Faith, Self-Limiting Beliefs, and the Power of “You Say” by Lauren Daigle
Photo taken by Becky Romero
Self-limiting beliefs are something nearly everyone struggles with at some point in life. These beliefs creep in quietly, shaping how we see ourselves and what we believe we’re capable of. Often, we don’t even realize we’ve adopted them—we simply accept them as truth because of past experiences, negative comments from others, or societal expectations that have made us feel inadequate. The problem is that we rarely challenge these beliefs. Instead, we allow them to define us, influencing our actions, self-worth, and the way we navigate the world.
Lauren Daigle’s song You Say speaks directly to this struggle. It’s an anthem of faith, hope, and identity, reminding listeners that our worth is not determined by fleeting thoughts or the opinions of others, but by something much greater. Whether through faith in God, in the love of those who support us, or in the belief that we are inherently valuable, this song encourages us to replace self-doubt with a higher truth.
The Battle Against Negative Voices
One of the most striking lyrics in You Say is: "I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough."
This line perfectly encapsulates the inner battle that so many people face on a daily basis. The voices of self-doubt, insecurity, and past wounds can be relentless, whispering (or sometimes shouting) that we are not good enough, smart enough, talented enough, or worthy of love. These messages don’t just come from within; they are often echoes of things we’ve been told by others—sometimes directly, through criticism or rejection, and sometimes indirectly, through comparison and unrealistic expectations set by society.
The reality is that there is often a part of us that doesn’t believe these lies, yet the struggle remains. The fight against self-doubt can feel exhausting, and when we are overwhelmed, it’s easy to slip into believing the negative thoughts simply because they feel familiar.
The Cycle of Not Measuring Up
Daigle continues: "Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up."
This lyric reveals a painful truth: many of us feel like we are constantly trying to “measure up” to some standard, whether it’s set by our families, careers, relationships, or even ourselves. But who defines what “enough” actually is? Often, we set the bar impossibly high, or we allow others to dictate our worth based on their own perceptions, biases, or unresolved wounds.
When we internalize the belief that we will never measure up, it creates a vicious cycle. We might avoid opportunities for growth out of fear of failure. We might stay in unhealthy relationships because we don’t believe we deserve better. We might downplay our talents or dismiss our achievements, feeling like they aren’t truly earned.
But what if we started questioning these lies instead of accepting them? What if, instead of trying to measure up to an impossible standard, we recognized that we are already enough just as we are?
Losing Our Sense of Self
In moments of deep struggle, it’s easy to feel lost. Daigle expresses this in the line: "Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know."
There are times in life when we forget our worth. This can happen when we go through a difficult season—whether it’s a loss, a betrayal, a failure, or a prolonged period of uncertainty. In these moments, we need reminders of who we truly are. We need people in our lives who can see our light even when we can’t. And for those who find strength in faith, turning to God or a higher power can be an anchor, grounding us in something unshakable when everything else feels unstable.
The simple yet profound request to be reminded of our identity speaks to a deep human need: reassurance. We all need to hear that we are loved, valued, and worthy, especially when we struggle to believe it for ourselves.
Depression, Numbness, and Feeling Disconnected
One of the most emotionally powerful lines in the song is: "You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing."
Anyone who has experienced depression understands what it feels like to be emotionally numb. Depression isn’t just about sadness—it’s often a profound emptiness, a sense of disconnect from joy, from others, and even from oneself. When someone is in this state, it’s difficult to feel loved, even when love is present.
This lyric is a reminder that love is not based on our feelings in the moment. Just because we can’t feel love does not mean it’s absent. Love exists even when we are too weighed down by depression to recognize it. Faith—whether in God, in close relationships, or in the belief that things will get better—can serve as a lifeline during these times.
Finding Worth and Identity Through Faith
The song’s core message is captured in the lyric: "In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity."
For Lauren Daigle, the “You” in this song is God. She is expressing her belief that her identity is not found in worldly success, validation from others, or even her own thoughts about herself—it is found in something unchanging and eternal. This perspective can be incredibly powerful for people who struggle with self-worth.
But even for those who may not connect with this lyric from a religious perspective, the message still holds value. Where we place our identity matters. If we base our worth on external achievements, social approval, or comparisons, we will constantly feel unstable. However, if we root our worth in something deeper—whether it’s faith, our values, or a belief in our inherent dignity—we can begin to dismantle the self-limiting beliefs that hold us back.
Healing and Challenging Negative Beliefs
So, how do we begin to challenge these deeply ingrained negative beliefs? It’s not an overnight process, but here are some steps that can help:
Recognize the Lies – Start by identifying the negative thoughts that frequently play in your mind. Ask yourself: Where did this belief come from? Is it actually true?
Replace Them with Truth – Just as You Say emphasizes, sometimes we need to be reminded of our worth. This could be through affirmations, journaling, therapy, or leaning into faith and scripture.
Surround Yourself with Support – Healing is easier when we have people who uplift us. Find those who remind you of your value when you forget.
Practice Self-Compassion – We all struggle, but treating ourselves with kindness instead of criticism makes a huge difference.
Lean into Faith – Whether faith in God, in the process of growth, or in the love of those who care for you, trusting in something greater than your current struggle can be a powerful tool for resilience.
Final Thoughts
Lauren Daigle’s You Say is more than just a song—it’s a message of hope for anyone who has ever felt unworthy, lost, or disconnected from their true identity. It reminds us that self-limiting beliefs do not have to define us. There is a part of us that knows these beliefs are not true, even when we struggle to fight against them. Faith—whether spiritual, personal, or communal—can be a powerful force in breaking free from these negative thought patterns.
At the end of the day, You Say is a reminder that our worth is not something we have to earn—it is something that already exists within us. And sometimes, we just need to be reminded of who we truly are.