re-writing a logline

Collision Youth Ministry will soon be wrapping up our series on the popular movie, To Save a Life. Last night was particularly challenging and emotional as we looked at "loglines."  A logline is a film term for a line in a film that describes an entire film, scene, or character.  We all had a chance to write our own negative loglines and past them on our chest for the rest of the group to see.  After a teaching on Luke 19:1-10, we learned that Jesus has gifted us with re-writing our loglines, and allows us to join Him in re-writing the loglines of others.  Zacchaeus was a tax collector that everyone pretty much referred to as "sinner," yet Jesus called him a "son of Abraham."  He re-wrote Zacchaeus' story, and it changed his life.  We then taped a blank piece of paper to our backs for others to read our loglines, and then re-write them on our backs.  Some of the students wrote, "I don't like the way I look," or "I'm not good enough," or "I don't have what it takes to succeed."  I wrote, "I am constantly being laughed at."  It was inspiring to see the teens take advantage of a chance to write beautiful, true things about each other as the Spirit lead us in the truth of how God sees each of us.  My perspective for my negative logline was that I have had feelings as though I'm made fun of often, but to see how it was re-written was quite remarkable.  Some wrote: "cuz you kick butt," and others changed it to: "I am hilarious," or "like Rudolph, when people see me they fill up with joy and have to laugh HAPPILY."  The only other time I've been likened to Rudolph has been when an annoying zit appears on the end of my nose.  HA!  But the one that got me was:  "I am serious about important things and have changed many lives."  Knowing that people look at our imperfections and insecurities much different than us got me to thinking that I (we) am (are) my (our) own worst critic(s).  I am my own worst critic.  You are your own worst critic.  God doesn't look at your life and say, "you aren't good enough," or "you don't have what it takes," or "man, you musta fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down."  NO!  God looks at you and he says, "Look what I created!  Isn't he/she marvelous!" and "I'm so proud of you!" and "I love you."  
   The human condition has left us depraved, and the enemy wants to capitalize on that by telling us lies so that we'll live in fear and embarassment that will eventually turn into low self-esteem and depression--IF we choose to believe the lies.  We make the choice everyday of what we will believe about ourselves.  Do we choose to believe the lies of the enemy in the form of me, my own worst critic, or do we choose to believe what God's Word says about us?  
  I have recently finished Steven Furtick's book, Sun Stand Still, where he lists twelve audacious faith confessions that he says over his life.  I've printed them out and placed them on my wall.  This is what I choose to believe about myself and my life:

1.      1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation. 

 (Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 1:9)

2.    2. I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation.

(Joshua 10:12-14; John 14:12)

3.   3. I have no fear or anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart.

(Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7)

4.    4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.

(Exodus 3:9-12; Psalm 57:2; Colossians 1:24-29)

5.    5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do.

(Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:13)

6.     6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the way God sees me.

(Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 5:25-27)

7.     7. I am a faithful spouse and a godly parent-our family is blessed.

(Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 5:22-25; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

8.    8. I am completely whole-physically, mentally, and emotionally.

(Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 8:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24)

9.    9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God.

(Genesis 45:4-8; 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37-47)

10.     10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ. (Thessalonians 2:16-17; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-12)

11.      11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make.

(2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Proverbs 2:6; Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5)

12.    12. I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus’ name.

(Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3)

What will you choose to believe? 

My Re-written logline