Ever felt stuck in a loop between mediocrity and greatness? Your journal entries are the same as two years ago: "I will take control of my life today! No more messing around!" Only to write the same entry 3 weeks later.

It's as if there is a government chip in our brain keeping us from passing 100 mph. We can't seem to break the speed limit and reach our max potential.

I know this feeling all too well. That "government chip" holding me back was my past trauma. Only because I allowed it to.

Did you know that over 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives? Satan has wrecked 70% of people’s identity, confidence, and security.

In this newsletter, I’m going to share what helped me turn those open wounds into scars: from pain to healing, from survivor to thriver, from victim to victor.

Unmasking The Illusion: From Self-Limiting Beliefs to Biblical Truths

Throughout childhood, Satan tries shattering our identity, making it nearly impossible to believe we’re worthy of love and a life to the full.

I was quick to normalize my trauma or paint it gold. I didn't think it was worth exploring because it wasn't as bad as other people's. But trauma is trauma. It’s never not serious. When we paint our trauma gold, we don’t take the action needed to overcome it. We simply learn to live with it.

Without realizing it, this dark cloud hanging over you can quietly shape your beliefs and behavior. You become convinced this is just who you are. You feel that Jesus has helped you accept it, but i'm here to tell you he's there to help you conquer it.

These self-limiting beliefs will hold us back from pursuing our dreams, forming healthy relationships, and living a life of joy and peace.

These reinforced lies can quickly become our reality until we replace them with God's truth.

I had a few traumatic experiences that shaped how I viewed myself. I slowly accepted this limited perception. The idea of transforming into something greater felt like a pipe dream. So I settled for Zoar just to justify why I shouldn’t head to the mountains. There was sexual abuse, an absent father during my youth, and an abusive father figure during my teenage years.

I chalked up my recent behaviors to, "It’s just because I didn’t have my father around when I was younger." Although true, it was much deeper than that.

I’m so grateful for a brother who encouraged me to see my trauma as something serious. It wasn’t until I saw his concern that I considered a way out. My shame and guilt turned into righteous anger and motivation to break free.

I finally accepted that I was playing the victim, and not living as "more than a conqueror" through the love of Christ.

So I started to "Godifest" (taking the "man" out of "manifest") to let God truly manifest this newfound identity.

"Godifesting": My Blueprint for Reclaiming My Life

Here’s how to overcome those self-limiting beliefs and reprogram your mind to align with God’s truth:

Romans 12:2 (CSB): "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

By reinforcing biblical truths, we can transform our self-perception and unlock our full potential.

It’s time to replace those self-limiting lies with positive affirmations and God’s Word.

Studies show visualization has noticeable benefits. It activates the same neural pathways as actual experiences, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, which boost mood and motivation.

The way you talk about and view yourself has impact on your actions.

Consider Proverbs 23:7 and this quote:

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." — Proverbs 23:7

"Fake it till you become it" — Manifest by Roxie Nafousi

Visualization is essentially prayer without God, but as a disciple, I incorporate God’s Word, calling it "Godifesting."

Once I started doing this for five minutes every morning, it drastically changed my life.

You can see below how my performance changed the day I started visualization:

Here’s how I reclaimed my life:

Note: Some traumatic experiences may be too difficult to explore alone. Consider seeking a mature spiritual mentor or therapist for support.

1. Journal Your Trauma

1. Write down every traumatic experience you can remember, event by event. It doesn't need to be in order.

2. What happened? How did it make you feel?

Example: "One day you showed up to high school in this cool new style you found. You loved it, but everyone was laughing at you and making jokes about you. It got so bad that even your girlfriend broke up with you that day because of it."

2. Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

1. For each event, ask yourself: What fears and insecurities came from this?

Example: "Are you now afraid to explore different styles? Do you fear that if you wear something new, you might lose people close to you?"

3. Replace With Positive Affirmations

1. Replace each self-limiting belief with a powerful, positive affirmation.

Example: "I am free to wear and explore whatever I want, as long as it makes me feel confident and joyful!"

4. Reinforce With Scripture

1. Ground your thoughts and meditations in biblical truths.

Galatians 5:1 (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."

This process didn’t happen overnight. The shift began in October, but because of traveling, I didn’t fully grip the reins of my life until January. Take your time. This is something you don't want to rush. We need to close those doors for good. Be strong enough to visit them time to time with confidence.

After doing this, I acknowledged how Satan had destroyed my identity, and I needed to replace that distorted view with how God sees me.

Seeing myself in this new light, I acted, spoke, and even walked differently.

My identity was no longer in the hands of my past or any other person. It was truly in God’s hands alone.

Summary

Trauma doesn’t define you; it can be a catalyst for transformation. By using the "Godifesting" process, you can unlock your full potential and reclaim your life.

Take the first step today. Journal your first traumatic experience and watch how it transforms your life.

If you truly believe in your path carved out by God, suffering is just on the path, but not in the way.