It is crazy how easy it can be to believe a lie.

It's also crazy how one lie can alter a person's perception of reality.

I know it is silly to let what other people think control what you and I think about ourselves. But I am human, (I assume you are too) and I definitely struggle with letting other people's opinions dictate my thoughts about myself at times.

I like using stories that are silly and lighthearted to illustrate points about deeper issues that we all deal with. It keeps the mood light. This blog is no exception.

I have spent the greater part of my adolescent years thinking I was 5'9.

I didn't wear heels to high school dances, didn't try on certain dresses, thought certain boys were a no go - all because I thought I was 5'9.

Why did I think I was 5'9? Because a doctor wrote down 5'9 for my height on a sports physical when I was 15 years old.

Guess what.

I am not 5'9. I am 5'5.

It is really crazy to me just how believing one lie can radically alter how a person thinks and lives. I know this is a silly example, but if I am honest, there are plenty of little lies that I have believed about myself over the years.

And I have let those little lies control me.

We all do it. I really am the pot calling the kettle black on photo shoots. I can only think of a handful of people who haven't uttered this line while we are on set.

"I am so awkward."

In my sassiest tone, I snap back and say, "You only look awkward when you say you look awkward. Trust me I would tell you if you looked awkward."

And then I feel like a dang hypocrite because I say that I am awkward all the time.

My friend Daniel called me out on this a while back. He just looked at me and bluntly asked, "Why do you always say that? You aren't awkward."

Why do I say that? Why does anyone say that?

Probably because one person (who probably is trying to hide his or her own insecurities) said we were awkward once to make his or herself feel better by tearing someone else down.

Why do we believe any of the lies that feed our insecurities?

Its really illogical. They are lies.

If you believe something about yourself, you likely live into it.

We limit ourselves and our potential when we believe lies about ourselves.

Sometimes I wonder what humanity could accomplish if we crawled out of the boxes we put ourselves in.

I don't like boxes. I get frustrated when people put deep theological topics into clean boxes. I get agitated when people fail to see the leverage point on a variety of issues. I get annoyed when girls make sweeping judgements about themselves and others.

And that makes me a big hypocrite. I've spent most of my life creating cute little boxes for myself and others.

All this being said, I think I'm gonna tear up my box. I guess it's about time for me to start believing some of the advice I give to others.

I claim to believe in a limitless God who wants to use me to accomplish a limitless variety of things. It's time for me to start living like I believe that instead of just talking about it.

Perspective: I'm not 5'9 and why it matters.