Why Truth Matters in Our Stories and Our Lives
Imagine you’re at a campfire, and someone tells a scary story. You feel a chill. You also look over your shoulder at the shadows. That’s because words are powerful. They reach into our minds. They influence how we see the world. This happens even if those words aren’t fully true or are a little exaggerated.
How Words Shape Our Thinking
Words don’t just describe reality—they help create it in our minds. We start to feel it when we hear something repeatedly. This applies whether it’s about a person, a country, or even ourselves. That’s why advertising works so well, and why rumors can stick around even after they’re proven false. If someone constantly says that America’s history is only bad, their words start to influence our perception of the country. The same happens if they say it’s only good. This repetitive talk can shape our thoughts more than actual facts do. They shape our thoughts more than actual facts do. This happens sometimes more than the actual facts do.
The Executive Order: Restoring “Truth”
Recently, there was an executive order. It states that American history is being rewritten to focus only on its flaws. This approach makes people ashamed of their country. The order claims it wants to bring back “truth and sanity” by emphasizing the nation’s achievements. To some, this sounds reasonable—nobody wants their country painted in the worst possible light all the time.
But here’s the thing: Words can be chosen to shape opinions. This is especially true with those in power. They choose to shape opinions rather than tell the whole truth. When they say history is being “distorted,” it can make people suspicious of discussions about the country’s wrongdoings. This happens even when those discussions are based on solid evidence. On the flip side, only talking about the good things overlooks painful truths. These truths are important to remember and learn from. In both cases, words are used not just to inform, but to sway how we feel and what we believe.
The Truth Sets You Free
There’s a saying from the Bible: “The truth will set you free.” That doesn’t just mean telling the truth about little things—it means facing reality, even when it’s uncomfortable. In the original context, it’s about spiritual freedom. But the lesson applies everywhere. If we’re willing to be honest with ourselves, we can listen to the full story. We must not focus on just the parts we like. We’re not trapped by lies or half-truths. We’re free to grow, heal, and make better choices.
Living Authentically in a World of Spin
It’s easy to fall into the habit of believing whatever matches what we already think. But real freedom comes from being open to the truth, even when it challenges us. It means listening to different sides. It involves questioning what we hear. We must not let buzzwords or slogans do our thinking for us.
When leaders or anyone else tells us a story, we must question it. Whether about history, faith, or life itself, it’s up to us to ask: Is this the whole picture? Is something being left out? Am I being told this to help me understand, or to make me feel a certain way? By being mindful of how words shape our perceptions, we protect ourselves. This mindfulness prevents us from being led astray by stories that are untrue or only partly true.
Conclusion
Words are powerful tools. They can lift us up or lead us astray. When we seek genuine truth, not just what sounds good, we see the world more clearly. We also live more freely. Don’t let other people’s words decide what you believe. Ask questions, seek facts, and remember: the truth, even when it’s hard, is what sets you free.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 