The take back

 I’m so glad you loved it! Here’s the updated devotional with scripture, reflection points, and a closing prayer, while keeping your original voice and flow intact:

Time to Take Back My Life

As I approached 53, I found myself reflecting on this decade—my 50s. I had high hopes for this chapter. I wanted it to be the one where I finally found me—the real, true me.

It’s been a process, and this year, I heard the Lord whisper something simple but profound:
“Build you. Let Me handle the others. Put yourself first.”

It sounded freeing, even exciting… but also a bit terrifying. How do you untangle years of false hope, responsibility, and control to truly put yourself first—especially when you’ve been the one holding everyone else together for 35 years?

The truth is, I do trust God. I’ve watched Him work miracles time and time again. And He reminded me—I’m not the glue. He is.
But if I’m honest?
I might be part of the problem.
That overwhelming sense of false responsibility and control? It creates chaos. (A story for another day.)

All my life, I was told to lose weight, be quiet, stay small.
I was a big kid—not just heavy, but tall, strong. I constantly heard, “Don’t hit him, you’ll hurt him,” even as I was being pummeled by my brother and neighborhood kids.
I learned early on to shrink myself. I was taught—by actions and words—that everyone else mattered more.

So, for decades, I lived like a victim. I wore the identity of less-than, tangled up in beliefs that weren’t true. But now? Now, I’m doing the hard work. I’m untangling, unlearning, and replacing all the faulty coding in my mind, body, and soul.

Freedom isn’t just a moment—it’s a process.
It’s deep. Layered. Lifelong.
And it has to touch every part of you. Leave one part out, and the healing won’t stick.

This year, as God led me, I started doing for me what I’ve done for others for years in coaching and counseling.
I’ve taken back my power.
I’ve given myself permission to grow.
I’ve said yes to building me.

Now, maybe all this doesn’t fully make sense to you… or maybe, just maybe, it stirs something in your spirit.
If so, I’d gently ask you to pause and consider:

What’s really holding you back?

And be honest—
Could it be… you?

If you’re ready to explore that, I’d love to hold space for you.
Let’s talk. 🌿

Scripture

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
—Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Reflection Points

  • What lies or labels have I been carrying that God never placed on me?

  • Have I been holding everything (and everyone) together in my own strength?

  • What does “building me” look like in this season—and am I willing to let God lead the process?

Prayer

Father,
Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I’ve forgotten who I am. I invite You into the hidden parts of my heart that have been shaped by pain, false responsibility, and fear.
Help me untangle the lies I’ve believed for too long.
Remind me that You are the glue, not me—and that I don’t have to carry what was never mine.
Give me courage to build what You’ve called me to build in this season: me.
Let my transformation reflect Your glory and bring freedom to others, too.


In Jesus’ name, Amen

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