The Lies You Believe - (100 Days to Brave Day 6)

God says one thing... Satan says another.

"The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” - Genesis 3:2-4 ESV

See this photo right here? This was a photo taken during the first year of my on-air job as a sportscaster.

It haunts my nightmares. Because as much as I loved sports and being on air and actually getting to live out my dream... I put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself and my body.

This photo was the benchmark for how I was supposed to look. I told myself "I either need to look like THIS or skinnier." No more.

I was so cruel to myself in that 1.5 years. I punished my body when I felt I ate too much. I labled myslef as "the fat anchor" next to anyone I worked with at the desk. My heart breaks for the lies I believed...

Because ya know where they came from? An actual enemy. Satan, himself.

Satan wants to kill, steal and destroy our joy and our souls (John 10:10). Every good thing from God, He would shoot it down if he could and had the choice.

Lies can only be treated with a "helping dose of truth" as Annie puts it. God gives us all the labels we need right in the good book.

I like to "arm" myself with the truth. Whether that means carrying these verses around in your notes app or on physical note cards that you can reference throughout your day...

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (MY ALL-TIME FAVE IT HANGS IN MY APARTMENT).

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Those... those are fighting words. Fighting words straight from a being that is far more powerful than any enemy that could ever get in your way.

Be Brave: Read the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). What are some labels other people gave David? Which ones were actually true?