on my wall in our home. Thanx so much for posting.
Lisa Jo, you are really pushing me outside my bubble today (lol).
Lie: I MUST have everything all figured out – as if my time of growing and learning is over!
Truth: God will never insist that I do!
Thank you for speaking at the heart of things and giving encouragement.
I have believed the lie that I cannot really help people because I am broken, unfinished and still blemished.
I know I CAN help others through Jesus in me and He has given us one another to provide comfort just as He comforts us, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NIV): “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”
This is so good. What a great thing to read at the start to this day!
My lie: That I don’t write well enough.
God’s Truth: That I was made to write. That it’s always been a part of me and that there isn’t a “right way” to create.
Today’s post has really moved me. How alike we all are! We want to be loved and affirmed. We don’t believe we are good enough. The lie I keep believing is that my value depends on how much I do. This is 2014. My to do list is always too long to accomplish everything. I am perennially a failure.
The truth is that Jesus completed everything on the cross. I am a child of God. Period.
for far too long I believed I wasn’t really lovable…I was maybe just tolerable…but through the years His love has won me over…I now know I am deeply loved…there is nothing I can do to add to this love or subtract from this love…this love is eternal…this love is Alpha and Omega…from the beginning until the end…never changing.
So why does the enemy beat us up so much?…because of this simple command…Love your neighbor as yourself…when self loathing fills our souls…or we can’t give ourselves grace or mercy…and we are so unkind to ourselves…we can not love truly others…we only can give what we have…so as we receive God’s amazing love for us…this is the love we are to love our neighbor with.
Thank you……
Lie: I’m not ________ enough. (Pretty, thin, smart, loving, pure, worthy, godly, disciplined…and on and on and on…)
Truth: “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14a
I can stop trying to measure up to what the world sees and realize I was made in His image and for a purpose.
Thanks for your encouragement.
280.
280 times!
Stunning truth, Lisa-Jo Baker. And a stellar post here.
Thank you — beautiful people of incourage — for sharing about our #preapproved movement. I’m praying for every woman who reads your post today, Lisa-Jo, that they would know deep in their souls that they are utterly cherished, perfectly cherished, and preapproved through Christ Jesus.
{So much love for you.}
Jennifer, I can’t tell you how much I love what is happening with this! Thank you for simply stating the truth — a truth that kicks the teeth out of so many lies, as Lisa-Jo so beautifully illustrated in this post. Every time I see your #PreApproved printables online (and they’re showing up EVERYWHERE), I smile down to my soul. THIS IS SO GOOD! Thanking Jesus for you today. Love you, friend.
Lie: That things I’ve said in the past can’t ever be forgiven and I won’t ever be someone’s special someone again.
Truth: Zephaniah 3:14-17,
“Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Oh how my heart is being challenged by this. These words, Lisa-Jo. They are more than just symbols and characters–they are the very breath of God drifting in, filling us with HIS transforming truth. Just what I needed today–and so many days.
Lie: I am a disorganized housewife and Mommy and will never get my ‘act’ together or get control of my anger. I will never catch up on the clutter, laundry or dishes.
Truth: I am a child of the Most High who has the mind of Christ and favor with whomever I touch/speak to. I can put on the armor of God. I am loved. I am good enough. I can have control of my emotions. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!
1. My lie was that my happiness was controlled by and God’s love was determined by the size of my body and the grades I got in school.
2. The truth- God loves me no matter what I weigh or if I get less than an A in a class. He says I am wonderfully and fearfully made. God loves me no matter what!
1. The lie is I will never amount to anything! I’m nothing! I will fail at everything! I deserve nothing!
2. Truth is…I’m loved with an everlasting love! Never will He forsake me! With His strength I can do all things! Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! God has a perfect plan and purpose for my life…even using the lies I have been told to bring Him honor! He is the anchor to my soul! I’m fixing my eyes on Jesus the author and perfect or of my faith!
Lie: I am not enough. From my childhood when I was not ‘white enough’, not ‘curvy enough’, to my adulthood where rejection for ministry told me you’re not worthy enough. Not enough.
Truth: I am pre-approved. I am enough for I am loved. I am loved. I am loved. Not because of who I am but because of Who He is.
1) I’m not good enough; I don’t fit in; I’m fat; I’m different, not in a good way; I’m just NOT.
2) I’m so blessed to be living the life that He chose for me. It is not the path of others but mine, I am loved and embraced every day.
Lisa Jo, I am struggling in so many areas of my life right now. Thank you for reminding me to stop the old tapes in my head that tell me I’m NOT. I know they are there but I need to stop letting them drag me down but instead acknowledge that what others placed on me, out of whatever place they came from, is not written in Gods plan. Working on being kind to myself, today and every day.
I’ve believed that everything is my fault. I’ve bowed down to the god of guilt. I posted about it here:
http://sandraheskaking.com/2014/03/youre-not-god/
But this I know to be true… He’s taken all my guilt–both real and imagined–and nailed it to a tree. Paid in full. I no longer owe it… and it doesn’t own me.
1. I believe the lie that I am not good enough, talented enough, worthy enough.
2. Truth is God didn’t make a mistake. I’m loved, sought after by him and he created me with skills, a passion, (compassion) and I’m am so worthy he sent his son to die on the cross for me.
Thanks Lisa Jo……I feel better.
Wow, this is wonderful. Thank you!
1. I have believed the lie that I have to do do do do do do do and do some more to make up for putting Jesus on the cross with my sin
2. I have believed the lie that in order to be loved by people with their list of expectations (don’t show your sadness, art is a waste of time, you should only write about your positive experiences, don’t show your weakness, etc.) is to put on a mask from my collection
My lie- I’m not enough.
His truth- I am His child, made in His image!
This grabbed hold of my heart. My word for the year is “with”. So, you know, I’m going to have to look up all the times His Word says He is with me.
1. My story doesn’t matter.
2. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of my faith. He goes before He, He pursues me, He loves me, He is with me, He equips me, I only need to turn from my self and allow Him to write His story for my life. As I lean into Him, look to Jesus, let go of my story, He will use me in His redemptive story. And He will receive the glory and I will delight in Him.
Feasting on the Gospel,
Rebekah
1. What lie about yourself have you believed?
I’m boring. Sometimes as a mom we become stuck in a routine, but the truth is being a mom is so much more than boring. Sometimes the excitement is explosive diapers and being a short order chef, but it’s not boring and moms are anything but boring.
2. What do you know to be true and kind and sung over you by Jesus?
I’m beautiful, imperfections and all. A couple of weeks ago I wrote this blog post, http://www.shelbeykendall.com/2014/02/stretched-by-love.html because God really spoke to me that I am beautiful no matter what society says beautiful is.
Wow, you have no idea how these words are needed today. They truly are soothing. Thank you.
Loved reading these words this morning! As I reached for my phone to check FB, twitter, etc. I heard God whisper it… come find me. Come find me and fill your heart with me and know who you are. Let me measure you today. My lie an truth…
1. That I am a complete and total failure to these two little girls God has out in my care, and to my husband He chose for me, that pours himself day after day for me.
2. God BELIEVES in me. God has FAITH in me. God LOVES me. Nothing else matters. End of story.
Oh, wow: “listen to the sound of the hammer smashing right through the one to make room for the other–everything in me cheering ‘yes!’ I’ve laid down so many lies–and it so easy to pick them up again. But He comes and scoops me up and says look here, into my eyes, here is your true place, here is what I want you to lean into and see. And He always turns me around. And it’s so good. Your words here, Lisa-Jo sing with His breath and oh, how we need to hear it. Thank you for this blessing.
Oh, and here is the lie I lay down again:
1. I don’t have a voice.
2. My Father who goes before me has created me in His image. I am who He has made me to be, and it is beautiful and it is no mistake.
1. I have to do it all. I have to fix everyone’s problems and say yes to everything that is asked of me. And I have to do it well.
2. God just wants to be WITH me. He is not concerned with what I make of myself but with Who I Am. And I am called just to lead others to be WITH Him, too.
Love, love, love this, Lisa-Jo.
Lie: It’s wrong to have negative feelings.
Truth: We were created to experience emotion. (Just don’t let those negative feelings result in throwing an open jar of peanut butter against the wall…. at least not every day.)
Lie I’ve believed: “It’s for everyone else, it’s not for you.”
Truth: “Don’t be afraid little lamb, it’s the Father’s good pleasure to give YOU the kingdom!!” 🙂 Luke 12:32
Oops, I guess I misunderstood the assignment, so here I go again..
1. I have believed the lie that I have to do do do do do do do and do some more to make up for putting Jesus on the cross with my sin
2. Jesus paid it all!!! It is finished!
I believe the lie of people telling me I am selfish and that no one will ever love me. But I know the truth! I know I am loving. I care about everyone. I am always trying to help others. I know Jesus loves me even with my faults.
Just what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you.
The lie: I got what I deserved due to mistakes made.
The truth: Jesus bore my sin, my shame. Took my sorrow and gave me joy. My Father has an excellent plan for me!
1) I have believed the lie that I am only as worthwhile as how able I am to parent my children.
2) Jesus reminds me over and over again that my worth is found only in Him…and that He loves my children even more than I do!
Beautifully written. Thank you!
I have believed the lie that I am not a good teacher. That I am not worthly of the title. I lost my public school teaching position because of one persons opinion or feelings toward me. I believed her judgement of me.
I know the truth is that only God can judge me. The truth is HE called me to be a teacher because HE believes in me & has put the desire in my heart to be a teacher. Since he believes in me, I have to try harder to believe in myself because I trust him & his judgement & his guidance.
Thank you, Lisa-Jo. I needed this today.
The lie: I am failing my children by being a working mom. I am letting someone else “raise” them. I am not good at my job, and I should just give up.
Truth: God has called me to be a working mom, even though I don’t always understand it. He has brought caregivers into my children’s lives that enrich them, but they will never replace Mama. God specifically placed me in my field, and I trust his judgement. I am a work in progress.
1) I have believed the lie that my dreams cannot come true.
2) I know that I God has given me my dreams and He wants me to have
the desires of my heart.
Oh, man, I HATE honesty!!! here goes:
I just started my own business selling skincare. I am not alone in this endeavor, & Satan KEEPS trying to mess me up by telling me I’m never going to measure up to the others, and that I’ll never succeed at it.
On the other hand, I KNOW in my heart that this was sent directly by God, that He wants me to do it, and that I will succeed, because “I am fearfully and wonderfully made!”
The lie?
I am a pretence, a charade. If people saw under the mask they’d run a mile. I’m not worthy of love or attention
THE TRUTH
My Creator sees under that mask. He knew me in my mother’s womb. He says I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He says I am precious and chosen in His sight and HE LOVES ME. He will never leave me nor abandon me.
I so needed to read this today, I woke up feeling horrible thinking, “how am I going to take care of my family” running that neverending list in my head of what is needed for us all. This is awesome thank you for reminding me that God is real to us all no matter what we are enduring. May God continue to bless you and all of his children! Thank you thank you thank you. I know today I will continue to speak his TRUTH and watch it smash the lie.
1. Fear has me daily I fight the thoughts in my head. I feel I am a looser not capable of takinag care of my family, because I could not handle my previous job and quit just last night. Even though it was causing me such stress and I became depressed. I am so full of FEAR right down to the sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.
2. Isa. 41: 10…Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Fear is a biggie for all mankind. But God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. I pray for you today that you would be filled with His power; that you would feel His loving arms around you, and that you would have the mind of Christ. Fear, be gone in the Name of Jesusj!!!
I’ve joined Jennifer Lee on this journey of identifying the lies and reminding myself (and the enemy!) that I am PreApproved. I felt as though I had identified the lies (yep, more than 1) and then this morning, the Lord laid another one on my heart…because He knew I was ready for it. And it’s a doozy. Then I opened my email and see THIS. And I’m writing it down as an act of obedience. I’m naming the lie and taking up the Truth.
1.The lie that I’m most susceptible to and exhausts me the quickest (b/c I chase after it) is, “If I’m not in control, bad things will happen.”
And when I write it here, it looks so OBVIOUS. Yet the enemy is crafty and uses a multitude of ways to get me to buy into that lie.
2. The word that comes immediately came to me as I wrote the above, is “Good”.
Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for GOOD and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Rom. 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the GOOD of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I’ve believed forever that I am not good enough. As a mom, as a friend, as a writer, as whatever. And therefore unable to do anything of any value for Him.
But Jesus says to me You are my masterpiece, my best work. I created you and gave you a purpose for My kingdom. And I will help you do it. (Eph 2:10)
I really needed to hear that today. Thank you.
1. The lie I’ve believed is that I’m either not enough or too much.
2. The truth is that God created me as the perfect fit for what He has planned for me.
1. I’ve believed the lie that I am only selfish and any good thing I do is motivated by my pride.
2. But I know the truth that God’s love and sacrifice washes my sins of selfishness away, that my name is not Selfish, and that as he redeems me I can trust that He knows my motives, my heart, and HIS knowing is what matters.
Thank you, thank you ♡ Holley, these words hit me to my core today!
I believed that I was stupid because I didn’t get straight “A’s.”
I believed that I had nothing to offer, that I was no one special What could I really offer others- I mean, it’s not like I’ve published a bestseller, painted a masterpiece or excel in sports.
I believed I was unloveable- too broken to be worthy of someone’s attention and heart.
Just recently I have started to absorb God’s unending love for me and His direction (s) for my life. What a beautiful place to rest.
Thank you for your heart and words today, Holley ♡
Pardon me, Lisa-Jo! !! Thank YOU for your heart and words today ♡
1. that what I say or feel doesn’t matter.
2. He dances over me and tells me that I make Him laugh and bring Him joy!
Great, thoughtful post and it appears everyone is being very honest with their two questions.
Lie – That I will never fit in and be accepted by everyone.
Truth – God made me to stand out and He is the only acceptance I need.
Tears are running down my face as I read this post. Being kind to myself…what a novel idea. I usually try to beat others to the perceived punch. If I put myself down first, then I remove the sting of you trying to do it to me. I’ll say it for you – I’m fat, I’m old, I’m greying, what I say isn’t quite as pithy as I think, and on and on and on…what a warped way to think!
The lie: Many – but basically that I’m not worthy of love (something reinforced by a verbally and mentally abusive ex-husband)
Truth: Zeph 3:17 – God delights in me, loves me, even rejoices over me in song. I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14)
LIE – If I’m not “on”, I’m a failure and my dreams and desires will fail.
TRUTH – I’m not made to be “on” all the time, and “off” days don’t mean I’m a failure; they mean I’m human. He goes before me and behind me and hems me in. And He loves and cares for me the same . . on or off!
Thanks for your words, Lisa-Jo, on an “off” day for me 🙂
Lie: I am just average. Average looking, average weight, average mom, average wife. There is nothing extraordinary about me.
TRUTH: I was made in the image of the almighty god!! There is nothing average about that!!
1. i’m not good enough. i’ll NEVER get it right. and if i do it’s still not right or enough…
2. nothing i do changes God’s love for me… i belong to Him… (today i’m weak and struggling to believe that God cares for several of my circumstances)
My heart is overwhelmed as I read this post and all the comments. I can identify with the lies and am comforted by the truths. Thank you, Lisa-Jo, and everyone. I’ll take a turn here and visualize and “listen to the sound of the hammer smashing right through the one to make room for the other.” Love this thought.
1. The lie: Since I was a child and my dad said “You never were much of a daughter to me,” I let it define me. I’ll never be good enough. I’ll never be much of a wife, mom, grandma, sister, friend, writer, etc. I just keep trying to do more to win love and approval so I will be more.
2. The truth hammer: I don’t have to do more to be more. In Jesus I am enough. He wants me just to “be” His beloved child. To be the woman He has created me to be. To keep my eyes on Him and His all-sufficient love and grace.
Ok, I was jut noticing the many many times God says “I am with you.” I love that you googled it. Now I know the exact count!
1. I am rejected and will be rejected.
2. Truth: God loves me and he loved me enough to die for me before I was “good enough.” I am accepted. (Romans 5:8)
Amen and thank you.
I have believed the lie that something will always get in the way of me achieving the God-goals I see others living out in their lives that I believe God wants in my own life.
I know to be true and kind and sung over me by Jesus, that all the striving and attaining and achieving doesn’t even matter because He loves me right now, right here, this moment, before any of that other stuff ever happens. And even if it NEVER happens.
Lisa Jo-
Thank you for sharing from you heart and experience. I am sooo excited for your book!!!! When I read your words, they move me to be a better child of God, woman, wife, and mom. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
1. I have believed I have to do things to be loved, to be valuable, and to be wanted.
2. I am loved, valuable, and wanted because I am His. Because He created me. Because He first love me.
-Bobbie Jo
Ummm . . . thank you Lisa Jo!!! I so needed this today. Feeling a little beat up by life and feeling like there just isn’t enough of me to go around or to measure up or do all I need to do.
Lie: I am a failure because I am not enough to work everything out according to the expectations of others.
Truth: And we know that GOD works all things together for good for those who love Him – I don’t have to work it all out to the expectations of others – God will work it all out for good IN HIS TIME!!!
1. I have believed the lie that when my children act out or are loud and embarrassing or fail it is a direct reflection of myself and my own failure.
2. The truth is God loves all of us even though we are all sinners and is with me every time I need to be strong to make it through another outburst or long day with children who don’t always do exactly what I think they should.
Thank you so much for this. I know I have several lies I believe and this was so helpful today.
“How is it that false or foolish things that people speak over us when we’re 15 can hold more weight than the truth that people who love us speak when we’re adults?”
That phrase caught me right between the eyes.
1. For the better part of two decades I have struggled with my body image. It feels foolish at the age of 34 with a husband who thinks I’m gorgeous and as a mom to three wonderful boys to still feel like that insecure 15 year old who was teased and everyday wondering how I can look skinnier.
2. Nothing I have done or have not done can make God love me any more or any less. If death cannot separate me from the love of God, surely an extra 30 can’t either! 🙂
Thank you. I needed this today.
I have believed the lie that I messed up my life too much. It is too late for my situation to ever change now.
The truth is that God loves me & knew what choices I would make before I made them. No matter how I feel, I am loved, accepted & redeemed. He is big enough to change my circumstances. He is faithful!
1. I have believed the lie that God doesn’t hear me and isn’t listening to me when I pray and cry out to him. The lie that I am too broken and torn for him to make me a mother, to give me a baby, that I don’t deserve to have a baby and that he doesn’t care about how much I am hurting during this season of waiting in my life. I have believed the lie that infertility is hopeless and that there’s no way I’ll ever be blessed to be a mom.
2. The truth is God is faithful, and he will give me the desires of my heart in his time, not mine, just as he’s done so many times before. He loves me and he hears me, and he will continue to bless me.
1) I have believed that I am not worth it. That I could never be good enough. That I’m needed when it’s a convenience and forgotten the rest of the time.
2) I do know that I have a beautiful heart. That He knows me. That I am never alone. That it is okay if I fail. We all do. That every single day I can try again.
Thank you for this great post. I needed this.
1. I have believed the lie that I am only as valuable as my accomplishments.
2. God dispels this lie by singing Zephaniah 3:17 over me…reminding me that He is with me, takes great delight in me, renews me with His love, and shouts for joy over me. And not because of how many tasks I got accomplished, how many areas I’m involved in at church, or what job I do/don’t have…but simply because I am who He created me to be.
Whew. I needed that. Thanks 🙂
My lie…
1. Nothing I do will ever be good enough. If I had 100 steps to climb and made it to 99, it wouldn’t be good enough. The consequences of my actions are a curse to me my whole life.
His truth…
2. He still sings His song of grace over me.
Lie: That’s not God talking to you, that’s just you making stuff up.
Truth: John 10:27~My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP [as the tears begin to swell]…
Praise God for using you to speak life into our souls today!
The Lie: If your parents didn’t give you the emotional love you needed as a child, how could God ever love YOU.
The truth: Nothing can separate me from the Love of God. I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine.. I just thank Him for my season of deliverance and the constant reminders that Yes, I am worthy of God’s love. This is another perfect example.
Skimming through all the lies posted here in the comment section, I can’t help but notice how uncreative Satan is. He uses the same negativity on all of us! Almost every woman feels not quite attractive enough, not quite thin enough, not quite accomplished enough, not quite the mother she should be, etc. etc.
Has someone mentioned this one: “I am past my prime. God will still use me (After all, I can be a prayer-warrior until my mind goes.), but it’s going to be small-scale stuff from here on out.
The truth: Being a prayer warrior is NOT small stuff! Hardly! As one pastor said, “We’re going to be surprised when we get to heaven and find out all the good prayer has done.” But in addition to prayer, God never stops using us to carry out his plans. Nowhere in scripture does he say, “Devote yourself to doing what is good–until you retire.” NO. God will use us to our dying breath if we let him. I find that truth to be encouraging and exciting!
Thank you so much for this post, Nancy. I, too, am retired and trying to find my purpose for the rest of my life (I am 69). And God has called me to be a Prayer Warrior since reading Stormie Omartian’s book “Prayer Warrior.” Guess who is not going to take this call to warrior prayer sitting down. And he is throwing the book at me. Old tapes have been playing again, as I battle lies I have believed in the past and anxiety. But I will be victorious through my God! Jer. 29:11 is a rhema word God gave me back in 1989 when my husband died. You are a blessing!
i am 75. The last three years of my life have been terrible. I lost my job which gave me a way to serve Jesus. Then, my legs collapsed due to a defective knee replacement. I have eaten through almost all my savings and will lose my home soon. ALL my true friends are in heaven.I never married, so I have no family. For some inane reason this is the life I chose. Now, I cry most of every day and have come close to suicide many times. For some reason, no matter how much I read the word, go to church, pray for others, nothing changes. I am truly ready to meet my best friend, Life is agony. I wish it weren’t, but I see nothing else ahead. Please pray for me.
Good stuff!!
The lie: That I will never be good enough.
The Truth: I am a daughter of the King, a Royal Priesthood. Joint heirs!! Do you get that joint heirs part? Amazing.
The lie: that I’m only worth something when I am able to silence my needs and give to others instead.
The truth: I am precious and loved and human, and therefore God values my needs and will meet them… especially if I can be brave enough to open up about them to those who love me.
I’ve believed the lie that without a particular title, I am not important and my ministry is meaningless.
The truth is that God loves me, He has brought me to this place at this time, and He couldn’t care less about a title.
Terrific post, Lisa-Jo. Thanks!
I love this post. Psychologists often ask you to list your irrational thought, why it is irrational and then write the rational response. I think these questions are quite like that because once you see the rational truth of your second answer the first one is like a sinking ship and you are floating above because Jesus IS our life-raft, life-saver. Thank you Lisa-Jo!
1. At times I find myself believing the lie that if I worry, it will change something, do some good, make things better.
2. But the real truth is that worry only fills me with fear and anxiety. Worry keeps me from trusting God and believing his promises. Sarah Young says that worry is an act of rebellion against God. In other words, I am disobeying His truth. I am living against his command not to worry.
So today I am *trying* to practice trust–through Him and in Him.
Trusting. Obeying. Living it.
Sara
Recent Posts: Resources for Lent and A Lenten Devotional
Oh this is so good! How He loves us!
1. I too struggle with the “myth of scarcity” that if someone else has what’s in my heart too, there is no room left for me!
2. I believe the lie that God won’t bless me with the desires in my heart unless I have it “all together”
He uses our brokenness people!
1. That someone else can do it (say it, write it, etc.) better and I should just be quiet and let them.
2. TRUTH: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7 God has created me. All of me. My passions, my desires, & my shortcomings and has written my name on HIS hands. My worth lies in HIM and HE will be the courage I need so badly.
(Thank you, Lisa-Jo. This was so much of what I needed today. )
What empowerment there is in TRUTH! Preach it, sister!
1) I never finish anything (from the time I was in 5th grade)
2)There is a plan for ME, to give me a hope and a future! – That plan finishes well!
1. That I misunderstood God’s will for my life, so His promises won’t ever be fulfilled. That I’m going to fail miserably at motherhood.
2. This sheep knows her Shepherd’s voice. I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I know that He ALWAYS keeps His word. I know that I am not a failure to Him, because Christ won the battle long ago and I share in His victory.
1) I always believed that i had to please others, to think of them first and then me, in order to be accepted by them. If i didn’t they would have nothing to do with me.
2) Jezus accepts me for whom i am. I do not have to do all kinds of things in order to be accepted by Him. He loves me for who i am.
If there is one thing that i have learned this past year then it is that i have to think about my self in the first place. Am i able to help? Then i shall help, am i not able to help, then i don’t have to feel quilty if i say no. Earlyer i would have helped knowing that it would cost me my health, but i could not say no. And now i can! Because Jezus is whispering in my ears and warning me when i’m overdoing it. All i have to do is to listen to that innervoice in me.
Brought me to tears
My lie: I’m not who I say I am, I’m not authentic good kind real loyal basically I’m bad, my fathers suicide when I was 3 years old and the abuse that followed by his friends at an early age and the countless times I’d been left, cheated on… Left me feeling abandoned and worthless. I’ll never win the battle in my head
My truth, Gods truth: I am wonderfully and fearfully made, He hath loved me with an everlasting love, He has great plans for me and thoughts toward me. I am on His mind. He loves me tenderly. I am predestined. He sees me holy and lovely. I am His and He is mine. He is my God and He is faithful
Nothing can seperate me from His love. I am approved. Predestined.
Daughter of the King.
Jesus thought of me when He hung on the cross.
I am forgiven
I am chosen
I am saved
Blessed and highly favoured.
Thank you so much for causing me to pause a moment and reflect.. May our Father bless your ministry and every woman and family represented here! What a beautiful Saviour, everything the enemy meant for bad God meant for good.
I’m so thankful tonight
Bless y’all
Okay, I get God is with me.
Why won’t God HELP ME.
Jesus Jesus Jesus
Hear my unspoken prayers.
Please God.
Laurie,
Praying for you. God does hear your prayers and is already at work to answer them. You are loved and held by God. You are not alone. Praying God’s love and peace will fill your heart and mind.
Ohhhh, such a great and necessary reminder!
The lie I often believe is that I need to DO MORE.
The truth that here Jesus singing over me is that I don’t need to DO more, but simply BE His daughter!
Ahhh, feeling better already 🙂
First lie, I have to be perfect and get it all right every time.
Second lie, because I have to be perfect and right every time, I will always fail myself and everyone including God.
Truth! Jesus loves me no matter what, He came to die for me and save me and to forgive me. He became the Perfect Sacrifice for me, for us all. I don’t have to be perfect, I don’t have to get it right every time. Jesus covers all my sins and all my faults. He loves me beyond all I can imagine. He provides my every need and carries me in His strength, I don’t have to survive in mine. I love you Jesus!! Thank you!!!
Lie: That there’s a certain level of perfection I need to live up too
Truth: God created me with weaknesses so that I would reocognize my true need for a Savior. He paid the price for me, once and for all.
I believed several. One–that I’m not worthy of love, only punishment. But Jesus took that punishment and I don’t stand in judgment. The truth is, HE love, love, love, loves the socks off of me. Second–that if I was a Christian I wouldn’t have to suffer. But the truth is, we’ve been told in this world we will have tribulation. In the midst of trial, Jesus promises His presence. The prosperity gospel tells us that if we aren’t succeeding than we are doing something wrong. But Jesus tells us that the gospel IS that Jesus loves us. When I look to Christ, the thought of failing or succeeding diminishes….because, truth is—HE LOVES ME. And the rest doesn’t really matter. Thanks for this today…so encouraging!
1. The lie I have believed is that I don’t have anything important, inspiring, smart to say and no one wants to hear it anyway.
2. The truth I know is Jesus loves me and he wants me to speak, even some don’t like what I have to say. Say it anyway. He is here with me.
1. The lie that what I have to offer is lame and ordinary and will be not be well-received.
2. The truth that He approves me and I have value, not in what I do, but who I am- in Christ. That He accepts me and values what I bring to the table; knowing that I bring my heart. A heart redeemed by grace, by Jesus.
Lie: That I’m not good enough, I can’t write or speak well enough to minister to other women.
Truth: God has made me to be who I am and because I’m his child, I’m more than “good enough.” He has given me creativity, the ability to write and to speak and at the right time, He will open the doors for those things to happen.
This was so what I needed to read today. Thank you, thank you!
1. I have believed the lie that I am not enough.
2. GOD alone is enough. He is all I need, and in Him I am all I need to be.
1. My story isn’t important and doesn’t matter.
2. I matter to God. Period.
I have believed that I am not worthy of being chosen, loved or died for
I know that Jesus thought I was worthy of being chosen, loved and died for because he did all of those things.
Lisa-Jo,
Such a thought provoking post! I truly needed to hear this today!
Lie: I’m stupid, dumb, not good enough at my job
Truth: I’m smart, good and good at what I do. After all God has me right where He wants me. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” Jeremiah 29:11
Blessings 🙂
I believe the lie that I am trapped, a tree stuck in the muck made by me. I believe the lie that things forever will remain unchanged, miserable, covered in shame and I deserve the misery…every second of every moment of ever day.
Truth…I am loved in my mess. The lies trap me. The Lord frees me. The shame sinks me. The Lord lifts me to soar. His singing drowns the deception. Open the eyes of my heart, Oh Lord.
1. I’ve believed the lie that since losing my place in a ministry that was my passion that I’m done, I’m washed up, I’m without purpose, I’m adrift with no rudder, and it’s time to give up.
2. The truth is that the ending is just a beginning and Jesus isn’t finished with me yet. I have to be still and wait on Him to show me where He wants me to sail next.
1. I have believed the lie that if I am not a fun mom every day and every second, then my kids won’t see me as great.
2. The truth is that they savor the small moments when we snuggle and it’s quiet and those are my favorite moments as well.
Thanks for this, Lisa.
Thanks, Lisa Jo, for this great post. So encouraging and so needed.
1. I have given in to fear so many times that I will always have this “health issue”. That I am doomed to have a life of struggle with my health.
2. I know that Jesus paid the price for my healing and He wants me healed and made whole. I am His child, His beloved. He has healed me of many things and He will continue to do so!
Thank you for sharing your heart, and for your encouragement!
1. I find myself believing that I am flawed because I struggle to work part time and raise my family/make our house a home during the rest of the time.
2. I KNOW that Jesus has given me THIS vocation, for THIS time, and HAS provided enough grace for each moment. “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” He tells me.
LIE: I am a failure all the time, in every way and the suffering I am enduring is always a direct result of my short-comings and messed up decisions.
TRUTH: God is sovereign and I AM HIS. I AM an adopted daughter and heir to His throne. I am His creation and He is my master and I am truly loved by Him. He sees me all the time and I am never looked over or ignored as the enemy would have me to believe. He works on my behalf even if it hurts and even if I must be taught through suffering. This is my true identity. My identity is not in my job, it’s not in my motherhood, it’s not in my relationships. My identity is “in Christ”. Period. Who cares if I don’t successfully accomplish everything that’s on my “to-do” list today. Who cares if my girlfriend’s home and children are perfectly groomed and mine are not? That doesn’t mean IM failing. Certainly choices I make can alter the outcome of some decisions to some extent but lest I never forget the one who is really in control. If He has chosen that I am to be a stay at home mom that forgets to brush her teeth somedays instead of a business tycoon all caught up in material wealth than I do not question that he knows what Is best. My worth is determined by God, not by getting my checklist completed in a timely manner. My hope is in God, not my relationships or circumstances. And because of that truth, I can sit in my recycler, with un-brushed teeth, and a million things to do and still be content, happy and completely ok with where I am in life.
Thank-you, thank-YOU for this truth that so many of us women need to hear and be reminded of! If only it would travel from the mind to the heart…
1.Everyday I look in the mirror, I see a woman who is worth less than what she should be because of her physical imperfections. People won’t accept me looking like this. I will never accomplish what I can only dream about doing. And because of this lack of self-confidence, I start to think maybe God won’t equip me, won’t accept me, won’t bless me…
2.God’s Word is truth! I can stand on His every promise and be all He says I am- fearfully and wonderfully made. God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” God is absolute beauty and light, glorious in His perfection. So, if I was made in His image, then what does that make me? A beautiful daughter of the Living God! And we know He doesn’t make junk!
1. I’ve believed the lie that others opinion of me (good or bad) define who I am.
2. I believe the truth that God delights in me. Wow! The Creator of the universe delights in ME!
Thank you for the message
I have believed that im to complex a person to be friends with or to be loved, oh but how assuring and good it is to know that He loves me just so.
Where do you reference 280 times tat God is with us? Thanks.
How much do we miss out on
Sitting at his feet like Mary did and being filled with his presence so that we can have a real intimate relationship with him
Why do we forget that in every human relationship we are aware of the need to
Give time appreciation for those who love us and yet the greatest lover of the world
The one who fills us to full satisfaction we tend to give so little time just to be with him
How much have we missed out on when we don’t take time to talk and tell HIM how beautiful HE is do we assume he dose not need our compliments our devotion our commitment he asks for it enough Praise The Lord love me with all your heart and all your mind is this only in service no I don’t think so why dose David say this one thing I desire is to be in the house of God Gazing on his beauty how Filled we are when we take time to just worship him for all HE IS
Mercifully gracious gentle kind understanding a very generous God
Father at this time of lent help us not only to serve you in Good deeds but now the knee and Tell YOU how beautiful you are
WHAT A FATHER no death just an eternity to look forward to spending with you YEEPEE
A rather beautiful article indeed. As I read many of the comments I realize that as women we are plagued by similar issues and lies that the enemy has been using to keep us in bondage but I’m thankful that we need not spend the rest of our lives subject to bondage of any kind for Christ our High Priest paid the ultimate price for us to walk in freedom.
The lie I’ve believed is that I was not “good enough” but the truth of God’s word declares I’m more than enough with Christ as my confidence and value. Thanks much for this well written article and the honest comments.
When I was very young in the Lord, I was asked to be the speaker at a Women’s Aglow. Sitting at the head table watching the waiters setting up more tables as people kept coming in, I was suddenly struck with terror and the thought came:”Who do you think you are?” I silently said, “Jesus, help me.” Suddenly, the thought came: “You are the child of The King!” Ahhhh, that’s right! I am the child of The King. It was then that I glanced around the banquet room and noticed that the centerpiece at each table was a crown with the names of Jesus.
I have been walking with Him for 41 years and I am blessed every day when He reminds me that I was created and chosen… I am celebrated and cherished… by Him!
Thank you for this. I have to give up that my mistakes make me look incometitent. I had several teachers over the years tell me I would be nothing but average. I am now a principal of a school. I still make mistakes and that leave me sick to my stomach and befuddled. I am greatful for this site reminding me of Gods grace and mercy and how no matter how human I mess up I cannot mess up his plan for my life.
I never took time to read some of my emails but lately I have been down this made a lot of sense to me an it’s made see I do have someone looking over me an when I doubt it he always shows me someone to believe it all going to be ok thanks you
Thank you…..to read so many people sharing the lies they have believed……brings me out of isolated thinking it is only me! That’s another lie isn’t it.
I believe and have believed…..that I was not meant to be born, that I am a mistake, was a mistake……..
I was told last week…..that is not truth……..that God created me and that he is the one who breathed life into me…..into the cells and genetic make up he wanted………it’s not a mistake……and therefore I am not one either.
I just turned 60 last march 6, and celebrated it last march 8, a weekend so that my married children and siblings can travel and join us in the celebration. Now that they have all gone back yo their respective places, I feel lonely. Thanks be to God for bringing me to your website where I am reassured of God’s love and companionship all throughout my life; that He always be there with me; and most of all that He is enough and all sufficient for me. If I were to count sell His blessings upon my life, I can’t thank Him enough.. Yes, I am very much loved, loved, loved by my Almighty God and Lord Jesus Christ. And, guided by the Holy Spirit in my thoughts and actions:-) Praise The Lord always!!
Oh wow! There are so many lies out there that I think I must paste this one.
The belief that God expects me to do this or that and if I fail in any way I am disappointing God and others.
I think God loves us constantly and He will never tire of us or getting tired to show us His love. I think we should live our lives normally depending on Him for grace, yet if of when we fail Him, He does not say to us, I’m tired of you, you are no use etc. God loves all of us and let’s remember this no matter how sad we may feel or discouraged, HE LOVES US.
May God bless us all!
I know He is always there and always will be,
Goodness…
I was a poor creative writer with no confidence
It takes a couple of sincere compliments and Leaning on Jesus next to me when I write
I like the idea of a virtual donut gift. That’s cute. Would make me smile!
I was told I was useless by someone important to me, been abused verbally from a child growing up and my self esteem has gone down through the years believing that I was not good enough. But I have to realize this same person has been hurt too as a child and I try to understand and forgive.
Sheaflie I quite agree with you we are not a mistake. I believe I created by God and brought to this life for his purpose and I am alive today by his love and forgiveness. I have so much to be thankful for and I will continue to thank and praise Him for his mercies. I love the one who created me and I know he loves me. I am useful in many ways and I am doing alright!
1. the lie, if I don’t clean the house or do laundry or the dishes along with a outside job that I am not a good Mom. If I can’t keep up with these things
2. That Jesus loves me whether or not the house is clean. All the TIME YAY!!
Thank you every one who responded to The Lie. Now I too truly know that God loves me, just for me . I will continue to sing praises to the living God,
Singer of Joy
,
1. The lie that I am a jack of all trades & master of none; I will never gain financial freedom.
2. My Father has blessed me spcially with gifts that will make a way for me. The burrower is a slave to the lender & who the Son sets free is free indeed. I am financially free In Jesus name.
Thank you for your post. I got a lot out of it. Here it goes:
1. Lie: The only way I can feel empowered and like I “won” in going through a divorce with the person who was a mentally abusive bully for a few years is by coming out the financially stronger one.
2. Truth: I have my life back and can truly win by living a life filled with happiness and gratitude. God wants me to learn from this to become a better, stronger person who is better able to empathize and to help others. Perhaps he wants me to learn to leave the past in the past, be mentally stronger, and to build a closer relationship with him, which are things that have all happened/are happening. I was less happy when I had more income, material possessions, and crazy debt because of my ex.
one more…
1. Members of the GLBT community will never be welcomed at church, accepted by, or at the very best are “tolerated” by people at church who more concerned about gay marriage than bigger problems like poverty, injustice, etc.
2. This is a stereotype of people who work on becoming better human beings through religion. Not all religious people judge members of the GLBT community. Like in any social group, there are some who do and some who don’t.
So glad I read your post today. It makes me cry, and it is a message that I really need to spend some time with.
The Lord is so kind to me, and this message you wrote is surely His kindness in action towards me. Thank you for being His instrument of kindness this day.
The Lie is: I have to be perfect in order to be acceptable.
The Truth is: My acceptance in the eyes of the Only One Who Matters has already been bought and paid for, and nothing can make me unacceptable to Him.