Overthrowing Stories: Discovering That Truth Has Layers

Hello Everyone,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently battling a stubborn cold, but rather than dwell on the discomfort, I’m choosing to be grateful for the privilege of resting at home while I heal. I’m a bit worried about my grandmother, for whom I serve as a caregiver. Admittedly, my skills are limited to microwaving meals and offering a sarcastic quip or two—hardly ideal if she were to catch this cold.

Despite these challenges, I’m focusing on positivity today. I’m spending a quiet day in my sunlit room, surrounded by the gentle glow of cinnamon-scented candles, soft jazz filling the air, and a warm cup of tea in hand (an unusual choice for me, since I’m typically a hot chocolate enthusiast). These small comforts remind me to appreciate even the modest blessings life offers.

Why "Overthrowing Stories"?

Restarting my blog after more than eight years has not been easy. I’m still finding my footing with this new venture, but I want to begin by sharing why I chose the title “Overthrowing Stories.”

I’ve always believed in the power of names. As many of you know from my About page, I’m an avid Bible reader, and scripture emphasizes that names carry deep significance. Throughout the Bible, we see moments where God changes a person’s name—a sign of transformation, purpose, and deeper meaning. This idea isn’t just found in scripture. Even Disney’s reimagined Cinderella suggests that names hold a certain magic.

My own name means “Overthrow Rebellion”, and it reflects my personal mission.

In a biblical context, rebellion is often linked with deception—a concept rooted in the Father of Lies (Satan), whose primary tactic is convincing people to believe falsehoods. This theme of deception—and the power of our beliefs to shape our lives—is something I plan to explore deeply in my writing.

Overthrowing the Stories We Believe

For much of my life, I thought I was simply a victim of circumstances, clinging to what I assumed were “right ideas.” But eventually, I came to a startling realization: My life was simply the sum of the beliefs I had inherited and lived by.

The turning point came when I began to overthrow my own interpretations of familiar stories—especially biblical ones.

Rethinking Proverbs: The "Contentious Woman"

Take, for instance, the Book of Proverbs. Traditional beliefs declare this book to warn against the “contentious woman.”

For years, I internalized this message, feeling like a wretched sinner anytime I voiced frustration or had strong opinions. Taken at face value, these verses seem to suggest that women should remain silent and minimize their presence to avoid inconveniencing their husbands.

But then, I started questioning this one-sided interpretation. Two teachings from the New Testament changed the way I read scripture:

Jesus proclaimed that there is a wisdom greater than Solomon’s.
Jesus spoke in parables—not to simplify truth, but to challenge us to seek deeper meaning.

This completely changed the way I approached biblical texts. Instead of reading the Bible as a set of rigid commands, I started seeing it as a parable itself—a message that requires discernment and deeper exploration.

Solomon’s Wisdom—or His Blind Spot?

So, I revisited Solomon’s warning about the contentious woman. Ironically, Solomon—the wisest man in history—had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

How could one man possibly provide emotional and spiritual care for a thousand women? His neglect and emotional distance likely led to contention in his household.

At first, I read these verses as a warning against becoming a contentious woman—leading me to question whether I needed to be more submissive to find a good partner.

But as I reexamined Solomon’s life, I began to wonder… What if these verses weren’t condemning women? What if they were highlighting Solomon’s failure to understand them?

Seeing the Shadows in the Story

By exploring the humanity behind these narratives, I realized that contentiousness is often a symptom of deeper wounds—hurt, neglect, and fear.

I had spent years internalizing guilt from traditional interpretations. But I now see that the “shadow side” of these stories is essential to understanding their full meaning. Much like a painting gains depth from its shadows, the Bible reveals richer truths when we acknowledge perspectives that are often overlooked.

The Bible: A Story Written for Men?

Here’s a provocative thought: I believe the Bible was primarily written for men—for the "brethren," as it is often addressed. Aside from 2 John (which is written to a woman), the scriptures largely speak to men.

Now, I’m not saying women should ignore the Bible—far from it! I continue to engage with it daily.

But I do believe that when we read it, we need to consider that "shadow" side that I mentioned above which I believe is the feminine side. We must recognize that there are multiple angles to every story, but usually we are only told the story from one angle.

Seeking the Full Truth

To further illustrate: a simple coin has two sides—heads and tails. They are opposites, yet inseparable. And when you are holding a coin, you can only see one side, not what is on the back. Just as a coin has two sides, so does God’s message.

While scripture is largely written from a "heads" perspective (a male-oriented point of view), seeking out the hidden "tails" (or female point of view) enables us to grasp the complete truth that God is revealing.

Every story—whether a fairy tale, a personal anecdote, or a biblical account—has multiple dimensions. By examining both the visible and the hidden, we can uncover deeper truths that challenge our preconceived notions and empower us to transform our lives.

Overthrowing Stories, Rewriting Perspectives

Overthrowing traditional narratives isn’t about rejecting truth—it’s about uncovering a fuller, deeper truth that has the power to transform us.

The beliefs we hold—whether inherited, assumed, or unquestioned—ultimately shape our lives. They dictate how we see ourselves, others, and even God. That’s why it’s essential to challenge and rethink them. Because when we cling to half-truths or misunderstood ideas, we unknowingly limit the life we were meant to live.

I’m excited to continue this journey of reinterpreting long-held beliefs and reshaping my own story. My hope is that in doing so, it inspires you to examine the stories you’ve believed—so you, too, can step into a richer, more authentic truth and life you were created to live.

Thank you for joining me on this path of discovery. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

— Jacqueline Marie

Fun Facts: The Physical World Points to Truth Being Multidimensional

A diamond – Truth has many facets, and each one reflects something different depending on how the light hits it.
A tapestry – From the front, it looks like a clear picture, but if you turn it over, you see the messy threads that make it whole.
Perspective shift – Just as a mountain looks different from the base than from the peak, truth can change depending on where we stand.

Inspirational Quotes

"Tell someone to do something, and you change their life—for a day; tell someone a story, and you change their life." — T. Wright

"If you want to change the world, you need to change your story. This truth applies both to individuals and institutions." — Michael Margolis