The Post-It Wall Didn't Work and I Think I Always Knew It
Updated: Oct 5
I built a wall of affirmations. Literally. Post-it notes across the mirror, the closet door, anywhere I would see them first thing in the morning.
I read them every day. Some days they helped. Most days they were words I had learned to scan without really receiving. And underneath the wall, the thoughts I was trying to counteract were still there — quieter sometimes, but not gone.
I told myself I was doing the work. But the work was not working. And somewhere in the back of my mind I think I always knew it.
What I have learned since is this: after you take a thought captive, call the lie out loud. Yes — out loud. Do not replay it. Do not rehearse it. Do not try to trace its origin. We already know where lies come from. Your assignment is not investigation — it is identification. Call it what it is. And then speak the truth.
Lies Lose Power When They're Confronted
When I think about the difference between Eve's interaction with the serpent in the garden and Jesus' interaction with him in the wilderness, the contrast is striking. Both were tempted. Both heard the enemy's voice. But they responded differently. Eve believed the lie — and sin followed. Jesus confronted the lie with truth — and the serpent fled.
"The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:3–4 NIV
Jesus did not debate. He did not defend Himself. He did not internalize the accusation. He spoke the Word.
Authority Comes From Who You Know
This has me thinking about authority. We do not have authority because we are strong enough, disciplined enough, or self-aware enough. We have authority because of who we know. The Lord has given us authority through His Word. Believe it. Apply it. Especially in the uncomfortable places — the shame-filled thoughts, the selfish thoughts, the low-hanging thoughts that feel easier to agree with than confront.
When Self-Help Wasn't Enough
There was a season when I built entire post-it walls filled with affirmations. I created practices for my insecurities and doubts. And while there was nothing wrong with the wall — it did not draw me closer to God. It subtly taught me that I could handle this on my own. I was not sitting in the Word. I was not asking God what He said. I was not capturing every thought — I was managing them.
Then I tried staying busy. I filled my days with projects to complete and people to entertain. In the moment it felt productive. Sometimes it even felt holy — especially when I told myself it was part of my ministry assignment. But the truth was simple and sobering: I was struggling in my mind. And nothing worked until I applied His Word. Not adding to it. Not taking away from it. Just doing what it says.
Freedom Is Already Available
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 NIV
What a way to live. What a Lord we have — One who accounted for every thought we would face and still gave us a solution. Stop giving lies your time. Stop giving them space to settle. His Word is sufficient. It always has been. We are simply learning to trust it.
The next time you are bombarded by lies, remember this: His body was broken for you. He came so that you might be set free. And freedom begins the moment truth is spoken.
That is the Whole Loaf.
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With love and grace, Kay
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