Photo: Marlon Vidal

I have touched on this subject briefly before, but I believe that I need to ignite the flame again. I'm referring to the mind - your mind. There is a sort of mental block. Not the kind that Writers get when they sit down to dish out a poem or novel or a song. I'm talking about the type of mental block that prevents you from believing in yourself.

The crippling kind that has you believing something other than what God has called you to. The kind of mental block that causes you to believe that, you don't even have a special gift or talent that has been given to you specifically - from the hand of God Himself.

Right now you may even be frustrated, anxious, stressed out and even depressed because of all the waiting you've been made to endure. I'm telling you now; don't be any of those things! Now you may be saying, "it's easier said than done." And you're correct for saying so! But is Almighty God as limited as you are? Is He as near sighted as you are? Is He as weak as you are? Is He as faithless as you are? And is He ready to quit as much as you are?

No! God is none of those things. We suppose that He is, because we do not get results as immediate as we would like to. We, I include myself; are always so ready to give up on ourselves and God, when things tend to take a little longer than we would like. But God is always there, ready to endure with us, because He never quits!

Anything you believe about yourself in your heart, begins with a thought. Think about it! If you believe you're unattractive, stupid, worthless, incompetent, or whatever you may think yourself to be, begins with your thought process. You are probably familiar with the saying, "you are what you eat," well, become familiar with this one, "you are what you think." Psychologist can back me up on this. It's called, "being conditioned."

We can be conditioned by what others say about us, or by what we say about ourselves. And it's up to you to change your thought process. It's up to you to not listen to the lies that others or the devil may whisper or shout in your ear. And it will not be easy, depending on how long you've been believing and listening to these lies about who you are.

Ephesians 4:23 "... to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ..." One of the most power filled statements ever written. That's the beginning of your new life. In order to become all you have been created to be, you must begin to think of yourself differently! I will say this again, "it's not easy, but it is so worth it, so do what you must in order to change your thought patterns." I have most certainly had to change the way I think about myself, which is why I am able to write this article.

Because I would not have thought myself worthy in the past. And I am certainly not the kind of writer I want to be - but I am a Writer. And as time goes by and I keep believing that I will become better at writing, I will become better. The opposing thoughts will continue to fight me, but I'm going to fight them, as God gives me the strength to do so. Practice makes a person better at what they want to accomplish, and your mind is the beginning - train it well.

Secondly, begin to affirm yourself. What I mean by that is, pick a time during your day to look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I am talented, or I am beautiful, or I can act, or I can sing." Whatever the lie may be that you've been entertaining - counteract it with this new affirmation. You might feel uncomfortable or stupid when you first do so, but continue to practice this; it's for your well being. Trust me. Even though you may not believe what you're saying as you look at yourself in that mirror; say it anyway. Because what your conscious mind may oppose, your subconscious will believe. God has created our minds that way. If it's working for me, it will certainly work for you.

Lastly,

Are your dreams and goals pure, lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy - then go after them. Trust that if God has kept you alive and in good health thus far, then He will not turn away from you now. What makes you think that you are alone in all of this; this thing called "life." Take God out of the box you've placed Him in and have faith in His power.

And then, trust that He loves you and cares for you. Speak with Him in your prayers - day and night. And even when you are at your lowest, because of some thought - pray and cry out to Him. I've been there, so trust me when I say, "Almighty God hears your every word and sees every tear." Be yourself, through the eyes of God - the Creator, the Deliverer, the Savior, and the Comforter.