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Mended By Mercy

Embracing Imperfection. Growing in Faith

April 3, 2013

{Exploring Identity} Known

 A week ago, I started a devotional study called “Exploring Identity.”  Over the next 10 weeks, I will share with you how each post has spoken to my heart and boy, has it?!   I will be posting 2 devo responses each week.  I pray that they will speak to your heart too!

identity

Day 1  KNOWN

Who are you?  Do you really know?  Do others know who you really are?

As many of you know if you read my About page, I struggled with severe negative body image in 2011-2012.  I can proudly say that I am a survivor, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a daily struggle still.  Yes, I can fight off stinkin’ thinkin’ with prayer and positive thinking (which was near impossible in the depths of negative body image depression a couple years ago!).  Still though, it is a daily struggle.  And sadly, that experience has killed off my confidence, which I am trying so hard to get back.  I want my children to know Mom believes in herself, because she has a God that believes in her.

Doubts about who we are can play on our minds.

Doubt.  I know something about doubt.   Although I can look at my body now and see the flaws and be ok with them, my past body image struggles have cast doubt into many other aspects of my life, hence my confidence issues.  While I was in the depths of negative body image, I saw those flaws and they DID DEFINE me.  I thought to myself “I’m ugly.  I’m fat.  I will never look any better than this and because of that, I am a horrible person.  No one will ever accept me.”  Ahhhh.  I can’t believe I said those things to myself!!!  DO NOT say those things to yourself! It will only dig your hole of despair deeper!  Overcoming negative body image is a mind game.  You have to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.  Replace them with affirmations.  Replace them with prayer.  You need to find your beautiful.  That is the only way to avoid letting that ugly little word doubt destroy your mind.

Before you know it, you’re wearing a mask: not the true me, but the me that I want everyone else to see, designed to cover up the deficiencies in my character.  Why do we do it?  Because we would rather be that person.  We’d rather be slimmer or funnier or more fashionable or in a relationship.  Those are the things that this world around us values, and we long to be valuable.  To be worth something.  To be noticed, or at least to be the same as everyone else and not stand out so much.

But shouldn’t we WANT to stand out.  I don’t mean standing out because of worldly standards.  I’m talking something spiritual.  Don’t we want the world to know that our values are not earthly?  They are heavenly.  We should not strive for worldly standards but divine ones.  We were created in God’s image.  Our identity should be found in Christ, not the size of our clothes or what we see in the mirror.  Our identity is found in our hearts because He lives there.

If only we could have the security of being completely known and understood by someone.

God knows me.  And He knows you.  He knows my struggles.  He knows my heartache.  And when I let stinkin’ thinkin’ consume me, I let Satan know me.  And that is scary.  So so so scary.  I don’t want him to know me.  I want that intimate relationship with Christ, my King.  He understands me.  And He understands you too.  Strive to be more like Him.  Replace that stinkin’ thinkin’ with affirmations and prayer.  He will help you overcome.

John 16:33- I have told you these things so that in me you find peace.  In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart.  I have overcome the world!

sig

 Do you wear a mask?  Is there something you struggle with?  If you feel led to, share in the comments and I will certainly pray for you!

Filed Under: Exploring Identity Tagged With: confidence, doubt, Exploring identity, negative body image, stinking thinking

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Comments

  1. Alexa (Kat Biggie) says

    May 26, 2013 at 10:56 pm

    By the way, where were you able to find this devotional?
    Alexa (Kat Biggie) recently posted…How to Help a Friend Survive the First Year after Pregnancy or Infant LossMy Profile

    Reply
    • Stephanie Farley says

      May 27, 2013 at 8:23 am

      My mom gave it to me. They had ordered some at church and she got an extra for me. But you can get it here or look on amazon. 🙂 It’s an awesome devotional!

      Reply
      • Alexa (Kat Biggie) says

        May 27, 2013 at 9:07 am

        I’d love to order it through your page… but I didn’t see the link anywhere?
        Alexa (Kat Biggie) recently posted…Father’s Day Gift Idea – Having Fun Together! {Sponsored}My Profile

        Reply
        • Stephanie Farley says

          May 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm

          Oh so sorry! I thought I posted the link! It’s not an affiliate link or anything. But here it is!

          http://www.thegoodbook.com/bible/daily-devotional-reading/exploring-identity
          Stephanie Farley recently posted…{Exploring Identity} BeautyMy Profile

          Reply
  2. Alexa (Kat Biggie) says

    May 26, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Oh I wish I’d found this series sooner cause this is something I would have loved to have gone along with you! But I’m catching up now! And probably going to get this devotional! I have always had body image issues… but I am a survivor too. Love this post!
    Alexa (Kat Biggie) recently posted…Return to ZeroMy Profile

    Reply

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