Overcoming Core Beliefs with “Hard Work” and “Heart Work”
- anthony03591
- Nov 20
- 4 min read
Healing Through F.L.O.S.S. and an Encounter with Christ
Every one of us carries core beliefs—deep, often unspoken assumptions about ourselves formed when we were very young. These beliefs can sound like: “I’m not good enough", “I’m not loved," “I will be rejected," “I don’t matter.”
These beliefs can influence our emotions, relationships, and even our spiritual lives. But God desires to speak truth into these wounded places.
As Scripture tells us, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).
One simple and memorable framework for working through core beliefs is F.L.O.S.S. It may sound a little playful, but it provides a clear and effective path toward healing.
F.L.O.S.S.: The "Hard Work" of Processing Core Beliefs
F — Fear
The first step is identifying the fear connected to your core belief. For example: “Unless I am perfect, I will be rejected.”
Bringing fear into the light loosens its grip.
I call this the "devel on the shoulder moment" when you hear that little voice whisper in your ear, and it triggers a startle response in your nervous system that often sends a person into a "fight or flight" response. This happens because a person almost immediately remembers a lie associated with the fear.
L — Lie
Every unhealthy core belief is rooted in a lie—often one we absorbed long before we were able to understand our experiences. The devil planted a seed in our identity, and as we grow older and have experiences that reinforce the lie, the roots of the weed go deeper and corrupt more of our identity.
But God calls us to reject lies and embrace His truth: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Naming the lie is a critical part of this renewal, and it helps us begin to have a point of reference and self-awareness so that we can begin to stand out ground.
O — Origin
Where did this belief come from?
For many, the “origin moment” occurred between ages 4–7, when we were too young to process events rationally. Identifying this moment matters because when we are triggered, the nervous system often reacts the same as it did when the threat first happened.
God knows our beginnings:
“You knitted me together in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from You.” (Psalm 139:13–15)
By gently returning to the origin of the wound, we allow healing to reach the place where the lie first took root. When the core belief is triggered, it often sends a person into the fight or flight response because they are sensing a threat that was first experienced as a child, and it triggers a defensive safety response.. Knowing the moment or season that a person first began to experience the fear and the lie is critical to the healing process because it gives us a point of comparison to compare to the current moment that is causing fear.
S — Story
Next, we rewrite the story—not by denying what happened, but by understanding that what was true then is not what is true now.
The people are different, the circumstances are different, and even you are not the same as the little child you used to be.
Scripture reminds us of the transforming work of God in our story: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We explore questions such as:
How am I different today?
Who supports me now?
What strengths has God formed in me since then?
This step helps the adult self recognize: “I am no longer that helpless child.”
S — Safety
Finally, we acknowledge present safety.
When a trigger hits, it may feel like danger—but often, the danger is not real.
If God is with us, then we are safe: “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress.” (Psalm 91:2) “Even though I walk through the valley… You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
If today is safe, then the old trauma response is no longer needed. From a place of grounded safety, we can choose new, healthier responses anchored in truth.
The "Heart Work": Inviting Jesus Into the Origin Wound
This final step brings Christ directly into the place of wounding. Healing doesn’t end with psychological insight—it comes to completion when Jesus enters the memory with His love.
Many people block out painful childhood moments, but when we invite Jesus into those places, profound healing can occur.
Scripture assures us of His nearness: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Using approaches inspired by practices like Immanuel Prayer, we invite Christ’s presence by asking:
“Lord, where were You in this moment?”
“What did You want for me then?”
“What do You want me to know now?”
Jesus steps into the hurt and speaks truth, identity, and love.: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)“You are precious in My eyes.” (Isaiah 43:4)
It is in this moment that we can begin to reject the false identity that the devil planted in us as a child and uproot the false core belief, and start to rest in the truth and love of how God truly sees us.
This is where the deepest transformation happens—not simply changing thoughts, but allowing Christ to heal the original wound with His presence.
Healing Is Possible
Through the practical steps of F.L.O.S.S. and the spiritual encounter of inviting Jesus into our stories, true healing becomes possible:
Fear is replaced with love.
Lies are replaced with truth.
Old stories gain new meaning.
Safety replaces anxiety.
And Christ restores what was wounded.
God desires your healing. He desires your freedom. And He walks with you every step of the way.
If you recognize these patterns in your own life, know this: you are not alone—and healing is not only possible, it is God’s longing for you.
Interested in Starting Therapy?
I would be honored to accompany you on your healing journey.
Corpus Christi Counseling Center
📍 Address: 19230 Evans St NW, Ste. 100, Elk River, Minnesota 55330
📞 Phone: 612-546-4846
🕓 Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
If you feel the Lord inviting you into deeper healing, don’t wait. Reach out, and let’s begin the journey together.
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