by Pamela R. Echols

‘You can’t win, you can’t break  even and you can’t get out of the game. People keep sayin’ things are gonna change….But they look just like they’re staying the same. ..you can’t win you’re over your head and you only have yourself to blame”….

Have you ever felt stuck—like no matter how much you wanted to move forward, something invisible kept you bound in place? Maybe it was fear, shame, negative voices, or even your own self-doubt. In 1978, the film The Wiz captured this feeling vividly through the story of the scarecrow, and it still speaks to us today.

The Scarecrow on the Pole

In one scene, the scarecrow (played by Michael Jackson) is perched on a pole, taunted by four crows who tell him he will never get down. They force him to sing their “anthem”—a song full of defeatist messages meant to keep him believing he is powerless.

Dorothy (played by Diana Ross), hiding nearby, watches the cruel scene. Finally, she steps in to help. When the scarecrow tries to climb down, he falls flat on his face and quickly calls himself “a failure.” Dorothy gently corrects him:

“No, you are not a failure—just the product of some negative thinking. The first thing we have to do is get rid of these crows.”

Once the crows scatter, the scarecrow begins to walk. His face lights up as he realizes the truth:

“You mean the only thing keeping me stuck up on that pole… was believing those crows?”

Freedom begins the moment he recognizes the lies for what they are.

Who Are the Crows in Your Life?

Like the scarecrow, many of us find ourselves stuck in situations that feel hopeless:

• An abusive relationship
• A job we dread—or no job at all
• Financial struggles and debt collectors calling
• Health challenges or emotional distress

The “crows” can be people in our lives who only speak negativity, offering empty clichés without real support. They can also be the lies of the enemy, whispering reminders of past failures, guilt, or shame: “You can’t win. This is just how it will always be.”

But here’s the truth: those crows only have power if you believe them.

The Battlefield of the Mind

The scarecrow revealed a head full of garbage under his hat. Isn’t that true for us as well? What we allow into our minds determines whether we stay stuck or step into freedom.

The Bible says:

• “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
• “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

We must guard our eyes and ears—the gates that feed our thoughts. When we allow God’s truth to fill our minds, the lies lose their grip.

Walking Into Freedom

Just like the scarecrow, your release begins with recognizing the lies and replacing them with God’s promises. Freedom is not found in ignoring your struggles but in confronting them with faith.

• Refuse to let negative voices define you.
• Silence the crows by declaring God’s Word over your life.
• Take your first step—even if it feels shaky—knowing God is holding you up.

Final Encouragement

Today, ask yourself: What crows have been keeping me stuck? Then make the decision to silence them. You are not defined by defeat, fear, or your past. God has called you to walk in freedom.

Just like the scarecrow, you may discover that the only thing keeping you on that pole was believing the wrong voices. Once you replace lies with God’s truth, you will find yourself stepping into a life of joy, purpose, and victory.

You don’t have to stay stuck. The freedom Christ offers is greater than any crow in your life.

Reflection

Think about the “crows” in your own life. What lies have you allowed to take root in your mind? What voices have kept you stuck in fear, shame, or defeat? Now, imagine yourself like the scarecrow—stepping down from the pole, shaking off the garbage thoughts, and walking into a new life filled with hope. Freedom begins with what you choose to believe.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I am not stuck or defeated. Help me to silence the lies of the enemy and guard my mind from negative thoughts. Teach me to listen to Your voice above all others. Replace fear with faith, shame with forgiveness, and despair with hope. Today, I step into the freedom You have promised through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Part II click on the following :  https://bydivinedezignliving.wordpress.com/soul-food/

©Pamela R. Echols