There’s an African proverb that says, “A man’s curses will fall and wrap themselves around him like a cloak.” What a powerful image. Think about your words wrapping themselves around you like a dress, a blouse, or your favorite pair of jeans. What would those words look like? Are they words of blessing or are they self-imposed curses?
Words are powerful. The Bible tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Not only is it important to watch what we say to others, but we also have to watch what we say to ourselves.
Have you ever said:
- I’m too fat.
- I keep making the same dumb mistakes over and over again.
- I’m just hopeless.
- I’m a bad wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc.
- I have no talent.
- I’m a failure.
- What’s wrong with me?
What you say you are, is what you become. If you want to be the woman God created you to be, use wisdom when talking to yourself. Start by answering these questions.
What are you telling yourself when you make a mistake?
There are times when we all just do not get it right. However, it doesn’t do you any good to beat yourself up over those mistakes. How many times are you guilty of saying: “I’m so stupid”, “I’ve made a mess of things again” or “Dummy?” You are not stupid, a mess up or a dummy. You are a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:16-17) That makes you pretty special. God can turn every mistake or failure you have ever made into a testimony that will not only strengthen you but also encourage your sisters and brothers.
What does your self-talk wardrobe look like?
Take a moment right now and close your eyes. Now envision yourself being covered by the words you say to yourself on a daily basis. What do you hear? What do you see? How do you feel? If you do not like your vision, you can change it by changing the way you talk to yourself and the way you see yourself. Psalm 141:3 says to “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you put away any ugly, self-critical, and self-defeating words in your vocabulary.
What good, pure, true, and beautiful words do you feed your mind every day?
Most of us have heard the computer phrase “garbage in – garbage out.” It simply means that whatever you put in a computer is what you are going to get out of it. If you put in garbage, it’s going to give you garbage right back. This concept relates to people too. If you are constantly watching TV shows, reading magazines, or associating with people that make you feel bad about yourself, those feelings can manifest in your thoughts and your words. The Bible says to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. (Philippians 4:8) Aim to line your words up with these kinds of thoughts.
