I was in Dallas for a real estate conference, being honored on stage as a top producer. A proud moment, right? You’d think I’d be beaming—but I wasn’t. Later that evening, I stayed with a friend who had recently become a certified life coach. She noticed my mood and, eager to practice her new tools, introduced me to a simple exercise.
She had me draw a large imaginary box on the floor and fill it with my accomplishments. The idea was to stand in the middle of that box and recall the pride, joy, and sense of fulfillment that came with each win.
But when I stood there, all I could say was, “I don’t have anything to put in my box.”
She reminded me of the award I had just received. I responded, “YEAH, BUT… I missed Icon status by three transactions.”
Not ready to give up, she offered, “Didn’t you graduate valedictorian?”
“YEAH, BUT… there weren’t many students in my school.”
At the time, the exercise didn’t really click. But the next day, God revealed something powerful. That response—“Yeah, but…”—was a script written in my childhood. My parents had unintentionally shaped that inner voice. Every time I achieved something, it was met with a subtle dismissal or a moving of the bar.
The Perfection Trap
From that foundation, I learned to chase perfection relentlessly—always doing more, climbing higher, pushing harder. But no matter what I accomplished, I could always find a YEAH, BUT. It became a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and self-criticism.
That’s exactly how satan works. (Yes, I refuse to capitalize his name.) He takes our wounds and whispers lies, amplifying them until we believe that no success is enough. He twists our striving into shame, robbing us of the joy we’re meant to walk in.
Wave after wave of “YEAH, BUTTS” eventually wore me down, eroding any ability to enjoy my life, my work, or my calling. And worse, I started recognizing that same voice coming out of me—aimed at my husband, my children, and even myself.
I had to stop and ask for forgiveness.
To my children, I said:
“I’m sorry if I ever YEAH-BUTTED you. I didn’t realize I was passing down what I hadn’t healed in myself.”
To my husband, I confessed how my unchecked perfectionism may have undervalued his efforts.
Guilt overwhelmed me… so I turned to the One who never dismisses, never downplays, and never says “Yeah, but.”
Scripture That Brought Healing
Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry.
I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.
— Psalm 51:1–3 (MSG)
Thank God that He is generous with mercy.
Thank God that He scrubs away guilt like stained laundry.
That moment with Him was a paradigm shift. I no longer heard satan’s nagging voice telling me I should’ve done it better. I could finally celebrate my achievements without shame. The stress and anxiety of always needing to do more began to break off.
I was free—from bondage, from guilt, from the need to prove myself.
I was covered in grace.
His Grace Is Bigger Than Our Failure
The Ten Commandments were given so that all could see the extent of their failure to obey God’s laws.
But the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God’s abounding grace forgiving us.
Before, sin ruled over all men and brought them to death, but now God’s kindness rules instead,
giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
— Romans 5:20–21 (TLB)
We don’t have to carry the weight of not enough.
God’s grace says, “It is finished.”
Reflection Questions
- Are there any YEAH, BUTTS holding you back from enjoying your wins?
- How have you struggled with perfectionism or dismissing your own accomplishments?
- How does God’s grace speak to that struggle?
- What steps can you take to allow yourself to feel pride and peace in what you’ve already done?
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Mercy and Grace
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart full of gratitude and praise.
Thank You, Lord, for Your boundless mercy and amazing grace.
Your love is unending, and Your kindness knows no limits.
Even when I fall short, You lift me up with compassion and forgiveness,
extending Your mercy in ways I cannot fully comprehend.
Thank You for the grace that sustains me each day,
for the blessings I don’t deserve,
and for the strength You provide in times of weakness.
Your grace covers my imperfections and draws me closer to You,
molding me into the person You created me to be.
Lord, I am in awe of Your goodness.
Thank You for loving me unconditionally,
for guiding my steps, and for never abandoning me.
Your mercy renews me, and Your grace empowers me
to live a life that honors You.
I give You all the glory, honor, and praise,
for You are worthy. In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
Angel Lynne Ministries 
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