I’ve been thinking a lot about self-talk lately. I’ve been more sensitive to the lies I let in about my capability and my worth, and have realized how poisoning these lies can be. I like what others have said about this issue…
A college friend, Sarah (Gale) Evers, wrote sort of a New Year’s resolution in January, 2009 on Facebook:
I’m calling 2009 “The Year of Kindness.” What could life look like if I treated myself with kindness? What if I worked out not because I ought to, or as punishment, but because I wanted to, or it was the kindest thing to do for myself? What if my self-talk was more kind and gentle? What if I relaxed in my expectations for myself and lived in grace? And what would happen in my relationships as that sense of freedom and KINDNESS overflowed from me?
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myjoy, a commenter on the Stuff Christians Like website, wrote:
My anthem right now is Ephesians 4:29, it’s everywhere around me, in sermons, in studies, on TV, everywhere! God is clearly trying to tell me something.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
God is challenging me to have everyone be better off than before they talked to me.
And today I just had a revelation. It’s not just directed at other people. It’s also about what I tell myself. Is my internal dialogue helpful for building me up? Or am I tearing myself down? Am I better off after hearing my own voice, than when I started? Or do I remain dejected, discouraged?
So I pray God will use this verse to change my heart, to tame my tongue, that the same mouth I use to bless His name I do not use to curse others or myself.
I too am challenged to add more kindness, more grace, and more truth to my internal dialogue. When my head hits the pillow each night, I want to look back over the day knowing that I was better off after listening to my own voice all day long. After all, if the God of the Universe can forgive me, love me unconditionally, and see me as completely worthy in his eyes, surely I should do the same.
I love this! I am so trying to do the same thing and this was so great to read – thank you for sharing this truth in your heart and listening to what God is telling you. The verse “there is NO condemnation in Christ Jesus” comes to my mind. If we really live as this is true – we should run away from every negative thought that comes into our mind as if it was the swine flu!
Oooo, that verse is GREAT and so fitting! Thanks! Hahaha…negative thoughts are like the swine flu…love it!! 🙂
smiles and love to you Michelle…was checking the blog to see what you’ve been up to. I didn’t make it to ASHA this year–did you? Maybe we’ll see each other at SRCLD this year!! I hope so. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your hubby (and the kitties too!).