Wearing lies

What we absorb about ourselves early on in our lives matters a great deal. It will impact our relationships. If it is negative, that is, if it is not truth, we have work to do. We have to peel these lies away. If we don’t, our relationships with ourselves, with others, and even with God will be negatively impacted.

I was told I was plain, and there was nothing I could do about it. A great deal of shame was attached to this telling, and I absorbed it all. I didn’t look into mirrors. I didn’t like it when other people looked at me. I assumed everyone — including God — saw me in this way: plain and just not worth much. The shame was heavy and debilitating.

I have spent a lot of time and money trying to be something other than plain. I worked out. I tried different hairstyles. I bought different glasses, went on diets, bought new clothes. And back in the mirror, that shame remained.

But here was the thing! I knew at that time what I was being told was wrong! I knew my parents should have been telling me otherwise. I can remember being happy with me as I was, before I learned being happy with myself was wrong.

As kids, we can’t overcome what our parents tell us. But as adults we sure can, and we must!

And guess who is right here to help us do this?

Reflection

What lies about yourself did you absorb from early on, and how might God be at the ready to help you replace these with truth?

Prayer

Dear God, here I am with the lies given me as a child. They have been so debilitating, coloring how I see myself and how I think others see me. Help me to see myself as YOU see me, the way I saw myself in the beginning: amazing, capable, just right. I don’t want to wear their lies any longer, Lord. I want to reflect the truth. Amen.