What is your story?  No, not your testimony or how you grew up. But, what is the story you tell yourself everyday?  The story that you repeat daily to yourself and to others.  The story you are addicted to so your needs are met of being loved, needed, accepted and not alone.  The story that is killing and destroying you and you probably don’t even realize it. 

This past weekend I had laid down to take a nap.  My bedroom door was open and my girls were watching TV in the room right next to mine.  As I was starting to wake up, I heard my oldest daughter Aubrey say to Julia, “why are you getting another snack you are so freakin fat.”  Well, this just made me mad and very upset so I called Aubrey into my room to deal with her derogatory statement.  After explaining to her that was inappropriate and she apologized to her sister, I sent her to her room to have some quiet reflection time for herself.  Personally, I needed the time to calm myself and pray about my response. 

A few minutes later, I called her out into the living room to talk to her about what happened.  She had been very upset while in her room crying uncontrollably.  After some conversation on how she could have been helpful to Julia rather than hurtful, I asked her what is the story that you are telling yourself right now?  In other words, what is she repeating in her mind that is keeping her in a place of shame and guilt?  I don’t have to explain this question to her because I have asked her this question before.  She told me, “Julia is a better daughter than I am.”  Wow, now that is some story and a real lie that if I didn’t take the time to process the situation with her could have become a lifelong story of “I’m not good enough.”  I quickly acknowledged her statement as a lie from the enemy and that is exactly what he would want you to believe to keep you stuck in that guilty feeling. Quickly, she realized that and it no longer had power over her.  We talked some more about her feelings and how she can best deal with the situation in the future. 

This got me thinking about how early on we create these stories then continue to live by them, cling to them, create our identity by them the rest of our lives.  You see the heart or the subconscious only has one language and that is “ok.”  It does not recognize the difference between right or wrong, good or bad.  You tell your heart I’m a failure, it says ok!  You tell it you are fat, it says ok!  You tell it you are not good enough, it says ok!  What others speak into you and what you tell yourself can stay with you a very long time until you either start exchanging it for Gods word or have an emotional experience that God will use to change this mindset if you allow Him. 

John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The real lie here is if I live and die by my story than I will be accepted, loved, needed and not alone.  When the truth really is that story is exactly what is keeping you stuck right where we are and not allowing you to receive more into your life.  The full abundance of blessings that God has for you. 

So how can you go to battle on these stories?

1. Start recognizing what you constantly say to yourself and to others.  Starts with awareness. Be open to getting feedback from those close to you.
2. Take that story captive then line it up with God’s word.  What He really says about you. 
3. Take action by creating an affirmation statement that confirms who you are in Christ that will empower and equip you for God’s work.  I am a bold, courageous, abundant and truthful women of God.  ( This is the truth that I am choosing to live by right now in areas I am currently struggling).
4. Share your stories with other like-minded people who will come alongside of you and keep you accountable to what you really say you want. (Most people won’t do this cause it is to risky for others to get involved in your life or that you are not worthy of their support – still story and lies) 

Ultimately, our whole lives are made up of stories that either help us or hurt us.  If you have to make up a story to create meaning in your life, you might as well create one that will help you in moving forward toward God’s purpose for your life. 

Many Blessings, Michelle  

I woke up yesterday and told my girls they are enough!