Topic > Life Struggles > Self-Image >
People don’t understand—I was trapped
Imagine being a vulnerable fifteen-year-old, lured into prostitution and drugs. This was Leslie’s world for more than twenty years until she prayed a desperate prayer, one that Jesus answered with a new life filled with freedom and joy. Be inspired by Leslie’s courageous story.
Image Management
To celebrate Winston Churchill’s eightieth birthday, the British parliament commissioned artist Graham Sutherland to paint a portrait of the celebrated statesman. “How are you going to paint me?” Churchill reportedly asked the artist: “As a cherub, or the Bulldog?” Churchill liked these two popular perceptions of him. Sutherland, however, said he would paint what he saw.
Churchill was not happy with the results. Sutherland’s portrait had Churchill slumped in a chair wearing his trademark scowl—true to reality, but hardly flattering. After its official unveiling, Churchill hid the painting in his cellar. It was later secretly destroyed.
Like Churchill, most of us have…
I’m An Extrovert and I’m Embarrassed by It
Is anyone else out there guilty of subtly rigging your own personality assessment? You know what I’m talking about.
Where do you go when you feel inadequate?
Do you ever have times when you feel like you’re just not good enough? Today on Discover the Word, we continue a series that can help us know where to go when we feel inadequate to handle what life sends our way. Explore with the group what it looks like to “Bring It to Jesus.” Listen right […]
The most common command – “fear not”
What’s the most common command given in the Bible? Would you be surprised to learn that it’s “fear not”? Today on Discover the Word, we gather around the table to discuss how we can take all the things that we’re afraid of, and “Bring it to Jesus.” It’s an encouraging, timely message today on Discover the […]
The Surrendered Life
I have been crucified with Christ… —Galatians 2:20
To become one with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. Being born again by the Spirit of God means that we must first be willing to let go before we can grasp…
Is This True of Me?
None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself… —Acts 20:24
It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world’s perspective, and…
Beautiful Garbage
I happened upon a website featuring sculptures made out of old toys, plastic spoons, typewriters, soda cans, and even hangers. In an introduction to these garbage-turned-artwork pieces, Vitaly Friedman wrote this about the artists: “These talented individuals see possibility in the things we throw away every day. Instead of heading to the art supply store they just collect common trash and turn it into works of amazing art.”
Have You Ever Been Alone with God? (1)
Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves!
Personality
. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . . —John 17:22
Personality is the unique, limitless part of our life that makes us distinct from everyone else. It is too vast for us even to comprehend. …
Individuality
Jesus said to His disciples, ’If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . .’ —Matthew 16:24
Individuality is the hard outer layer surrounding the inner spiritual life. Individuality shoves others aside, separating and isolating people. We see it as the primary …
“I thought Christianity was a crutch”
Have you ever doubted God’s existence? What about the Bible? Do you believe that it’s the inspired Word of God that Christ’s followers believe it to be? Well, Jodi put her faith in the big bang theory and Russell believed faith was for the weak. Learn how they both discovered a God who loved them before they ever […]
Let Go of Self to Find Self-worth
When I was 15 years old, I would often ask my Dad what he thought I was good at. Our conversations always ended the same way—I just hadn’t found what were my strengths yet. This answer always left me feeling dissatisfied and disappointed.
Meaning Mirage
In 2015, Essena O’Neill dropped out of social media. After building a popular persona on Instagram (700,000 followers) and YouTube (260,000 subscribers), she wrote: “I spent five years wishing I was this perfect person online and I spent three years every day working really hard at it.” She went on to say that at age 19 she realized her aspirations were misguided, stating, “I think the reality is quite sad.” So Essena left social media behind. One reason? She wanted to be a better role model for her 14-year-old sister who had also been trying to find meaning and identity…
Loved just the way I am
How much does your environment affect your identity? Ned was adopted by a loving Christian family, but as he grew up, the difference in their races became an uncomfortable issue to others. Greg and his mother were forced to flee from his abusive stepfather, but found refuge amongst the kindness of strangers. Discover how God’s […]
