The Committee (in our heads)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8 NIV

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” C.G. Jung

In my head is a committee. No, not a mental disorder or hallucinations, but voices. They say things like: “You’re such an idiot.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “Yes, those pants do make your butt look big.” “You’ll never be enough.” You’re a failure.” “You’re such a loser.” “What were you thinking?” “You’re just a drunk!” “You’re too old.” And these voices can get really, really mean! Yours? They can ruin my life, if I let them. They can become self-fulfilling.

Here are the Committee Members: Critical parent, demanding boss, judgmental church member, passive-aggressive colleague, bullying friend. Gosh! there have been more. And you know what? I fired them! No, not all at once, but as I became aware, with God’s help, of these voices, they no longer had room in my head. They were replaced with God’s thoughts. God helped me to see and question these voices with thoughts like: “You’re the light of the world.” “You are precious in my sight.” “I sing over you.” (Zephaniah 3:17} He holds my hand. (Isaiah 41:13) Slowly, yet gently, those critical voices are silenced by my relationship with Jesus. Something wonderful moves in.

Musings

Let’s question those dismissive, lying and destructive voices we have carried from childhood into adulthood. Let’s release them to God and search for the real image he has for us. If we need help with this, let’s seek it. Let’s encourage each other and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) An old hair color ad said, “Because we’re worth it!” More importantly, God says we are worth it. He sent his Son.

Prayer

Father, thank you for making us as we are with gifts, talents and love. Help us to see ourselves as you see us. Help us to let go of old and destructive images of ourselves. Help us to have your voice in our heads and hearts. Help us to let go of things that hurt us. Help us to hold on to you tightly.

Amen.