Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

As we stood at the sink washing Thanksgiving dishes, the family secret was revealed. My mom casually mentioned how sad she was when they “put Dudley down.” My hands stopped scrubbing as I turned to her in unbelief. More than 30 years ago, I had believed my parents’ story about our dear German Shepherd they would take to live “on a farm with lots of kids and dogs.” This made me feel better as we told him goodbye for that last time. It was the “truth” I believed since I was a six-year-old. As I looked at the situation from my parents’ perspective, I realized this was how they helped me cope with the loss.

It’s now the source of conversations from time to time, my mom reminding me that they were devastated themselves, and my own children laughing at my naivety. Believing this untruth for years had very little impact on my adult life, but some false beliefs can shape every moment and choice going forward.

You are worthless. You’ll never be pretty enough. You were unwanted. Unplanned. You’re stupid. Dirty.

These lies must be dug up at the root and replaced with the Truth from God’s Word. It is not a simple process, requiring an honest look inside and a deep commitment to letting God renew us with His Truth. It may require counseling. It certainly requires vulnerability. Whatever it takes, it’s worth it to let the Bible define us instead of those voices from the past. 

We are now: Beloved. Chosen. Clean. Purposed. 

Spend some time asking God to help you identify those places you’ve accepted a longstanding lie -- and replace those thought patterns with His Truth. 

Father, help me to replace old lies about myself or about You with the Truth of Your Word. 

Whitney