God loves you as a good father loves his child. You can climb on His lap and tell Him everything. He sees your tears in the night and wants to help. Ask Him for what you need.

These verses from The Bible were used in writing the response to the Question of the Month:
Proverbs 23:7
II Corinthians 10:5,
Psalm 139:2
Psalm 94:19
Philippians 4:8

Past Questions of the Month:

Hope and Assurance

This website was created for those acquainted with mental illness and in need of hope and assurance.

Question of the Month

I feel sometimes that people think I’m stupid and don’t tell me out of politeness. I’m paranoid a lot and feel like everyone is talking about me sometimes.

What we feel others are saying and thinking about us is a reflection of how we see ourselves.

What we believe is what we look for and see and hear. Our perception of what is going on is determined by what is going on inside of us.

When we conclude that others see us as stupid, it is because we see ourselves as stupid. We assume others see us exactly how we see ourselves. We can’t trust others to see any good in us because we see so little good ourselves. Conversations are heard through ears muffled by guilt and self-ridicule. Situations are seen through eyes blurred by years of feeling inadequate and unworthy.

Maybe somewhere in our past, we remember people telling us, by their words and actions, that we weren’t good enough and that we didn’t do things right. And we believed them. Now as an adult, we may find ourselves depressed and suspicious of others.

How do we climb out of such a deep, dark pit? We stop rewinding the old tapes of childhood and beyond and refuse to play them over and over anymore. We throw out the debilitating messages and replace them with accurate and truthful statements that allow us to heal and grow strong.

Here is an example of an old message and a new, self- affirming message:

Old message – I am stupid.

New, self-affirming message – It’s OK to do or say stupid things. Everyone does it sometimes. That doesn’t make me stupid. It just makes me human. Here are some examples that show I am not stupid: I can use a computer and know how to navigate the internet. I can read an article and learn from it. I am aware that I have a problem and I am seeking answers. I am proud of myself for all that I can do and that I have the courage and humility to ask for help.

Our behavior and feelings originate with our thoughts. Changing automatic and old ways of thinking can be hard and takes time. You must practice and practice this new way of looking at yourself. Start little, if you must, just be sure to start. It will get easier and you will like how you feel.

Repeat one affirming statement many times during the day to help it get down inside of your being. Look in the mirror and say something good to yourself. State it with strong feeling and conviction even if you must pretend. Look yourself in the eyes and assert how God planned you before you were born and put you together in your mother’s womb. Remind yourself out loud that He made everything about you unique and one-of-a-kind and He has a purpose for your life that only you can fulfill. At the end of each day, praise yourself for something you did right. Keep at it day after day and you will begin to feel kinder and more accepting of yourself. Wrap your arms around yourself and love that child who never knew that it is wonderful to be you.

Contact

Hope and Assurance
P.O. Box 3041
Jonesboro, AR 72403-3041

carolyn@hopeandassurance.com