Olive Branch Outreach

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"I started creating collages of models when I was in junior high. I wanted to be a model, but the boys just laughed at me. Looking at all those magazines, and TV shows like "Charlie's Angels" made me feel like I was supposed to look like them to be successful. The media increases that pressure to compare ourselves to these 'super models' and actresses. But Jesus said, 'And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth' (John 14:16,17)" -- Kimberly Davidson Our culture is image driven. The media tells us we should all be skinny, youthful and beautiful, regardless of what our genetics say. Many of us start believing these lies and begin to think that our value as a person is based on how close we come to this "perfect woman". Our culture is riddled with deception. It is everywhere - look at the outlandish advertising claims. Sometimes it is easy to see through the falsehood. Unfortunately, however, most deception is not quite so easy to detect. We can only begin to change when we change our thinking...when we recognize a LIE and the TRUTH. Eating disorders, addiction and self-abuse are not your identity. You have to see them as lies then start tearing them down and rebuild your mind with the real truth. In order to be completely free we must start replacing the lies with the truth, and that's got to be God's truth. We listen to music, read books and magazines, watch movies, listen to advice, and respond to advertisements without asking ourselves important questions like "What is the message here?" and "Is it really true?" "Am I being deceived by a way of thinking that is contrary to the Truth?" We cannot spend day after day in this world without it affecting our minds, our hearts, and our souls. They become unguarded. Our hearts start to shift away from God. And the ironic thing is the harder we work to become free, the more freedom we seem to lose. Most often we aren't even aware this is happening. We go about our business believing all is well, but deep down inside something feels wrong. David cried to God, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:2, my emphasis). His soul is conflicted. A major portion of understanding how our past influences the present is becoming aware of the three major influences in our lives and then learning how to resist them. Toxic thinking is influenced by three different, but related, ways: through the world, directly through Satan and his demons, and through our own flesh. These negative influences commonly work together to lead people away from God, negatively affecting our beliefs, thinking, and behavior. These are our Conflict Zones [click to read more]. Lies versus Truths -Lie: I am unlovable and unworthy. Truth: Your worth is in who God says you are. "But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do you not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" -- Luke 12:7 NKJV -Lie: I can never meet this standard. Truth: Regardless of whatever you do (fail to succeed), you will always be loved, completely accepted to God.

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