Your Story For God's Gloryနမူနာ

Your Story Matters 

We all have those negative voices in our heads. I call these voices “stinkin thinkin.” They are voices that hold us back and try to diminish the gifts God has given us. They tell us we’re not good enough, that we should hide, that we shouldn’t share who we are with the world.

I remember when I was around seven and in the first grade in Fort Meade, Florida.  At that time I was a cultural minority in the school I attended. This school was in a small rural community and most of the children came from migrant working families. There were very few children that spoke English. Those who did speak English seemed to already have their established friends.

I remember in that moment thinking “I wish I had one friend. I wish I just had one friend.” I didn’t think anyone wanted to be my friend.

That Stinkin’ Thinkin’ has come back to me over and over and sometimes it feels as if I just want one friend. 

No one wants to be my friend. 

I’m on the outside.

I don’t belong. 

I’m all by myself.

I’m alone.

I don’t have friends.

It was something that was ingrained in me when I was little. It’s during these moments, we find ourselves relating to Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh. 

How about you? Have you found yourself drowning in the sea of Stinkin’ Thinkin’? Do you find yourself questioning whether your story truly matters? Whether anyone would really care to hear it?

Today I want to encourage you to think about what you have rather than what you lack. Think about those things in your life you could share. Think about all the ways you’ve been blessed.

You were created to shine. You were created to be someone unique. The way you shine is going to be different than the way I shine. We are all unique. We are all different. But we are not meant to listen to the Stinkin’ Thinkin’ in our minds. Instead, we are meant to listen to the voice of God and what He has for us.

Your. Story. Matters.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you that I matter in your eyes. Even though I sometimes visit the town of Stinkin’ Thinkin’, I know I don’t have to stay there. Help me to combat the lies with your Truth. Thank you for giving me a story that truly matters. I love you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.