This past long weekend, I finally got around to watching the movie about Dr. Ben Carson’s life. I can’t believe it was my first time seeing it because it’s exactly the kind of movie I love to watch. It’s the story of a boy who went from being the worst student in the class to becoming one of the world’s top neurosurgeons.
I love movies where you learn and feel inspired by someone else’s journey.
So what really stood out to me was the role his mother played in his story. Even though she faced her own battles (struggling with mental health after growing up in foster care with little formal education) she had this incredible strength. She made a decision that the darkness that had shaped parts of her life would stop with her. It wouldn’t be passed down to her children.
She spoke words of affirmation over both her sons and even switched off the television to encourage them to read more even though she hadn’t yet learnt to read. She believed in what she couldn’t yet see, she believed in a better future for them even when the odds were stacked against them. She made education a priority and constantly affirmed them with words like, “You weren’t meant to be a failure. You can control your temper. I know that you can bring up your grades too. You are a smart boy. You just ain’t using that smartness.”
It got me thinking about the power of our thought life and the words we speak over ourselves, our families, and the next generation. Words can shape reality. They can build people up to believe they can rise higher than their circumstances.
Ideas begin in the mind. Growth begins in the mind. Whole-life transformation starts with what we set our thoughts on.
A few reminders from the Bible came to mind:
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)
Be made new in the attitude of your minds (Ephesians 4:23)
Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)
The truth is, not every thought deserves our attention. Some ideas and patterns are leftovers from old ways of thinking, from fears, hurts, and the noise around us.
So what do we do with thoughts that pull us down or pull us away from what’s true?
First, recognize them.
Then, capture them.
And finally, filter them by asking: Does this align with what’s true and good?
It's a daily practice because we're constantly taking in messages whether through media and even our own inner chatter. I often use this scripture as my handle throughout the day:
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." (Philippians 4:6)
Not just the big decisions but the little thoughts that pop up throughout the day too. Talk to God about them. Let Him shape your mind.