What's your applesauce?
- Zaibel Torres
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
When I was a child, I suffered from chronic asthma. I remember times when I fell asleep in my bed, only to wake up wondering why my parents were panicking, rushing me through hospital doors. I can't imagine what my poor parents went through, living in constant fear that their child would just stop breathing at night. So, I was the kid who lived on medication and an inhaler. According to my mom, I didn't like taking meds, so she did what every good mom does: she mixed it with applesauce.
The doctor had perscribed a capsule that she could open. Within the capsule were all these tiny little red and white pellets that she would poor directly onto a spoon that was already filled with apple sauce. In my excitement I would eat it all up. But then something happened. Although my lungs were responding well to the medication, my stomach was not. Within the hour I would "chuck" it all up. (I don't want to gross anyone out) you get the idea. But.... I was breathing. So this disgusting ritual continued.
It wasn't long before my brain associated applesauce with the "chuck." Fast forward to my adult life. I hate applesauce. I would run from it like it was poison. Applesauce was forever ruined for me. The smell alone would make me nauseous. I promise I am going somewhere with this. I was in my late twenties, and I was a camp counselor. It was time for lunch, and I learned that summer, that people make pork chops with applesauce on it. As I was approaching the dining hall, a few of the kids ran over to me and said, "Don't go in there, they made applesauce." Now... you know the issue is bad when your reputation with applesauce has traveled amongst the youth of the church. But I was the chaperone; I had to sit in the dining hall.
The smell filled up the room as if that is all they made that day. I couldn't eat, but I sat there and pretended it wasn't bothering me. After our meal, we headed back to the cabins. As I was walking, I thought to myself, "That wasn't so baaaaaa...." It was everywhere and in front of everyone. I didn't understand why at the time either. I did not eat it, so why did my body respond that way? I had no control at all and I did not like that.
So after some careful research and a psychology class, I learned about how your brain can experience a "Conditioned response". A behavior that does not occur naturally but is learned through association. My brain associated applesauce with danger. I'm sure you heard of the chicken tied to a string for so long that when it was cut loose, it never went pass the borders of where the string would take it. My brain had been conditioned. I was now the chicken in the story
Knowing this, I did the unthinkable. I went to the grocery store and picked up applesauce. I opened one each day, smelled it, and spoke to my brain. "It's applesauce, not poison, rewire." The first few days were not fun, but over time I stopped gagging. I still won't eat it, but I am not ruining anyone else's experience with it.
The enemy has been throwing nonsense at you for years. From the moment you were born, the enemy knew you held a special place in God's heart, so much so, that He sent His Son to die for you. The enemy knows who you are, so from the moment you made your entrance into the world, the attacks started. All of it is to condition you to live within this restricted area and mindset that the enemy desires. When God called you to live and experience so much more. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" John 8:36
The issue lies not in our lack of freedom, but in the conditioned training we have received within that freedom, which makes us feel constrained. Perhaps we need to confront our fears to move beyond them.
Freedom is often perceived as the absence of restrictions, yet it can feel elusive due to the mental barriers we have constructed.I often think of Jesus's words to the diciples where he said, 2 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14
Why are we not doing, "greater things". Is it the applesauce? What is your applesauce? Maybe its more than one type of applesauce. Regardless, we have work to do!
According to John 8:36, the cord that once kept us bound is cut. We are free to roam, so what's stopping us? It's time to do "greater things." And the Bible has given us everything we need. Below is a list of scriptures to help you get started.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
You are no chicken! Go conquer that applesauce.
In His Service,
Zaibel Torres
There are some amazing events coming up that may help you get a step closer to seeing the freedom that Christ paid the price for, for you to live in.
Purity and Peace has several sessions planned all year. This is an intense FREEING study. Sign up for one, this was course was instrumental in my healing. STRONGLY RECOMMEND SIGN UP HERE
Beyond Beautiful is a one day event that you don't want to miss and the official book launch of my dear friend Ashley Delgado new book, "Beyond Beautiful"
My Redeemer Lives is a three day event that will change your life. GET TICKETS HERE
Sincerely Myra's annual conference! SAVE THE DATE, and get your tickets soon! She is having an early bird sale starting in March, so now is the time to buy. I go every year. BUY TICKETS HERE
Hope to see you all there!
Comments