Do you think you are special? Not in an egotistical way. That’s not what I’m referring to. But truly, do you think you are special? Or do you only see every flaw, every weakness, every imperfection and draw the conclusion you are nothing but a mess and a mistake? Well, friend, let me tell you right now, you are not a mistake. In this week’s Encouragement for Real Life podcast episode we’re discussing this as we find truth and encouragement along the way.
I believe many of us are living our days thinking unkind thoughts and saying not-nice words to ourselves and about ourselves.
Why do I believe this? Well, because I hear it from others and truthfully, I do it myself.
Why do you think we say and think unkind things about ourselves and to ourselves? Is it because we’re bombarded with how this world says you and I are supposed to be, look, act, and think? Is it because of social media? Maybe the reason is different for each one of us.
But what I do know is what I’ve experienced personally.
And that is the enemy of our souls does not want us to accept or appreciate or live out our God-given identities.
He whispers such things as:
- You’re a terrible mother. You’re messing up your kids.
- You can’t do anything right.
- That woman over there is skinnier than you. And her hair is prettier too.
- Don’t bother applying for that job. You won’t get it. Just spare yourself the rejection.
- You’re a failure. You always have been and always will be.
Heard any of these lies or similar ones lately? Sadly, when we hear them often enough and loud enough, we begin to believe them. We begin to believe those lies are who we are. And then we pile on our own negative thoughts and words about who we are.
Sometimes we believe the negative words others have said about us.
Sure, I remember the encouraging words my assistant high school basketball coach shared with me my senior year, and the many times my parents told me they believed in me. But, what stands out to me are the unkind words others said about me and to me. I share those in this episode.
If the enemy of our souls he can keep us labeled with lies and distracted with discouragement, we are less likely to thrive and flourish and bloom in the ways God desires and has designed us to. So he uses the negative words of others to affect us… sometimes for many years.
No wonder we don’t think we’re special.
If you get nothing else out of this episode, I pray you hear these words. Friend, you are special. You are worthy. We look at part of Psalm 139 in this episode which proclaims just how special you are.
You are not an accident or a mistake, and God’s fingerprints are all over you. And for that fact alone, you’re incredibly special.
You have every reason to think you are special.
Because you are. According to those who love you, according to me, and most importantly, according to God. You can think you are special because you are. Thinking this way can change everything in our lives, and I offer some ideas this week.
You matter.
Links in this episode:
Don’t Think You’re Special? Think Again free printable on my Resources page
Encouragement for Real Life Community Facebook group
Psalm 139:13-16 MSG
Thank you for joining me today!
I love this reminder. So many people are so hard on themselves. We certainly have to watch our own inner dialogue.
Hi Brittany! It’s good to see you! How are you?? You are absolutely right. So many are hard on themselves. May we always see ourselves as God sees us. Bless you!
I so enjoyed listening to your thoughts today, friend. I am special. I matter. God’s fingerprints are all over me!
Love it!
Hey, friend! Thank you so much! Yes! God’s fingerprints ARE all over you! I’m so glad He introduced us many years ago. Thanks for being here. You are loved!