Is Your Story Holding You Hostage?

As we step into July, the month where freedom is celebrated with fireworks and festivities I want to ask you a personal, reflective question: Is your story holding you hostage?

Many of us have walked through circumstances that left marks. But there is a difference between having a story and being imprisoned by it. Your story can either hold you hostage, keeping you stuck in pain and shame or it can set you free, becoming the very testimony that empowers others.

The Bible reminds us in Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” That means your story matters but only when it’s told from a healed place, not a hostage situation.

Here’s How to Know If Your Story Is Holding You Hostage:

·       Are you constantly rehearsing pain but not progressing?

·       Do you find yourself stuck in a “victim” identity?

·       Are you afraid to share your story authentically?

·       Are you using your past as a barrier rather than a bridge?

Sister, your story is not meant to be your prison. It’s meant to be your platform.

Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Even the parts of your story that hurt can be used for your good and God’s glory, when you surrender them.

3 Steps to Move From Hostage to Healed:

1. Recognize the Chains whether they are Pain or Purpose? Ask yourself: Am I rehearsing the hurt or revealing the healing? God didn’t just bring you through for you to stay stuck in the “mess.” You have a “message” now.

2. Reframe the Narrative -Victim to Victor Language Shift how you speak about your story. Victim language keeps you bound; victor language sets you free. For example:- Victim: “I can’t believe that happened to me.”- Victor: “That happened, but here’s how God brought me through.”

3. Release the Shame — Your Story is Your Territory Your past doesn’t own you you have dominion and power over your narrative. Even the uncomfortable chapters can glorify God when shared with wisdom and confidence. Remember 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Reflection Questions for You Today:

·       What part of your story are you still afraid to tell?

·       How can your story be the bridge for someone else’s healing?

·       Where in your life do you need to replace victim language with victor language?

As we celebrate Independence this month, let’s also declare our spiritual independence from the things that have tried to hold us hostage. Your past is not your prison. Your story is your victory song.

Affirmation: “I am not a prisoner of my past. My story is my victory song.”

Prayer: Lord, help me release every part of my story that keeps me bound. Give me the boldness to speak from a healed place, for Your glory and my growth. Amen.

Happy Freedom Month! Let’s walk in it together. 🎆🎇

#TheEPICChristianWoman #Freedom #Testimony #VictimToVictor