Compassionate Love: Displaying Compassion for Those Who Struggle with Mental Illness (c)2019 Nancy Virden, Always The Fight Ministries
Some baggage from messages learned in childhood is severely heavy, others less. Even the kindest parents were imperfect. In our childish minds, we may have misinterpreted what was meant to be helpful.
Society failed to teach us emotional safety or the truth about the inherent value of human life. The church failed to present a pure gospel devoid of man-made rules. Other individuals disappointed us in myriad ways because this is a fallen world.
Regardless of the source or reason, some negative messages became false core beliefs.
Message: “You never get anything right”
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Experience: You make a mistake
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Repetitious self-talk: “I knew it. I never get anything right.”
A belief starts with a message. Experience has to back it up whether it is only our perception or reality. Then we have to repeat the message to ourselves. That is how a belief starts; otherwise, the message remains only a thought.
These beliefs, often buried deep inside and out of sight, strongly affect our decisions. Meanwhile, we are responsible for what we do with what we have been given and taught.
6 steps to overcoming false, negative core beliefs
1. Ask, “What do I believe about myself that is negative?” Write it down.
2. Question the messages. “Were they true?” Reconsider using terms like “always” or “never”. If you believe you never do anything right, look about you and write down all you have accomplished in the last 48 hours. No matter how small you think the accomplishment, it is evidence to the contrary of “never”.
In the case of any belief, evidence will crumble on the false side. It may feel more comfortable to stick to familiar beliefs. That does not make them true.
3. List all the evidence that defies negative beliefs about yourself.
4. Ask, “Do I know who taught me these negative messages?” Y/N Name them.
5. Question the messengers. Are they mature and responsible? Are they liars? Narcissistic? Are they emotionally capable of realistic insight? Maybe they are repeating unchallenged false, negative core beliefs of their own.
What if they were wrong? That changes everything, doesn’t it?
6. I invite you to find God’s evidence of the truth about you. In the Bible are many passages proclaiming his unending love, and the sacrifices he made to have YOU with him forever if you will so choose.
Today’s Helpful Word
Proverbs 20:5
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.”
***** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental and behavioral health challenges. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.
Always the Fight 