Lies, All Lies

The first lie told thousands of years ago earned the privilege of being recorded in Genesis. The serpent, “more crafty than any (Genesis 3:1),” lied to Eve. I have always found it fascinating Satan approaches Eve instead of Adam. Satan hasn’t stopped lying to women (or men, for that matter).

Here are two lies I see most women believing:

1. I’m not pretty enough. For what should be our answer. Desiring to look like a super model after an extensive workout with Photoshop will leave you believing this lie. But, are you a super model by trade? I’m not! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our bodies are a temple, so we should treat our bodies well. Being healthy and being pretty remain two different things. Pretty is subjective. Pretty is cultural. What are you trying to be pretty enough for? Is your focus on health, strength of character or good looks. I’m guilty of letting this lie steal my joy. I’m guilty of letting the number on my clothing tag send me into binge eating (and not healthy things). I’m not a size 6 and I may never be. My focus needs to be on having a beautiful character, because I want that for my daughters. I would scream if I heard my daughters decide their worth based on the tag in their clothing. I would have a fit if I heard them make fun of the way they look. Why, then, am I an exception to this rule?

2. I’m not smart enough. This lie has plagued me for 20 years. I never finished my college degree. I have allowed this lie to limit jobs and opportunities. When friends began telling me I should write and speak professionally, I allowed Satan to use this deeply planted lie to keep me from doing what God intended. Not everyone has or needs a college degree. Not everyone needs a high school diploma. Pursuing an education or higher education is a worthy goal, but not having one doesn’t necessarily limit you from becoming a success. Obviously, it depends on your chosen profession. I do like to see a diploma from a medical school on the wall when speaking to a surgeon, but if my hair dresser graduated from beauty school and not high school, I’m okay with that. I’ve come to learn that I write and speak about what I know; being a wife & mom, homeschooling & children’s ministry. My martial education, I’ve been married 17 years. My motherhood education, I’ve been “mom” to 33 children. Homeschooling 11 years & Children’s Ministry 10 years. I have an education to do what I do, some refer to it as On-The-Job Training.

So, what lies are you believing? Struggling with looks, education, parenting, job, etc? Willing to share & find the truth?

 

 

Help Wanted

Job Opportunity, Applicants Desired…

Looking for a qualified applicant interested in encouraging and leading a large group of volunteers. Applicant will have the ability to influence people to grow in leadership. Applicant will also be able to save people from ruin. Grab your pen and paper, here are the details:

Requirements

• Work 50-60 hours and be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Be married in order to be more “relatable.” Said spouse should be open to criticism based on everything from their actions to the clothes they wear.
• Have children. Helpful if these children understand your commitment to the job requires you to miss many of their activities.
• Possess the strength to overcome most people’s number 1 fear: Public Speaking, all the while knowing every word you speak may be dissected.
• Weekly come up with a speech lasting about 30 minutes that is equal parts education, empowerment, and challenge, yet doesn’t bore anyone to sleep.
• Deliver speech while people enter and leave the room a dozen times and the sound of opening candy wrappers echoes through the room.
• Understand your decisions from what you drive to how you wear your hair may be talked about more than the speech you spent hours preparing.
• Ensure that every person hearing your message has their needs met with half the staff you need to do so.

Compensation

• Salary Range averages $33,000 – $70,000.

Our Pastors fulfill these requirements for little and sometimes NO pay because they are called by God to do so. They know as they enter ministry the opportunity to reach a lost & dying world is great. Their families serve alongside of them because they are often called as well. I know, I was in full-time paid ministry for 10 years. And, I would do it all over again!

The reward was the life-change I saw, not the hourly wage.

Most churches have a sign somewhere in their church stating, “No Perfect People Allowed.” I served with an incredible group of people undaunted by the requirements, because they know the truth can change the world. They are just people, however, so maybe it is time we the church-goers understand they aren’t perfect either.

I believe Satan wants to take down the leadership of every church. It is the easiest way to stop the spreading of the gospel! When a leader falls, the church body must join together to carry on the mission of the church while ministering to the leader.

So, pray for your church leadership. They covet your prayers. Understand they are human, so stop worrying whether they bought their car new or used. Know bad decisions will be made, stand ready to forgive. Minister to your church leadership and your church family. Volunteer, they need your help. Still have the pen & paper? Write a note of appreciation to the leadership team, because they need to be encouraged.