A Pack of Lies
Then
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
When I was nine, Sister Mary
Edwards stood in front of my small Catholic classroom and threatened that if
anyone cursed me that was the devils invitation to take over my body. A nun
said it. She was a representative of God therefore this was the truth.
For months I lay awake at night
worried that Dave K. had cursed me, without me knowing, and the devil, having
his invite, had already packed the U-Haul and was on his way.
Recently, I completed a week long
study about truth and realized that although I don’t have a problem with lying,
I do have a huge problem with the truth. It’s not an issue with what comes out
of my mouth, it’s an issue with what I allow to go into my heart and soul and
become my foundation. I have a problem accepting lies as the truth.
I was a gullible child so in
addition to accepting what the nun said as truth the list continues:
A couple of boys made fun of me
tirelessly in junior high. Making references to my unattractiveness and tall
skinny height. Their truth, that I was not beautiful, became my truth.
One day my grandfather said, “Your
sister gets more presents than you because she’s friendlier.” I heard his
words, translated it into your sister is more loveable, and bronzed his saying in
my heart.
When I was in college I experimented
with hallucinogenic. During a bad “trip” I experienced the universe as empty
and meaningless. I felt it therefore it was truth.
I took all these truths deep into
my self and laid them down near my foundation. Though I struggled with them, I
never completely rooted them out.
I believed Sister Mary Edwards that
the devil was powerful.
I believed two thirteen year old
boys telling me I was ugly.
I believed my grandfather that I
was less lovable,
And during hard days I believed my
feeling that the universe was empty.
Recently while doing some guided
imagery, my therapist asked me to imagine Jesus in the scene with Sister Mary
Edwards. Seeing Jesus at the front of the class standing next to the nun I saw
the anger on His face. It was then I realized how many lies I had accepted as
truth.
The truth is there is nothing to
fear including the devil. So do not fear,
for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10)
The truth is God thinks I’m
beautiful. He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The truth is I am precious and
lovable. For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully
and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm
139:13-14)
The truth is God created this
abundant universe. I made the earth and
created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I
commanded all their host. (Isaiah 45:12.)
These truths are replacing the old
lies at my foundation.
What pack of lies have you accepted
as truth? Whatever they are, vow to never again believe the opinions of others,
or your feelings, over the truth given to you by God, because the truth does
set you free!!