“I am a boy and not a man.”
“I am a girl and not a woman.”
This lie hits a little too close to home, as I believed this lie for many years. It came to my attention on a kayak trip in the San Juan’s a few years ago. In a time of reflection I realized that this lie was buried deep and was having a big impact on how I operated on a daily basis. I would go into meetings, enter into friendships, and try and carry out my role as husband, father, friend, co-worker, and minister through the lens of a boy. The result: stress and performance. Stress because most situations were too much to handle from the vantage point of a boy, and performance because a boy longs for acceptance and approval.
In the midst of this journey the Lord used an incredible Scripture to encourage me, “This is my command – Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Something in these words began to sink in. First off, it is a command from God. He is saying do this, believe this about yourself. Secondly, fear is the opposite of belief. In this I saw the Lord asking me to believe that I am a man created by Him. Lastly, believing the truth that God is with me wherever I go gives me the confidence to enter into any situation or relationship knowing that I am a man who can handle whatever comes my way. As a practical reminder for the past few years I write these words in the beginning of each new journal: “I am a strong, confident, courageous man…” I read these words each morning to remind myself who and I am because the Lord has created me.
Lie: “I am a boy and not a man.” “I am a girl and not a woman.”
Truth: We are men and women of God created by Him.
– Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)