Once a STORY has taken hold, it becomes an impregnable stronghold. It doesn’t matter whether the facts or foundations are false. The story takes on a life of its own in the minds of those who tell it or believe it. It becomes self-referencing and self-informing.

The perceptions, judgements and experiences of the host mind aligns with the story that has taken hold. That story or their version of it, shapes their reality. Any attempt to introduce new information or insight that might contradict the story, fails. The story has assumed the status of infallible gospel truth in the minds of its hosts.

Once I accept the story that you are ‘my enemy’, I will perceive and experience EVERYTHING you say or do through the prism of that judgement (or story). NOTHING you say or do, could ever be right by me. I will hear the wrong in everything you say, and see the evil ulterior motive in everything you do.

Conversely, if I accept the story that you and I are ONE in Love, all that you do and say, will be perceived and experienced through the lens of LOVE.

Better a positive story that filters reality through the lens of love and truth, than a negative story that interprets and perceives reality through the lenses of hate, distrust, illusion and falsehood.

But what do you do when confronted by the later? You can’t fight and defeat a story head on. It is a stronghold; a living entity with a vicious kick and bite to it! The EGO is probably the ulitmate STORY we will ever contend with.

Such stories cannot be defeated head on:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4

However, I believe that the STORY can be disarmed through the power of LOVE:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Wherever you encounter a story that has taken a stronghold, whether within you or outside, retreat to ‘higher ground’. Retreat to the place beyond words, beyond arguments, beyond time and space.

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts

Zechariah 4:6