By Tasha Mac
Recently I read an article deciphering the differences between generational curses and generational choices. The article was an eye-opener and I found myself saying “aha” quite a few times as I was reading. Like many people, I too, have often called a behavior or a pattern of behaviors a generational curse. However, is that true? Deuteronomy 30:19 says “I have set before you the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live you and your descendants….” It’s our choices that determine what kind of life we will have. When we make bad decisions, it’s the consequences of those decisions that result in hardship and pain. I understand certain choices we make have been made by generations before us, but we didn’t make the same choices our ancestors did because we were cursed; we made them because we chose to do so. In the same way that we choose to make unwise decisions, we can choose to make the right ones.
When I was a little girl my mom was a heavy smoker and so was my grandmother. My mom would always send me to the store to purchase her cigarettes (this was before it was illegal for minors to purchase tobacco products). I always hated it, and I couldn’t stand to see her smoke nor be in the presence of anyone who did. I thought it was a nasty and disgusting habit; therefore, I made the choice as a little girl that I didn’t want to be a smoker. Although most of the adults in my life at the time were smokers, I knew it was a habit I didn’t want to adopt. I’m grateful every day for making that choice.
In my opinion, people have overused the term generational curse to justify their actions and make excuses for not making better choices. Sometimes the term almost sounds like “that’s the way it’s always been done, or that’s just how it is.” I used to be one of those people who prayed against generational curses and for God to break those chains in my bloodline. That was not an effective prayer for making healthy choices. It was just a blanket statement that I’ve heard in church for years and adopted thinking it was accurate. Having a positive mindset is the bedrock for making healthy choices. How we feel about ourselves determines the life we will have. Curses are the consequences of our bad choices. If you are not living the abundant life that God promised us, it’s because you choose not to do so. People hear the term “curse” and think of alcoholism, drugs and sexual perversion. Any behavior that you choose to engage in that yields dire consequences is your curse: procrastination, fear, financial illiteracy, etc. For example, just because three generations before you had diabetes doesn’t mean you have to. Make the decision to change your diet and exercise.
You are the Master of Your Universe! God is the Head of our lives, but we decide to allow Him to be because He gives us free will to do so. Therefore, we are in control of our destiny with the choices we make. We must be willing to not only want better but to be better and do better. It’s time to dispel that old way of thinking and believing you are cursed because everyone in the family made the same decision. Better choices bring positive changes that lead to an abundant life. Choose wisely!
#WholePersonHealthy
Latasha “Tasha Mac” McGill is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. Tasha Mac is a grammar geek who is obsessed with coffee, high heels, lipstick, 90s R&B and Comic book movies. She is also a vegetarian whose idea of “turning up” is being in bed by 9pm, working out, watching HGTV and reading a book.
Connect with her on Facebook @ Latasha McGill, on Instagram @ TashaMac523, on Twitter @ LadyT523
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