This is something that has been on my mind for quite some time now. Many of us struggle with fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, and lack of self-worth due to being rejected or emotionally abused during our childhoods or even as adults. The old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is just that, a saying, because it is not true.
Words can and do hurt and they lock people in a box.
But we do not have to stay locked in that box. We can find a way out.
Person A has spent your entire life degrading and belittling you, telling you that you are worthless and will never amount to anything.
Person B sincerely loves you, tells you how wonderful you are, how you can do anything you set your heart and mind to. He or she believes in you, not just in words but in deed, deep down in his or her heart and soul, and does not shy away from telling and showing you so.
But, it is Person A whose words you take to heart. Their words have you locked in a cage, afraid to believe that anyone could possibly love you, holding you back from chasing the life you dream of. They keep you from going all in with your relationships, goals, and dreams.
Why do you listen to those that never cared about you, yet discard the love freely and fully offered to you by one who does?
You cannot and do not trust Person A, so why listen to them? If you cannot trust them, should their opinions matter to you and be controlling your life? That is all it is anyway, their opinion. Their negative thoughts of you are not based in fact or reality. The true root of their negative opinion of you is their own guilt, shame, insecurity, and jealousy. It is, in effect, their opinion of themselves being cast on you.
They are trying to force you to carry their baggage. Why let their emotional baggage weigh you down and become yours?
It is not yours to carry.
Your worth was determined by Someone Who knew you even before you were conceived. He loved you then and He loves you now. Don’t put the heartless words of a man or woman above the love of your Heavenly Father.
Whenever those old – or not so old – negative tapes start playing in your head, making you afraid to do what your heart craves for you to do, don’t listen to them. Remember Who gave you the passions, talents, and gifts that you have and go for it.
You CAN do this. You ARE of value. You ARE loved.
Shake off the dust of those that want to keep you down and grab the hand of the One – and the one – Who loves you and believes in you.
Don’t look back. Keep moving forward to the life you’re dreaming of!
For all sad words of tongue and pen,
The saddest are these,
‘It might have been’.
~John Greenleaf Whittier~
Are You A Better Listener or Speaker?
