I possess expert skills in memorization. I possess proficient skills in observing. Both these can be positive attributes; but,
with the power of the mind added with stubbornness, the enemy can use these to
destroy.
Rewind back to the dreaded years of middle
school/high school. I received excellent
grades, worked hard in school and proved great work ethic; but, my brain used
the ability to record information received to ultimately tear me down. Any negative comment heard, recorded, placed
neatly into my thoughts to remain. Any
rejection received, recorded, the image captured in my mind forever. These accumulated over the years like
algebraic formulas or the knowledge of riding a bike.
Our brains hold onto important information, knowing
we will need such in the future. As the
future became the present, I had a lengthy record that played continuously in
my thoughts. With every opportunity, the
record played, “You are not good enough”; and, attached a vivid memory, “Remember
failing to make the basketball team.”
With every relationship, “You are not worthy of love.”; and, proceeded
to list those loved ones that walked out of my life or hurt me.
Reject. Worthless. Unattractive.
Overlooked.
The record played over and over, creating a tainted
lens which to view the world. I wanted
to hide, to avoid adding painful memories that fed those beliefs. The mind overpowered and I followed the path
defined by lies.
There is One stronger than our minds. There is Truth to create a new path. There is Hope in life.
One day, the record stopped playing. A hand reached out and began replacing each
lie with Truth. Again, the mind is
powerful, and remember we are working with a stubborn woman here. But, Truth overpowers stubbornness. Truth overpowers trials in this world. Truth overpowers tribulations. In the end, Truth wins.
I am approaching my 15th anniversary of
that moment I surrendered. My hands
raised in defeat. I was done living in
lies, drowned by my own thoughts and physically dying as a result. I wanted to live. . .
Little did I know the work required to change a
stubborn woman’s 20 year record of thoughts.
One memory at a time, Truth changed the lens which I viewed life. I began to forgive the little girl for making
the decisions which led to nearly killing this grown woman. I began to forgive those attributing to the
record. I began to live.
Are you stuck in a record of negative thoughts? Do you view the world through a tainted lens?
My dear friends, I still struggle with lies creeping
into my every day thinking. The enemy
works diligently to replay the record of the past, hoping to destroy my present
and decide my future. The record doesn’t
totally dissolve away this side of Heaven.
It takes work to remain focused on the Truths God provides for us to
live by here on Earth. It takes an angel
army to combat the negativity thrown at us by the enemy. It takes work. Work that is well worth it!
You are worth the work! When I was in a rehab facility for Anorexia
Nervosa, we would say at the end of each session, “It works if you work it and
you are worth it!” God is always there,
waiting for us to take hold and display His power in our lives. We only must accept it and use the Truth
provided. He, then will work all things
out for the good! He never leaves our
side.
God understands imperfection. He created us. He knew what He was getting and still created
you and me. We have a purpose here dear
friends. And I can guarantee the purpose
is not to sit and replay an old record the enemy produced. Trust me, I have tried to go back and listen to
the old record multiple times since that day I surrendered. It just doesn’t sound the same. My mind now holds a louder record filled with
Truth!
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my
teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
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