Remind Yourself of These 4 Truths

I am going to be straight up honest with you, if you were to grade me on how I am doing balancing my different roles and jobs right now, I would probably get a big fat “F”. I was doing good there for awhile, felt like I was on the right track. Somewhere along that track though, I took a wrong turn and just kept going. I feel like I am slipping and sliding in every direction.

Sometimes I just get overwhelmed. Buried under the stress of this chaotic world. My mind races like a hamster on a wheel and for the life of me, I cannot get it to stop. With each day that passes, I just feel even more out of sorts. Lagging behind on my to-do list of never ending chores and demands. The longer I allow myself to feel this defeat, the slippery the slope becomes to get back on the right path. Gaining traction on good ground becomes a little more difficult. The fact is, when I allow myself to get to this point, the only one it pleases is the old devil himself. As women, we have so much pressure on us to succeed and fulfill multiple roles, all while looking good with a smile on our face and wearing the latest fashion trends. First of all, the many roles we fill as women can be daunting on certain days. Secondly, to all of you who look so cute in your fashionable wardrobe, keep on rocking it. Personally, I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal and if I am at home, those jeans turn into athletic pants. Go ahead, those that know me are nodding their head in agreement. It’s okay. I used to be so hard on myself because of what my preferences were, but I have learned to embrace who I am. Some value style, some like comfortable. There are those who thrive on busy schedules, while others just want to simplify their days. One group is extroverts, and another introverts. We all have value in God’s eyes and a purpose in his kingdom. Some of that pressure we inflict on ourselves, others comes from what we see and hear in the world today. We feel as though we have to be Wonder Women all the time and if we have a bad day, it just seems that all the progress we have managed to build up just starts crumbling down. When we have those moments, it is then when our enemy will sneak through the cracks and start to whisper little lies. If you don’t stop and recognize where those lies are coming from, and remind yourself of the truth and whose you are, you will start to believe his deception. Let me remind you of a few things when your thoughts or your day starts to go south.

First of all you are beautiful. No matter if you feel it or not, you are. Not only to those around you, but to the one who loves you most. He created you , and he doesn’t make mistakes. I used to be very hard on myself, but he opened my eyes to the fact that when I criticize or put down his creation, I am doing the same to him as our creator. As I heard a preacher say once, “God doesn’t make junk!”.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

You are strong. As a woman, no doubt you carry the burdens of those you love on your shoulders every day. You rise to whatever situation comes your way. You go out of your way to protect those you love. We all have scars from the battles we have faced, whether physical or emotional, but we keep moving forward. God created us to love and be loved. To be confident, yet compassionate. To be bold, but also to be humble and kind. Women were not looked upon highly in the time the Bible was written, but yet God used their stories and lives throughout history to reflect his love, grace, and forgiveness. Their faith was relentless. We too, can live out our lives in a way that will cause a ripple effect to those around us, sharing the good news of Jesus.

You are enough. Your talents, your looks, your personality, it is all enough. You were intentionally created for a purpose here on this earth. Your life matters and has value. No matter the sins of your past, God still loves you. He still wants to use you. Some days I can be the biggest screw up there is, but you know what? When I humble my heart, and ask God to forgive me and help clean me up once again, guess what he does? He forgives me and creates in me a clean heart, and renews my spirit. He reminds me of how much he loves me. He offers me his unfailing love and grace and gives me the strength to carry on.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

You are loved. We all want to be loved, right? God loved us so much, that he sent his only Son to die our death on the cross, so that if we believe on him, we could spend eternity in heaven with him. I just can’t comprehend the magnitude of his love for us. I know how much I love my kids and family, but it’s just a tiny sliver compared to how deep his love goes for us. He cares for us so passionately, even down to the little details of our lives. What a God we serve! If you don’t know him, what are you waiting for? He is there, waiting for you with arms wide open.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Keep moving forward,

Hayley W