There is a children’s song that cautions us to be careful. To be careful about what we hear, say, see, walk, do…I’m sure you know it. It goes like this, “Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. For the Father up above is looking down in love. Oh, be careful little ears what you hear.” And the song goes on, changing out the words “ears” and “hear.”

It is important to be careful what we listen to. Most often we emphasize caution in choosing music, podcasts, comedians or whatever plays in your ear buds.

Today I want to caution you about listening to messages about YOU! What kinds of messages do you take in about who you are as a person? Do they affirm your worth and value? Remind you that you are enough just like you are?

As I worked out the other day, I contrasted what I was hearing with what I have heard in the past. You see, my best option for exercise is online. I don’t have work out studios close to me, I am not motivated by a room full of exercise machines and a Peloton isn’t in my future. An online workout meets my needs for movement at this stage of life.

As I listened to the instructor, I was so blessed. She didn’t scream or yell at me. I didn’t hear about beach bodies, six pack abs or, anything actually, about how my physical body appears on the outside. It was all about how I feel in the body I have been given. I was encouraged to honor where I am while at the same time invited to challenge myself to go deeper. She affirmed my beauty and reminded me I am enough – just like I am.

Today, I encourage you to evaluate the voices you give permission to speak into your life. Do they build you up? Encourage you to be your best? Do you feel affirmed and honored? Belittled and less than? Never enough?

Shut off the ones that don’t honor who you are as a child of God and turn up the ones that do!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11