DISCUSSION TOPIC: WHEN TEMPTED WITH AN EASY LIE, WHY CHOOSE TRUTH- PART 2

MINDSET MAKEOVER MONDAY 8-12-24

DISCUSSION TOPIC: WHEN TEMPTED WITH AN EASY LIE, WHY CHOOSE TRUTH - PART 2

It’s critical to embrace TRUTH immediately to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of lies and deceptions. With every triggering event, there’s a lie somewhere in your mental storage bank, waiting to respond accordingly. A measure of truth may or may not be present. CHOOSE TRUTH IMMEDIATELY!

 

STORY: FEAR, LIES AND FLEEING FROM FATE

*Chyle, let me spin you a tale 'bout the perils of choosing a lie over the Truth!**

Picture this: A younger me, standing at the crossroads of honesty and deceit. Ah, the allure of the easy way out—lies and trickery. Little did I know those tiny seeds of deception would sprout into a forest of fear, strangling my confidence and whispering doubts about my true potential.

Fast forward a few decades, and there I was, feeling the weight of all those missed opportunities because I let fear squat in my mind rent-free.  One area that fear had on lockdown. Me accepting my call into ministry. Oh honey, I tried so hard to slam that door shut, even hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on it. But destiny? She’s got a sense of humor.

Despite my resistance, I found myself ministering to people all the time, praying, comforting, and encouraging them not to give up. Yet, the thought of a religious title? Not for me. Back then, my grasp on spiritual relationships was about as deep as a puddle.

Then, twenty years later, (TWENTY YEARS!!), I found myself in this ministry that had a little secret up its sleeve: training the congregation for their ministerial calling. Yikes! Every woman had to teach a women’s ministry class, then graduate to delivering the main Women’s Ministry message, and eventually teach the whole church. Talk about baptism by fire!

There was a catch though—mandatory attendance at services three times a week, especially in the months leading up to your debut. I thought being the new kid on the block would get me a pass. Nope! The Pastor’s wife slapped a date on my calendar a month out. Mortified, fear gripped me tighter than my Spanx on Thanksgiving.

So, what did I do? The only logical thing, of course—ghosted church for a month. Sent the kids with my husband and dodged the Pastor’s calls like a ninja. I figured, no attendance, no speech. Problem solved! Ha! As if.

Avoiding it only kept me stuck. Fear won that round yet again. But don’t you worry, because I came back swinging the next month and was handed another date to minister. And guess what? Dependence on God’s anointing empowered me to show up and show out.

 

Grateful for that ministry’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s power, I learned to draw strength from within, to face and challenge fear head-on. Fear didn’t vanish, but I learned to stare it down, embrace the truth, and shout, “I am an OVERCOMER!”

 

So, next time fear tries to steal your shine, remember you’ve got the power, the truth, and a little humor to boot. Go on, embrace your calling and let your light shine!

 

Limiting Belief:

  • Believing that fear and avoidance are necessary to manage challenges.

 

Mindset:

  • Fear-driven - leading to avoidance and stagnation.

  • Lack of confidence, relying on tricks and gimmicks.

  • Reluctance to embrace growth and new responsibilities.

 

Outcome:

I overcame stagnation by embracing my ministerial role and gained strength and confidence through my ministry's training and teachings. This transformation allowed me to confront my fears and grow spiritually and personally.

Close:

Now, I continuously challenge fear even when my knees are shaking, using it as a catalyst for growth and inspiring others with my story of empowerment. Embracing my true potential, I live boldly and encourage others to do the same.

 

Karen Stampley