Capable

Know Your Enemy

October 9, 2019 By Juleeta Leave a Comment

James Pond @unsplash nailed this photo. Crushing the Lego Enemy!

Have you ever looked at a magazine cover, and suddenly you felt not thin enough? Not curvy enough? Like your hair wasn’t thick enough or the right color?

Does that magazine model look “just so perfect” that it makes you second guess your beauty?

Well, that’s exactly what the magazine cover is supposed to do. The words and images work together to convince you: Buy this magazine, you will FINALLY know the secrets to becoming beautiful.

Satan attempts to scheme in these moments. He whispers to you, You need this magazine. Or this hair product. And these shoes.
…..
Methodeias is the Greek word Paul uses for “schemes” in Ephesians 6:10- Methodeias refers to a large scale, systematic plan. A project. A game-plan.

His schemes are organized, and they feed on our insecurities.

But if you know that Satan is scheming when that insecurity starts to rise up in you, you can identify what is happening. You have a good chance at STANDING against the schemes of the devil if [Read more…] about Know Your Enemy

Holding Hands With Your People

October 2, 2019 By Juleeta Leave a Comment

This image invites sunset to highlight friendship and unity. Taken by Noorul Abdeen @unsplash.

“Red Rover, Red Rover, let Ruthie come over!” your team yells in unison. Half a second later, here comes Ruthie.

She is running with that fierce look in her eyes, her arms pumping fast, as she makes her way toward you and your Red Rover neighbor. The two of you are each other’s only defense.

One of two things is about to happen. Either you and your friend’s hands will stay locked, your arms stiffened with strength, and Ruthie will not break your barrier.Or one of you will exhaust your grip strength, your hands sweaty and tired, and Ruthie will break through to the other side. You will lose your footing and your body will give way.

Messages about your identity, specifically what you believe about your God-given body, are running toward you everyday. Most of the hurtful, negative messages are based on lies.

Hold hands with people who believe God’s truth about you! Keep them close. When twisted and tricky messages threaten to weaken you, “your people” will help you stand. At the very least, they will not let you fall alone.

Young Woman, You Are Strong

September 12, 2019 By Juleeta Leave a Comment

Here, Anne Frank is 12 years old. It is one of my favorite photos of her because it captures her innocence and her strength.

“I know that I’m a woman, a woman with inward strength and plenty of courage.” -Anne Frank

In 1942, Holland’s Jewish community sought refuge from the Nazis. Most “hid” in their own homes, including Anne Frank and her family. Three months before their capture, she recorded these words in her diary. She was almost 13.

Today our culture shies away from naming a female, who is 13 or 15 or 17, a woman. And yet Anne saw herself as a woman as she neared 13 years old.

I wonder if naming ourselves “women” somehow solidifies the strength we think we are capable of. Strength to lift heavy weight. Strength to help those who are weaker than ourselves. Strength to turn away [Read more…] about Young Woman, You Are Strong