Conversations With Myself

I’ve heard it said that the words we speak hold immense power, and there’s a verse in Proverbs that sums this up perfectly: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). I have experienced firsthand the weight of these words, especially in conversations I have with myself. Sometimes, when no one else is around to encourage me, I’ve had to learn to speak life into myself. It’s not easy—especially when the negative voices in my head seem so loud—but it’s vital.

For a long time, my struggle with identity and self-image made these conversations harsh and critical. Breaking the habit of speaking negatively about myself has been a long, challenging journey. I used to dwell on my flaws and failures, repeating those lies until they became my reality. But as Proverbs says, those words have power. When I believed those negative things, they shaped the way I saw myself and how I lived my life.

To change this, I had to develop a new habit: speaking God’s truth over myself. Now, every time I catch myself saying something untrue or unkind, I combat it by declaring God’s promises and truths to myself ten times over. It’s not just about empty positive affirmations; it’s about grounding myself in the reality of who God says I am. I remind myself that I am a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image.

A poem that has deeply influenced me in this journey is “New Name” by Hosanna Wong. Her words speak to those of us struggling with identity and self-worth. She says, “You are the names you answer to.” That line hits home because it reminds me that the labels I accept as my identity will define how I see myself. But the good news is that we don’t have to answer to the lies the world or the enemy throws at us. We have a new name, a new identity, as children of God.

For anyone struggling with similar thoughts, I highly recommend listening to Hosanna Wong’s “New Name.” It’s a reminder that while unlearning the lies we’ve believed our whole lives takes time, it’s possible. Just as it took years to let those false beliefs take root, it will take time to uproot them and plant God’s truths in their place.

Speaking life over yourself is an act of faith. It’s trusting that God’s word is more powerful than our doubts, our fears, and our past mistakes. It’s acknowledging that our words can shape our lives. So, when I find myself in a place of doubt, I turn to the Word, I listen to those Godly truths, and I speak them over my life until they become louder than the lies. It’s a slow process, but every time I choose to speak life, I am choosing to walk in the identity God has given me. And that, I believe, is a victory worth fighting for.

So, whether you’re just beginning this journey or are deep in the struggle, remember: your words hold power. Speak life. Speak truth. And when it feels like the lies are winning, remind yourself of the new name God has given you. You are loved. You are chosen. You are His.