Are you afraid of being a disappointment?

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” - Proverbs 18:21

The words that were spoken (or left unspoken) in your childhood have a way of etching themselves into your soul, shaping the way you see yourself and others.

If you grew up with a critical mom or dad, you might have a persistent fear of being a disappointment.

As your own harshest critic, you may struggle with anger, lashing out at those closest to you and then drowning in waves of guilt and shame. 

This pattern of “rage, rinse, repeat” can feel like an inescapable inheritance.

But there is hope for breaking free. In Christ, you are not defined by your earthly parents’ words or actions but by your identity as a beloved child of God.

As you seek Jesus and focus on reclaiming your true identity in Christ, you’ll begin to become more like Him. You’ll begin leaving that little negative voice behind and begin hearing His loving voice. Instead of lashing out from your insecurities, you’ll begin to lead with love and grace. The same love and grace you receive from Him every day. 

You’ll begin to define yourself not by the echoes of the past but by the truth of who you are in Christ. 

What words from your past still echo in your heart? How do these shape your habits and emotional patterns today? 

Spend some time with Jesus today. What words do you hear Him saying to those who are seeking Him? Listen to His words. What is He saying to you?