Who's Living in Your Head?

Have you ever let anyone into your head, you know, take up residence in your thought life? I don't usually let harsh or mean spirited comments stick with me, but occasionally, someone will say something that catches me off guard and their words come to live in my head.

It took me years to bring myself to be able to say the words, "I am a writer."  And even now, when I hear those words come out of my mouth, I sort of look around to see if anyone is snickering or preparing to object. Recently I had a real set back in this area and it caused me to not write for a couple of months.  And it's all because, I listened to some nasty words about myself and my writing ability, and before I knew it, the person who said those things, was living, uninvited in my head.

This person, who is very highly regarded in the community, who I had great respect for, said to me, "You are not a writer.  You told me you were a writer, but you're not."  I was taken by such surprise and his words pierced my heart right to the core.  I heard those words over and over again, in my mind, day after day.  Soon, I was paralyzed when it came to writing.  I let those careless words from someone who doesn't even know me, block the channel that I have from the Lord, to write.

Scripture tells us, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."  Phil. 4:8  I realized that what I was thinking about wasn't any of those things. What I was thinking about was negative, destructive and hurtful.  Now when I hear those words, "You are not a writer" in my head, I just repeat this Scripture and thank God for using me as an instrument to write what He would have me write.  I refuse to allow those lying words to live in my head anymore!

If people have constructive criticism that will help you grow and enhance your life, these are the words you should listen to.  But if they tear you down and make you less than you are, remember to think on the things in Philippians 4:8 that are listed above.

Remember, the Lord sees you as valuable and precious, yes, with flaws, but valuable and precious, nonetheless!  He created us in His image and daily, we walk out the life and the gifts He has bestowed to us.  Take what He's given, develop it, hone it and give it back to Him as a beautiful gift!

From His Lap,