By Alison Feinauer
“Mom, will you pay me to lose weight? Grant’s mom is paying him $10.00 for every pound he loses.” All of this from my 9 year old. My heart froze.
As I sat and thought about this, I was perplexed. After talking with my son, to him it was more about the money. He didn’t really want to lose weight. But still. . . I started this yo-yo not too long after 9 years old and, if I’m honest, one of my fears has been that my son will have to fight some of the same self-worth battles that run throughout my family.
What Roots of Identity can I plant deep in him now? I’m currently at 40 years old, digging up ground so they can be buried deep within me.
- I am enough. ~2 Corinthians 12:9.
- I am made perfectly. ~Psalm 139:14.
- I am His. ~1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
- My body is made exactly how He created me to be. ~Zephaniah 3:17.
- I can make healthy choices. ~Philippians 4:8.
- God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. ~1 Timothy 1:7.
- I am confident. ~Philippians 4:13.
- I am worthy. ~Ephesians 2:10.
- I am chosen. ~1 Peter 2:9.
- I am loved with an everlasting love. ~ Jeremiah 31:3. ~Romans 8:38-39.
- I am known. ~1 Peter 3:4.
- I am not a slave to fear, but I’m a child of God. ~1 John 3:1.
- I’m free. ~2 Corinthians 3:17.
- My God supplies all my needs. ~Exodus 14:14.
- I am forgiven. ~Psalm 103:12.
- I am royalty, an heir. ~1 John 3:1.
- I have purpose. ~Colossians 3:23.
If I believe these things at my core, and if these are my roots in Jesus, then my self-worth is defined by what my Father says about me. PERIOD. And nothing else.
Write down your “I am” statements. Post them everywhere, and read them daily. Ask Jesus to remove old roots that aren’t true, and replace them with the identity He alone can give you and help you to believe in your core.
Jesus, we want to love ourselves the way you love and see us. Please remove self-hatred, insecurity, and self-rejection. Please replace it with confidence, trust, and courage to believe what you say about us, your beloved daughters. This is work that we need your help to complete. We give you permission and invite your Holy Spirit to move at your pace in us. We love and trust you, Amen.
“What is man that you would even think about him, or care about Adam’s race. You made him lower than the angels for a little while. You placed your glory and honor upon his head as a crown. And you have given him dominion over the works of your hands. For you have placed everything under his authority” (Hebrews 2:6-8).
“My dearest one, let me tell you how I see you— you are so thrilling to me. To gaze upon you is like looking at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses— a strong, regal steed pulling his royal chariot. Your tender cheeks are aglow—your earrings and gem-laden necklaces set them ablaze. We will enhance your beauty, encircling you with our golden reins of love. You will be marked with our redeeming grace” (Song of Songs 1:9-11 TPT).
