You look in the mirror and see so many things. A crooked hairline, chubby cheeks, an extra chin. So many features that add to the insecurities already present. Convinced that you am not smart enough. Convinced that you are not pretty enough. Convinced that you are too big. Convinced that no one would ever truly see you as beautiful. You ever have a day like that? Yeah...me too. But, where did those thoughts come from? Who told you that? What planted the seed?
I can think back to several conversations that have led to me feeling less than beautiful, less than qualified, and not good enough in so many ways. I even beat myself up around the fact that I did not maintain a 4.0 while I was in graduate school. Completely disregarding the fact that I was also working full time and grieving. And I can think back to times in my life that put the idea in my head and allowed it to take root. These made up beliefs have lead to insecurities that have destroyed relationships in my life and I am sure in yours too.
These insecurities have allowed you to put up walls, become easily offended, and to misinterpret things that people who love you are saying to you. We cannot allow the insecurities that stemmed from these toxic seeds to continue to run our lives and stop us from enjoying this life that God has given to us. We have to stop believing the identity that people put on us that have caused these insecurities. It has taken a lot of work with God, my community, and my own heart to cancel out the lies that created an imagined version of an identity that was inside of me.
From now on I am refusing to accept what those people said in order to destroy my confidence. I refuse to accept what people said in order to make me fit a mold. I refuse to accept what people said in order to make me compare myself to others. Instead I am resting on who God says I am. I am a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9). I am a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). My children will call me blessed (Proverbs 31:28) . I am loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Today I pray that we come out of agreement with the seeds that have created the toxic mindsets we have about ourselves. I pray that we are able to thrive in the promises of God and the identity that He has given to us as His children. That we can be whole and healed by the love of God, and in turn can love ourselves better.
From now on, I challenge you to write 5 affirmations at the start of each week. Every single day 5 times a day, you are going to repeat those 5 affirmations to yourself. Say them out loud and look at yourself when you say them. Remember that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Take your power back and cancel those lies that were told to you back then. Moving forward, these affirmations will be what have power over you.
I'll Start:
1. You are loved and worthy of love
2. You are gifted
3. You are a good friend
4. You are doing great things
5. You matter
God Loves You!
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