This week’s message at church made the statement, “We live in the stories we tell ourselves.” The first thought I had was that neuroscience backs this up. Then I began thinking about all of the ways I struggle with this.
It is easy for me to get caught up in the things American society tells me I should be. I need to be thin, look younger than my actual age and have a successful career. These messages permeate TV, social media and the mountain of advertisements for products being shoved on women of a certain age.
I own my vanity and desire to remain youthful. I also envy women who embrace their curves and wrinkles and hope to someday have a similar mindset. I am working to stop telling myself stories of inadequacy. I am working to embrace their story scripture says about who I am.
16 Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17-18 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. (Matthew 16:16-18 MSG).
What we tell ourselves changes how we interact with the people around us. When I am living out of the words of scripture and focused on the words from Psalms 139, “I am beautifully and wonderfully made, I have confidence. I am able to exhibit the love of Christ to others. I have a foundation that is unshakable.
We do live in the stories we tell ourselves. I’m working to strengthen my foundation. How about you? What do you tell yourself? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.