Chapter Three: Taming the Insecure.

Insecurity. That good ole faithful friend that just doesn't know when to leave. It creeps in in the smallest of windows, doors, even cracks of our lives and does more damage than an F5 tornado. I know hate is a strong word, but I HATE being insecure. I HATE that it has power over me. Can I get an amen anybody? It comes in all shapes and sizes, in all different areas of life. Have you ever thought "I'm not a good enough mom," "I'm not pretty or skinny enough," "I stink at my job and I should just quit," "nobody will ever love me?" I certainly have had some of these come up in my brain. Sadly, more than once. Even multiple times a day. Sometimes it's like an avalanche or train that  I just can't stop. So, how can they be stopped? If you're one of those people who say they can't, you are wrong!

I've been told periodically throughout my life that if you say something ____ amount of times, you'll believe. And for a long time I thought it was a bogus statement. You know why? Because I never really tried it. I almost was boastful that my life was bad. Like I wanted people to feel sorry and take pity on me. All the while, being annoyed at others who did the same thing. Looking back, I really think that all I wanted was compassion. Someone to say, I understand where you are and I have faith and believe that it will get better. Now to hear that and actually comprehend it was on me. We all hear what we want to.

Having confidence is sometimes a choice. Sometimes you don't feel very confident in what you're doing or saying. "Fake it til ya make it" is not always a bad mantra to have as long as it's short lived. I can only go on MY personal experiences and I've never felt skinny enough or pretty enough. Yes, there are body parts I don't hate. And personality traits that I'm okay with, but it's a daily, sometimes hourly, pep talk I have within myself. That's how you tame insecurity. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute pep talks (mine are prayers to God) and repetition of positive, truthful things in your life. Trust me, they will NEVER go away. That's how the devil has his fun. Making us feel awful about ourselves. But thank you Jesus, for HE is bigger, better and bolder than any insecurity or devilish action in our lives. He wants us to cling to him! We are HIS children, imperfect, but his. Our body and mind should be a temple for him. Do we really want to mess with perfection? I didn't think so. There are things about me that will never change. And they won't for a reason. The simple fact that God made it so!

I know the hurt and the isolation that insecurity can give us. The best thing I have found to do for myself and others is talk about. Being self righteous and walking around with this fake facade that I have it all together helps no one and I end up looking stupid. Have a little compassion for people! I don't know your story or where you've been or where you're trying to go; therefore, I would hope the same from you.

Tip for the day:
Say something nice to compliment someone today. You may be the only positivity they get. And guess what, you'll feel better about you too.