The lie That sometimes i still believe

The Lie That Sometimes I Still Believe

It was May of 2003, my best friend Rachel and I were practicing our hearts out for cheerleading tryouts. The tryouts were so close and all I could do was tell myself “Girl, you have got this”.  My dad and I were running a mile every morning and I was stretching and practicing my jumps every day. Rachel and I would critique each other on what we needed to do better. Rachel kept telling me I needed more sassyness. I tried being fierce!  Rachel and I could not wait for tryouts! We talked about how we as best friends were going to be on this team and have the best year ever! I had always dreamed of being a cheerleader, who was popular, pretty and great friends!

Auditions came, I ran the mile  and in my opinion aced the routine. I got  “lucky number 23” and  I knew my name would be called out for one that made the team! As Rachel and I sat arm and arm they called her number and she jumped up so excited. She came back and sat down by me. She said “ Girl, your next I know it!!!”  They called out name after name and then announced all of the girls had been selected. I was stunned did I really just not make the team!!! This could not be happening.  My dreams of being a popular cheerleader shattered right before my eyes.  We walked to the car and my mom was there waiting. She asked “Did you make it?”  and I opened the van door and said nothing. As she drove she found out Rachel had made it and I had not.  She encouraged me that this was not the end of the world and my high school years would still be fine.  She just did not get it! I want to FIT IN!! I want to be accepted by everyone and cheereading was my answer!

That year, I made friends with some of the most genuine people. Rachel and I slowly drifted but the desire to fit in was still there.  I tried out the next year and made the Varsity squad.  The squad was full of girls who were filled with superficial and who tore me down. I left my genuine friends behind and did whatever it took to fit in. I changed myself to fit the mold of the girls.  I bought into the lie that I had to change who I was to be accepted. That mindset carried into college and I sometimes still struggle with it now. I am tempted the most by trying to please others and change who I am to meet their expectations.  I think back to high school and know now cheerleading and being popular would not solve my problems. The only thing that will solve my problems is knowing where I find my identity. I need to find my identity in Christ.  God has a plan and purpose for me and who I am.  He has made me to be HIS!

Girlfriend, know he has made you to be HIS as well. Know that you are designed for a reason and a purpose. Don’t buy into the lie that you have to be popular or act a certain way. Scripture says in Psalm 100:3 ESV “Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” We are the Lord’s children. Take hope that you are God’s child. Your identity should only be found in him and not the world.  I challenge you girl to think about what is keeping you from what God is wanting for you? Is it identity, people pleasing, self-worth, a boy? Whatever it is lay it at God’s feet and let him fill your life. I promise knowing what I know now the only thing that truly matters most is that you are God’s!

Written by: Rebeccah