This blog is inspired by the book Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Recently, five awesome women and I decided to start a women’s group on our campus with the theme surrounding this book. Now I haven’t read the book yet, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts prior to reading it because THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM! We are literally fed so many lies from every which way, and sometimes it can seem impossible to see the truth. Also, it applies to EVERY area of our lives. Without further ado, I want to share with you all some lies that I have believed and the truth that I have come to realize.
1. I’m the only one who… You can fill in the blank. I never thought anyone went through the same struggles I did, was as socially anxious as I was, felt as alone as I did, etc. But I’ve come to meet so many people that I am able to relate to because I’ve found out they’ve gone through similar situations as me. Although, that didn’t happen until I shared those things with others. The bottom line is that you’re not the only one, and you’re certainly not alone.
2. I owe it to them. No, I don’t! I lived way too long in the mindset that I am obligated to please other people. I don’t owe anyone an explanation for the decisions I make, reasons for why I won’t date them, a certain portion of my time, etc. Obviously, I thank people when they do nice things for me, but that’s not what I’m talking about. You don’t owe anyone anything because they had certain expectations for your life and God had other plans… you’re debt free in Jesus Christ.
3. I’m not good enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’ve earned any of the blessings I’ve been given through my own works. I’m saying that through Jesus I have been made worthy. I am good enough for God because He takes me as I am and knows where I’m at. Yes, I’ve messed up time and time again, but that doesn’t define me! I don’t need to earn His love. I am who God says I am.
4. It’s my job to save this person. First of all, I’m not the one saving anybody, Jesus is. Second of all, we all have a choice. I can’t make that choice for any other person. Third of all, I’m most likely not the only Christian in their lives. We all have a shared responsibility to reflect Jesus well. All I can do is love people wholeheartedly, show them who God is through my actions, and share the truth of my thoughts and experiences.
5. No one cares what I have to say. The truth is I just surrounded myself with people who were only concerned with themselves. I would frequently stop talking mid-sentence once I realized no one was listening. Now I have so many wonderful people in my life who value my thoughts that I don’t know quite how to respond to that. It’s difficult for me to form opinions on things after so long wondering: what’s the point? But the right people do care about you, never forget that!
See, once you fully realize the truth, the lies have no power over you anymore! So speak truth into your own life and the lives of others. There is so much power in that!
