Today I’m linking up with the girls over in the in(courage) Writers Group. We’ve been given an assignment to write an open letter to our inner critic.
Dear Shadow,
I’ve known you for awhile now, really my whole life. You’ve sat next to me on several occasions, whispering criticisms in my ear. You’ve never held my hand as the Encourager does, but have picked and hissed. You’ve declared me unfit, unworthy, and just plain un-. You were there on the playground when you convinced me that my clothes weren’t good enough. You were there in high school when you told me I was awkward and not pretty. You’ve stood beside me as I’ve fumbled through adult-hood and stood next to me on the threshold of motherhood. Always whispering why I can’t.
On the heels of thoughts to encourage others, you come in with reasons why those encouraging words won’t matter. Then you tell me, that I’m nobody – who would want to listen to me anyway. You make me question the gifts God has given. In fact you had me believing for the longest time that I was one who God hadn’t bestowed any gifts upon.
But this is changing now. You can’t make me feel twelve again. You can’t make me feel like I don’t have anything to offer. And do you know why? Because I have a Savior who knows my name. I’m a child of the King and He says I have value and worth. He has given me permission to pray for others and to exercise that gift of encouragement that He has placed on me.
As of today I’m ending our relationship and fully intend to no longer indulge in pity parties. You’ve always been the best party planner, by the way.
So, with pen in hand, I will write to build others up. From now on I’ll be hiding His words in my heart, not yours.
Sincerely,
Danielle
Beautiful! Love the reflection back to your 12 year old pre-teen days. Awkwardness abounds during those years and begins the cycle we get trapped in of not feeling we measure up because as junior high kids, we don’t have effective tools to fight those voices that tear us down. God truly is the answer and He has chosen us as His own. Visiting you from (in)couraging writers. Blessings for a wonderful weekend! Mary
Thank you for the encouragement, Mary! So thankful we are His – He truly is wonderful!
Oh I came here and thought, this is me! Good job!
Danielle,
This line –> From now on I’ll be hiding His words in my heart, not yours.—> Yes! Yes!! YES!!! I am so moved by your honesty and vulnerability. You speak to my heart friend with your words.
Thank you for the encouragement, Tonya. This was a difficult letter to write, but it was good to get this out there.
I love that our shadows disappear when we stand in the Light. You aren’t alone in this! We all have our own private pity parties. The problem is when we’re “celebrating” alone we cannot hear the truth. You are special, worthy, and gifted. God loves you and celebrates you. I’m glad you’re hearing this truth today!
Christy @ A Heartening Life
http://www.ahearteninglife.com
Thank you for the encouragement, Christy! You’re right – when we are in the midst of our pity parties, we can only hear the words of the deceiver, not the Voice of Truth. Thanks for stopping by!
Mmm, good words. It is so easy to not see our gifts because of our inner-critic.
I love the “You’ve always been the best party planner” line 🙂 it is so true! 🙂
Thank you!
This is beauty, honesty, encouragement, and light that banishes The Shadow!
Deb Weaver
Thank you, Deb!