That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately as I work on changing my self talk in regards to how I look and what my true value is.
Most of this world has their focus all wrong, and it’s heartbreaking to see the effects it’s had on all of us.
We say we should change, but we don’t. We continue to watch those shows, read those magazines, and engage in the conversation that continues to promote the message, “We are what we look like.”
I wish it was as simple as saying, “I’m just going to stop, I won’t listen, I’ll be different.” But, it’s not. Yes, that may be how it begins, but it takes so much more than that.
I have been so blessed to have an amazing mentor in Danna Demetre
, and her wisdom and advice has been the motivation and encouragement I have needed in this journey.
, and her wisdom and advice has been the motivation and encouragement I have needed in this journey.She has really been teaching me that we are what we think, and it all begins by the renewing of our mind and thoughts.
I’m working on that part, renewing my mind. Attempting to squash those negative messages I have been telling myself for years and years, and replacing them with truth instead. And as much as I wish it would JUST HAPPEN NOW, I realize God has me in this process for a reason…to learn some incredible lessons. And so I embrace the process, and commit to the long road of change.
Danna asked me to spend some time praying over which statements or bible verses I should be replacing the lies with, because she really wanted the new messages to be exactly what God wanted to speak specifically to and in me.
And as I was doing that, I came across this verse:
1 Samuel 16:7 (New King James Version)
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
I knew immediately that was to be my new message.
My new focus.
And while I have always believed that working on what’s within is important, I have also been guilty of focusing WAY too much on what’s on the outside a little more.
As I meditate on that verse more and more, it’s made me think about the impact I want to make on this world. And what I would want people to say about me at my funeral one day.
What will they say about you when you die?
People will not be focused on how we looked. They will talk about the kind of person we were. They will talk about our hearts, and how we impacted their life.
But, of course, that’s only IF we took the time to do any of that.
God does not look at the things Man looks at….
And really when all is said and done and we’ve said our goodbyes,
neither do we.
Why are we waiting to focus on those things when someone is gone,
when really we should be celebrating those things in this very moment and every moment in between?
And of course not just in others…
but in ourselves as well.
What a difference we could make.
What a difference we would feel.
What a difference we will leave behind…
It’s starts with us.
With you.
With me.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
© 2010 “Le Musings of Moi”
SHARE THIS POST
Hey Summer! Haven’t been round these parts for a while – looking good! I’m going through a similar process of eliminating negative self talk… it’s a hard road, hey? Seems so much easier to say it’s as simple as recognising the thought, then changing it, but it’s so not that easy. Worthy process though!
This post is just amazing! Our society has its focus on all the wrong things. Those Bible passages are so powerful. Whenever I am in need, God is always there. When I need Him, he is there. How powerful. All each of us can do is make a small difference, one day at a time!
I probably really needed to hear this. Thank you!
You know Summer… I am SO stressed out right now. At that point where I am just not sure which way to stress. I am so far away from where I was as far as my faith is concerned, I don’t even know who I am anymore.
I am struggling financially, mentally, physically and when I read the title of this post I burst out crying. The worst part is I feel like there will be nothing to say when I am gone. Isn’t that horrible? I know, this post is really debby downer-ish but I guess your words have made me have to step back and take a good look at what is going on.
I feel like I have been faced with so many challenges in the past two years and I am just looking for that break. Ugh. Life is too much sometimes…
Thank you for this post…
Summer….Thank you for this!! I am also working on myself in getting rid of the negative. Yesterday at church the message was about what are purpose is. That we need to live our life more for God and not focus on what the world is all about cause we will never be satisfied, but only in God we will! This was a powerful post and again, thank you for reminding us what is important!!
Good luck in journey. I’m sure God will be proud of you!
*hugs*
Sooo inspiring! Love how you include God in your posts. It’s true that people are lost and focus too much on what’s not really important. Thank you for this!
I so needed to read this today Summer… thank you!
I am guilty myself. what a wonderful message this is, Summer. I’ve never heard that 1 Sam verse.
We are the hardest on ourselves!
Great post Summer. I am about to read “So Long Insecurity” by Beth Moore. I will let you know what I think, I know it addresses just these things you talked about!
My sweet friend- another beautiful post. Thank you for always being so willing to share your heart, including the darkness and struggles. It takes a lot of courage to show the vulnerability you show and you are VERY loved by so many for it.
I also appreciate how you stay true to your faith and share God’s sweet truth to others. You’ll probably never know just how many people you’ve really made *think* about God and Christianity because of your writing. You are an inspiration to many.
What is it about us women anyway that makes us identify so much with the outside anyhow??? Aargh. I largely blame society, but deep down, know I have to really look inside myself… sigh. Such a big responsibility to now try and teach my sweet little girl what really matters!!!
Anyhow, love you and thankful for you!!!
needed this one, thanks.
i’ve been less of a blogger for months and i realize how much i missed ur inspirational posts.
i’m not quite on the same page as you as for me it’s the (re)building of my faith.
i am amazed how God works. the path you’re on, the people you think you meet for a reason but turn out to be in your life for a very different one.
i went to SoCal to see that man i thought would be a serious thing. we are not together now but he helped me to move forward with my faith so much! and i gave him the hope he’d lost for a while.
the scripture that is my goal:
Trust the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you the path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
i feel so released and happy now that i was finally humble enough to trust Him completly.
i have to take the long path cuz i’m a slow learner…but it’s worth it!
i hope you’re doing good…
xo