The fourth cultural lie that I’d like to address is this idea that you and I have everything we need inside of us.

While on first glance, this sounds really appealing, empowering, and even uplifting on some level, have you ever thought through what this actually means?

Like many cultural lies, there is a grain of truth inside these beliefs.

In other words, we humans are conceived with great potential which is progressively unveiled as we grow into the unique, complex, multicellular organisms that we are – unique and with capacities beyond and unlike any other creature in all of creation.

So yeah, we have many amazing things inside of us!

We’re kind of like seeds, in a sense – full of so much potential.

Yet even a seed needs the sun, rich soil, minerals, and water to grow, doesn’t it?

And much like seeds, from the moment of conception – we rely on many things outside of us.

There’s our mother’s womb. And the umbilicord cord that literally attaches us to the womb.

And once we’re born, we need food, the sun, water, touch, and various types of care and affection.

And as adults, we may learn to take care of ourselves more independently yet we continue to need many of the same things, don’t we?

Who doesn’t need a hug, touch, or affection from time to time?

Now, you might be thinking, “Sean, I don’t think that’s what people mean when they say they have “everything they need inside of them!”

Okay, then perhaps we should communicate more clearly, don’t you think?

In a culture that already exalts rugged individualism, my question is: how healthy is it to promote this idea that we are all meant to be these islands of self-sufficiency with seemingly no need for outside input?

Moreover, I don’t even think people who believe and propagate this belief actually practice what the words seem to imply.

And this is speculation, but I suspect – just like the close cultural cousin of a lie that you and I are innately “good, perfect, and whole,” this belief has become more popular because of a need many people have to feel powerful, uber-independent, and not “needy.”

Yet, think about it…if I truly believed I have everything I need inside of me, why would I ever turn to anyone or anything outside of me for help?

After all, doesn’t one need to be told from the outside that they have everything they need inside of them to realize this supposed “truth”? (in which case, is it really true?).

Again, I truly can empathize with those who gravitate towards this belief.

And in all honesty, I’ve probably thought this very thing several times in my own life.

So, what if it’s not about “having everything we need inside of us”?

What if it’s about recognizing we have many things inside of us and it is interactions with our environment and the outside world, including significant and important relationships, that shape us as people and individuals?

As we wrap up this article,

Have you found yourself drawn to this idea that you have everything you need inside of you?

If so, what do you think has drawn you to this idea?

And I’d be curious..what do YOU actually mean when you say this?

Let’s thrive in truth!