Characters

Peace -- Happiness -- Purpose

Get a better look at your pesky Inner Mess characters. The main profiles are in full color. The printable versions are black and white. Please click to download.

Inner Pervert Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Inner Pharisee Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Control Freak Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Inner Critic Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Inner Brat Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Procrastinator Profile (for a printable version, click here)
Inner Gollum Profile (for a printable version, click here)
More to come, please check back soon...

"I loved this book! It's a field guide to Christian maturity. It helps you understand your own foibles, and gives you very practical tools to use in overcoming them. It gives you a grace-filled perspective on human nature: one that will help you come to terms with your past, and will give you empathy for your closest friends. Our small group is studying it over the next 2 months. Thank you Bill!"
(Bob, from Chicago)

Who's on Board?

Please help us by naming the Characters that lurk on your bus. We can learn from each other and discover what makes our Inner Mess tick. Click the "Submit Your Character" button and introduce us to your motley crew. Your information is completely anonymous.

Please name your Inner Characters, like My Inner Jerk, Control Freak, or Inner Thug.

Submit Your Character so that others can see themselves reflected in you.

My inner I-better-trust-myself is very good at telling me which girl would fit best to me. The day I became a Christian, I was more than happy to leave it up to God to give me a girl-friend, since past relationships were bad-as, non-existent or wishes relying on some irrational dreams that had no basis. In the beginning it worked pretty well, coz basically God is all we need and he can satisfy our needs. However,now again my inner mess trys to pick girls, but my brain at the same time says: "dont do it, it´s not your job, let God do it". But my inner mess keeps trying and says: "well, surely this time this is the one", but my brain says: "nah, not possible, God´s voice sounds different". Basically, I really struggle letting God do the things for me he´s supposed to do, coz only then they will be good and satisfying for myself.

God allows you some freedom of choice! But be sure to date women who follow Christ and are dedicated to Him above all else. Thanks for stopping by.
I have serious problems with emotions that just explode. I cannot seem to keep order. Just when my life starts to be getting better it all falls to peices. Now well into middle youth it looks like I could end up going to prison, because of an argument with my girlfriend that turned violent. I need people to pray for me to find Jesus and a spiritual path. [name removed]

Thanks for visiting the site. I really hope you're able to read the book... I also hope you can connect with a youth pastor in your area, and get help for your emotional outbursts. Most of all, you need the power of Jesus in your life. You need to be saved, and God will help you become the person you long to be. I'll keep you in my prayers, and please reach out to a local youth pastor or minister.
rejection is the major thing that will totally bring out the worst in me. a crying baby and a whining dog comes in 2nd

Maybe the three are related? Think about it. The pain of rejection is so tough to handle. That pain can dominate some people's lives forever, if they're not alert to it, and if they don't deal with it biblically. Check out the story of King David in 1 Samuel 16. His own dad rejects him, but God selects him as Israel's first king. Then you could memorize Ephesians 1:6, which tells you God accepts you as much as he accepts Jesus!
I used to be proud of being so honest & ethical. My inner Saint has just been disturbed by my Inner Liar & not so ethical after all. In the face of fear I fell. I was not trusting God to take care of me & did it my way...the wrong way! Now I plead for mercy as I face the consequences of my sin! This verse penitrates my heart & mind: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. Now if I could just get a hold of the rest that verse: And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Why didnt I choose the right way? And I thought I was growing up as a christian...cleary Im not as mature as I thought. I am looking forward to the transformation of my inner mess. I have defiantely under estimated the power of my inner mess & i am sadened by how ugly my heart really is. I so desire to be set free!

Thanks for this. I think a lot of people, myself included, can relate. I appreciate your transparency. The issue is growth in grace (2 Peter 3:18, 19). The verse that comes to mind for you is this one, from Paul. The more he grew, the more he realized what a mess he was apart from grace: To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (Ephesians 3:8, NKJV).
I have a very nasty Inner Nazi. She controls and she destroys. I hate her. Why can't I just let people be the way they want to be?

Many times, control issues stem from deep-rooted insecurity... fear. Maybe you can visit the Characters page, and download the free resources about the Inner Control freak. http://www.InnerMess.com/characters
People have told me I'm a hoarder. Is this my inner mess? How do I know for sure?

It's okay to collect stuff, but when it interferes with life... i.e., when your friends express concern, it is truly time to get help. Sincerely, get (professional, Christian) help early in this cycle. Your Inner Mess thrives on scarcity, and will ruin your life. God bless you, and may God heal you as you struggle with hoarding. May God's all-sufficiency truly set you free. Meditate on this, and please seek help. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV).
My inner brat kicks in whenever I think I'm right and i don't want to hear what my parents have to say to me and I have to get into trouble to actually see the bad that I have caused for myself and others around me.

Thanks for this... yeah, your Inner Mess loves getting into trouble. It's the only way your flesh can feel normal!
how about a *@#"! innersailor? didn't see that one on the list but i know him sooo well. and he's got a few words to spew when he gets mad, under pressure, frustrated, or just can't get it figured out. well, let's just say he cusses like a sailor. not just talking about a slip of the tongue. he's a serious cusser! want me to make a G.C. list (that's George Carlin, not Great Commission)? didn't think so. problem: i'm talking about me, a pastor. of course, nobody hears me talking like that. uh...except God. if someone told me they knew a guy who lost it like me (the innersailor took over the whole friggin' ship not the bus), and that the guy's a pastor - i would say 100% the guy shouldn't be a pastor. maybe i got it all switched around. you know...maybe i'm really a sailor who's got an innerpastor??????? feelin' like i'm in the brig!

“But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Malachi 4:2, NKJV. Why a verse about healing? Because an untamed tongue points to a wounded heart... think about it.
I AM AN INNERMESS!!!! AND HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO i REALLY AM.. mY INNERMESS SAYS MY MESS IS WORSE THAN EVERYONE ELSES help

I'm not trying to be sanctimonious... just trying to highlight relevant Scripture... your comment reminds me of St. Paul's... THERE'S HOPE! “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 7:24-8:1, NKJV.
I guess I have discovered my inner brat. I don't feel like even the people at church give me enough attention. I have been a pastor, but my husband left me 2 years ago and I just need to be loved but no one seems to think I have needs. Why can't they see how much I'm hurting.

This is a tough one, and our hearts go out to you. Here's the tough part... have you spoken with some friends at church about your needs? or someone that you're in community with? Have you asked for help, for time, for someone to go for coffee with you? We'll be praying for your healing!
I tease my Husband that he has an inner Glory Hound.

Great. Just scratch his chin, and throw him some beef jerky once in a while.
I have an Inner Martyr who loves to make other people feel guilty for letting me do things for them. She manages to take the joy out of doing things for others and berates me with stories of how put upon she is. Help! Thank you so much for the book. I think I am finally coming to understand what the cross was all about. It's only taken me 27 years of being a Christian!

Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a Scottish preacher from a century ago, wrote: "For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ."
My main character that raises its head is my Baby one. I want. What about me. You're thinking about yourself or them more than me. If I walk out the room no one else in there exist anymore they do not have a life or problems to sort out. If I do not get my own way I whine, throw tantrum, give the silent treatment anything to manipulate the situation to my advantage. Everyone one in the world should love, appreciate and accept me and if they do not it is because they are not nice people.

Check out the Inner Brat profile on the "characters" page.
The inner handy man- the guy inside that is always trying to fix/help others while neglecting his/her own mess.

I love this one! Great job. I'm now able to add some comments... here's a good verse for this one: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1, NKJV.
My Inner Bastard. My husband keeps telling me, I can't be a bad ass while driving a Prius.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11, NKJV.
Procrastinator. Keeps me down. I could do so much more. I need deadlines or I wouldn't do anything.

“...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32, NKJV.
Inner Self Destructer. Thoroughly addicted smoker. Former drug addict. (Long time drug addict, like 15-20 years). I've discovered cigarette smoking is identical to more powerful drug addictions, just more subtle and more powerful. It's a way to self medicate, change the channel, blow it away and start over. But it's incredibly effective. Each time I quit smoking, I come face to face with this overwhelming self loathing.

“to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6, NKJV. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11, NKJV.
GOD 4giv me I'm such a stupid sinner. Found out that i've got this mr porno, duno where he came from. And after 3 times now i'm scared i don't know how to get rid of him. other than that i've got the world of problems. I can't even give them names, bcoz i invented them. even the angels can't name or workout where my inner mess came from. My inner mess is so bad that, it's not actually inner, it's outter.
My inner Sloth says its ok to nap all day while the house falls apart ..anger sets in from Inner Procrastinator..since the inner 'wanna be' neat freak is freaking out from the mess . Crazy cycle. depression sets in and everyone pays.. ugh UGLY

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10, NKJV.
"If you can't stand the heat...get out of the kitchen"...is so true if you suffer from all that inner mess and are too lazy or indifferent to care. The problem will reach it's absolute peek the day you face your creator with the question: "What have you done about Jesus?" The unforgiveable sin is to ignore (turn away) the calling of His Holy Spirit to submit to the love and salvation of our soul and our life. It's a "Win-Win" decision to give the trash to Him who already paid the price to haul it away. Thank you Bill for sharing this truth. Only God knows the far extent of it's reach. Roselyn

I understand your passion for people to be holy, but sometimes we need to recognize that everyone's in a process... and for most people, the problem isn't laziness or indifference. It's powerlessness and fear, masquerading as something else. God's grace has the power to overcome our powerlessness and fear. Yeah, sometimes we need a kick in the seat of the pants. But most of the time, that only pushes our Inner Mess into a corner and makes it hunker down for a while... only to come out doubly strong a few days later. It is the grace of God that renews our hearts.
Oh. That inner pity-party says woe is me and the tears begin.

You might want to go ahead and grieve your losses consciously and deliberately... “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4, NKJV.
In my inner mess, I have a Miss Too-Cool-For-Everything. Whenever I feel threatened or not good enough, she comes out. It's terrible, because I'm not actually like that. I'm pretty accepting and loving. But it's like a switch is flipped and suddenly I'm making fun of everyone who isn't as cool or smart or funny as I am. Or I just act snotty and above everyone else. Later I wish I hadn't acted so above everybody.
First Born Self-Righteous One - this is the person who was the oldest in a family who never does anything wrong. Their parents rarely have a problem with them as they are considered to be a "goody-goody." They have a hard time seeing their own sin and actually look down on their struggling second and third born siblings (and so on) because they just can't be as "good" as they are. (yep that's me!)
I have so many of those Inner "Peeps" that are constantly making a "mess" in my life..but the one that is affecting my outer world right now is my inner brat, my inner need to be right.
inner insecurity makes me feel like iam nothing, and not good enough for anything or anybody. inner liar tells people what they want to hear inner manipulator changes things so that other people are always on call and dont know whats really happening. inner jerk is outwardly mean to others, and uncaring and SELFISH inner wimp is really scared of reality and growing up/acting ones age
My Inner stereotyper/profiler-ugly!
inner reject - i overextend myself trying to be sure i won't be rejected. everyone pays.
My inner insecurity that becomes my outer perfectionist who has to be #1.....always
I tend to lack complete trust in God to be sovereign and "try" and help Him out all I can...dumb, I know.
I think I have every character listed in that video! Especially, Inner Procrastinator. I would also add Inner Judge and Jury. Sorry.
I have an inner Eeyore. "Good morning, Eeyore," said Pooh. "Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily. "If it is a good morning, which I doubt," said he.
[censored] Monster
I have an inner ego maniac, who thinks he is more enlightened than all others, even when evidence points to the contrary.
Inner MANIPULATOR has become outward MANIPULATOR. UGH
My Inner Wimp makes it impossible for me to handle uncomfortable situations.
My Inner Glutton shows up when I'm stressed. He keeps me overweight, and fighting type 2 diabetes.
Inner Frazier: I say I'm listening, but I'm really thinking about how your inner mess inconveniences mine. And, besides, you should be smarter than how you're acting. Inner Pituitary Gland: I expect you to grow, but I won't really help you if I can help it. Inner Bob Newhart: You have to listen to me very carefully to get what I'm saying, because I won't come right out and tell you.
I have an Inner Sloth, but I'm too tired to write about her.
My inner seductress who tries to attract men by looking a certain way. Of course, this only attracts the wrong type of men.
My inner jealousy..
Control Freak
My Horriblizer... the part of me that assumes the worst, and follows every problem to its worst possible outcome.
Inner Caretaker. I have this weird need to take care of idiots.
I went off on my kids with Inner Jerk.
I have a white liar... nothing big... just a lot of little ones.
How about my Inner Wound-licker.
My inner anger demon.. watch out!.

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Characters