As far as I’m concerned, sticky notes were a divine invention.
Any struggle starts in the mind. Our own brains are often our biggest enemies, fueling anxiety, bitterness, anger, insecurity, you name it. It's easy to get trapped in our own heads. Even if we know it is a lie, it is inescapable, and it can feel easier to give in than to fight it.
That’s why I love sticky notes, especially on my monitor when I’m working.
They give me words to replace the lies.
They are active reminders of what the Bible says about me, my life, those around me, whatever lie I'm fighting against, reminding me what is true, right, pure, lovely, worthy.
Because if we don't correct negative thought patterns, they become our reality.
"I was a nobody back in Cartier City, and I couldn’t accept that. So now, I’m nothing. I think I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Then you haven’t been listening!...You exist, therefore, you are worthy of life...You tell yourself that every day until you believe it."
(From Chapter 54 of The Betrayal of Eden)
The way we think about ourselves, our work, our lives, affects more than just our passing thoughts. It comes out in our words, in what we write, in the things we say about other people. What would people think if you talked about them the way you talk about yourself?
Your writing sucks.
Investing in yourself is a waste.
No one cares.
You aren't good enough.
Taking your thoughts captive, replacing them with what God says is true, changes not only your perspective on yourself, but your perspective on everything.
Here are the quotes are on my monitor right now:
“Be faithful in the ordinary” —Wade Joy
“You don’t need to scream; be an echo” —Matthew Henry
“Shine a light so lovely that others will want to know the source” —Madeleine L’Engle
“I can be braver than I feel I am because God is calling me to be more than I am” —Madeleine L’Engle
“I was made for another word” —C. S. Lewis