God, tell me the truth of who I am. I’m listening. I want to be free from the lies–do that for me. Rescue me. Bring truth like a waterfall. –100 Days to Brave

There is an astronomically large difference between who God says I am, and who society says I am. God doesn’t just remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, he tells me I AM HIS CHILD. If God is the King of kings, that makes me a freakin’ princess.

Moral of the story, I am Devine and Royal in His eyes. It’s written in Matthew 4, verse 14 “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

I get so caught up in believing I should look/feel/act a certain way-when really the only opinion that matters is God’s. Believing his truth will not only produce courage, but grow it as well.

In 100 Days to Brave, Downs tells us he story of Jesus in the desert and how he literally came face-to-face with temptation (Satan). Jesus was human. He could have given in to temptation, but…He refused. “Jesus stood up against the lies and spoke truth into the situation.” You see…Jesus not only knew the truth, He believed it.

As cliche as it sounds, God’s word will truly set you free. How cool is it that God created you in His image and calls you to be a part of His Kingdom? And that you are deeply loved no matter what. No matter what you do, no matter how badly you screw up, you are unconditionally and deeply loved. Believing this truth will make you brave.

Downs reminds us that “believing in truth is always a choice…you have the choice to fight for truth or give into the lies.” It is so empowering to finally be able to let go of the labels others place on you and believe in the person God created you to be.

This journey is an every day process for me. There are certain things I feel I need to do in order to be a good wife/teacher/future mother/friend/writer/Christian. But letting go of those ideals and just being who God intended for me to be has liberated me. I am free to just be me. Living in the truth and for God’s glory allows me to not only be myself, but it makes me brave. AND believing this truth allows me to be a better wife/teacher/future mother/friend/writer/Christian…naturally. Because all of those things are who I was called to be.

“I am who God says I am. My insecurities are quieter, my worries are lighter, and my heart is fuller because I know how God feels about me.” -Annie F. Downs (17)

God, tell me the truth of who I am. I’m listening. I want to be free from the lies–do that for me. Rescue me. Bring truth like a waterfall.