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Not Defined By The Past

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Friend, you are worth so much more than what you’ve done. Whatever is in the past is behind—unchangeable. Yes, there may be some shame you need to overcome. Yes, you might need to dig deep and learn something from your personal history. But be defined by it, like a name tag on your sweater?

No way.

Our mistakes help us become who we are, but they do not define who we are. Mistakes from our past do not have to be pervasive in our lives—if we’ve lied, we don’t need to be liars; and if we’ve stolen we don’t need to be thieves.

We are women, made in the image of God. And each of us is created uniquely to love, be loved, and reflect that glorious image. So if this message speaks to you today, I say let it go. Turn to the One who made you the beauty that you are, and invite him to help you overcome the past. Refuse to be defined by your old actions, and instead choose to make new ones with the knowledge you have now.

When have you let your mistakes define you? How did you overcome that false identity and learn to be someone new?

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