A Pack of Lies by Catherine Weiskopf
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
When I was nine, Sister Mary Edwards stood in front of my small Catholic classroom and threatened that if anyone cursed me that was the devil’s invitation to take over my body. A nun said it. She was a representative of God therefore this was the truth.
For months I lay awake at night worried that Dave K. had cursed me, without me knowing, and the devil, having his invite, had already packed the U-Haul and was on his way.
Recently, I completed a week-long study about truth and realized that although I don’t have a problem with lying, I do have a huge problem with the truth. It’s not an issue with what comes out of my mouth, it’s an issue with what I allow to go into my heart and soul and become my foundation. I have a problem accepting lies as the truth.
I was a gullible child so in addition to accepting what the nun said as truth the list continues:
A couple of boys made fun of me tirelessly in junior high. Making references to my unattractiveness and tall skinny height. Their truth, that I was not beautiful, became my truth.
One day my grandfather said, “Your sister gets more presents than you because she’s friendlier.” I heard his words, translated it into your sister is more loveable, and bronzed his saying in my heart.
When I was in college I experimented with hallucinogenic. During a bad “trip” I experienced the universe as empty and meaningless. I felt it therefore it was truth.
I took all these truths deep into my self and laid them down near my foundation. Though I struggled with them, I never completely rooted them out.
I believed Sister Mary Edwards that the devil was powerful.
I believed two thirteen year old boys telling me I was ugly.
I believed my grandfather that I was less lovable,
And during hard days I believed my feeling that the universe was empty.
Recently while doing some guided imagery, my therapist asked me to imagine Jesus in the scene with Sister Mary Edwards. Seeing Jesus at the front of the class standing next to the nun I saw the anger on His face. It was then I realized how many lies I had accepted as truth.
The truth is there is nothing to fear including the devil. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10)
The truth is God thinks I’m beautiful. He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The truth is I am precious and lovable. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14)
The truth is God created this abundant universe. I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. (Isaiah 45:12.)
These truths are replacing the old lies at my foundation.
What pack of lies have you accepted as truth? Whatever they are, vow to never again believe the opinions of others, or your feelings, over the truth given to you by God, because the truth does set you free!!