What Choice Do I Have?

It's just who I am.

A statement we hear often from people who likely see no hope for freedom from whatever it is that burdens them.

Without the promises of God in Scripture, one may never believe there's hope, but always seek methods and formulas to at least tame the beast that torments them. Behavior modification, like many diets, relieves the weight of the problem for a while. But loosen the boundaries built by denial, and the weight returns--often with extra pounds.

As Christ-followers and students of God's word, we have access to something that promises a different reality. A treasure that carries into eternity.

True freedom.

In Genesis, competition and envy entered the scene with the evidence of history's first murder. Cain's jealousy over Abel's apparent favored position with God was a poison that infected Cain's heart. Before the story is finished, Cain drew Abel into the field and struck him down, then buried him.

But before his anger led him to murder, the LORD spoke to him: "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Genesis 4:6-7 NKJV).

Cain was being offered an opportunity to recognize the danger of being led by his emotions--a door to escape. In the next verse, we are told his choice. Murder. And then denial of the crime, as if the LORD couldn't see what happened.

It is conceivable to think Cain fully believed he had no choice, as it is also likely his grandson, Lamech, believed he had no choice when he took the life of another, saying it was because a young man wounded him (Genesis 4:19-24).

And on the story goes. Genesis through Revelation, insult - injury. It's who we are. What choice do we have? Offense deserves repercussions. Seed and harvest. Eye for an eye. It's not my fault. I had no choice.

IF it's true, then why did God tell Cain he needed to rule over it? Is it possible we are missing something?

In and of ourselves, we are born into sin, mired in clay, unable to save our own souls from the fires of hell. It is a slippery slope when we begin to accept that this is our lot in life and we should just follow the course our deceitful hearts guide us on.

Genesis 3:14-15 promises One will come and will "bruise his head" (v. 15). In Matthew, Jesus comes on scene, offering a way out. He would extend a hand of healing with the words, "sin no more," as if saying, "You do have a choice" (John 8:11). Romans 6, Galatians 5, Colossians, Revelation, and likely other places not listed, exhort the Christ-follower to live in the freedom won by Jesus.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

 So if in Christ, a choice is given and freedom is available, the answer is plain.

What choice do I have?

When life feels heavy and the clouds hide the sun. Choose joy.

When friends ghost you and acquaintances don't understand. Or the stranger offends you. Choose forgiveness.

When your heart is broken and you don't know where to turn. Choose trust. There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He has promised never to leave. Never will he forsake you. He alone is worthy of all of your trust. Men/Women will inevitably fail. Trust the Lord with your heart, your life, and all that comes with it.

It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Until next time. 

Karlene J 💝

Mirror Image

 

Mirror Reflections Google Images

Satan's Lies

Look in the mirror. Who do you see? What would be your 1-word description?

Do any of the following mean anything? Unwanted. Uninvited. Substitute. Unwelcome. 

No? Great. God has blessed you with confidence and acceptance in your life. And that's wonderful.

However, in the article, Global Crisis of Self-Esteem: An Epidemic Affecting Humanity, approximately 85% of adults suffer from low self-worth, affecting perception, values, and abilities. A person might be incredibly gifted, but if their self-perception is suffering, they will likely brush off their ability to create as not that big a deal and never realize the potential their special abilities might await them (Enhance Healing, Henshaw, 2025).

Scripture tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7a) and also, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits" (Proverbs 18:21).

Struggles with that person in the mirror don't begin at birth. They are fostered over time, seemingly reinforced by others' responses and reactions to situations that deepen the wound. Each time the mirror image is faced, there is a little more distortion until one day, it is viewed with disdain and condemnation.

For some, this is remedied by intentional positive self-talk. For some, positive self-talk is merely behavior modification, but doesn't change the way their heart perceives them. This group of people will need to dig around to find the root cause of their faulty belief system. This person may love God but doubt His love fully. They may hear words of affirmation, cling to them, and as the words fade into memory, find themselves battling the same insecurities they grew up with.

For example, there was a girl who in Kindergarten was teased by other girls in the school bathroom because she was wearing glasses. A few years later, perhaps at 8 years old, she befriended the neighbor across the street. Days later, the friend met this girl at the door, refusing to welcome her in, saying, "My best friend and I had a fight. We're back together again, so we don't need you." The girl walked back home, heartbroken. Message received. Uninvited.

God's TRUTH

Years passed, and the girl grew into a young woman. At 21 years of age, she paid her best friend's family a visit at the funeral home where her friend's body was on display. Anyone who would come in contact with the young woman would let her know they were sorry, but their circle of friends was full. Uninvited. 

More years rolled by, until one day the woman realized she had many friendly encounters but sadly no close friends. She didn't trust ... even God's friendship. His words to her were true, but how deep did they go? If she truly fell into His arms, would he catch her, or let her know He's too busy caring for his other precious children?

The woman had a decision to make. Trust or continue to hold her King at arm's length? Take the risk, or play it safe and miss out on something truly beautiful and full of wonder?

The choice is easy. The execution of that decision, not so much.

Sometimes it is important to go back to that initial wound and tell that little girl, "It's okay. You are beautiful." Forgive the other girls who, at 5, had no idea what they were doing. And move on to the next one. Tell the 8-year-old she's got a fantastic friend in Jesus who will never turn His back on her. Tell her she's wanted. Hold the 21-year-old until the tears run dry and let her know she's got someone to talk to about her dreams and aspirations. She's not alone.

Jesus holds out His hand to his daughters every day. He longs to carry the burdens and strengthen His daughters. He told his disciples, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

The Bible is filled with truths of God's thoughts towards His creation. What would happen if His daughters began to stand on these words and believed Him? At the end of the day, there is only One who can turn the broken-hearted into joy-filled kingdom women.

Together, let's step into His cleansing words of Truth. 💕 And one day, the mirror image perception will fall into line with God's word. All for His glory!

Until next time, Karlene J 💝