Hey, Siestas!
Several of you asked this week about the upcoming schedule for our Siesta So Long Insecurity discussion group. All of a sudden I realized that it was just days away and I’d better hop on it! I’ve had the shelf date continually in my mind but my priority attentions to it have been shoved behind the SMT Celebration and the launch of Tuesday night Bible study. My blond brain can only sufficiently handle one thing at a time and it’s finally time for this to be the one thing.
For those of you who aren’t up to speed on the subject, this blog community was my biggest resource and, hands down, my most valuable one for the new book, So Long Insecurity. I thought it would be so appropriate and insightful (and fun) to go through it together when it comes out. Well, it’s coming out on Tuesday so we better get this big ball rolling! I’ll put the information in the form of an FAQ for those of you who find that kind of layout most helpful. So here goes:
What’s the plan?
To go through the book together here on the blog over the course of nine weeks. It will conclude the week prior to the SLI simulcast (on April 24th) and I’m anticipating God using our discussions here to add insight into the messages I’ll share that day. He’s used you so many times in this ministry.
How will it work?
Every week I’ll give you a reading assignment (roughly two chapters a week) along with one or two questions based on that material. Those who want to respond will do so through posting comments.
Who should participate?
Anyone with two X chromosomes! Everybody’s welcome! Some of the things we do together on this blog – like summer Bible study and Scripture memory – are over the heads or outside the interests of many of our female coworkers, neighbors, siblings, or friends. Not this time. This subject matter was purposely written to be relevant for any woman trying to survive this culture with a little dignity. My prayer is that, in the pursuit of dignity, they will discover real Security. (Proverbs 3:26 NLT) I give you my word it is not a trap. It is what I believe from the marrow of my bones to be the Truth. If you’re unsure you want to risk asking someone outside the Christian community to join us, grab hold of the book quickly, read it for yourself and see if you think a few of your friends might be open to going through it. No pressure. It’s entirely up to you. God alone has the power to draw people to His Son.
When will we start?
So Long Insecurity hits the stands this coming Tuesday, February 2nd. I will give everyone who wants to participate one week to get your hands on a copy (bookstores, Amazon, etc.). Then, on Tuesday, February 9th, I’ll do a “roll call” (First name and city) to see who’s going to participate. That’s always a ton of fun. In an outreach setting like this one, it will be a blast to see brand new names. On Thursday, February 11th, we’ll start our reading assignments and our first week’s discussion questions. Each Thursday for the next nine weeks I’ll pitch another set of assignments and questions on the blog until we reach the conclusion. (For those who are afraid that one week might not be long enough to get a copy of the book in your hands, keep in mind that, even if you get yours late into the second week, the reading goes quickly enough to put you right on schedule.)
What if I don’t want to take nine whole weeks to read the book?
I just knew somebody was going to ask that question. I’m laughing but I’d be the same way. You can read the book as fast as you’d like then look back on it chapter by chapter as we slow down and do it together as a group.
But what if I don’t want to participate?
Then don’t! I’ll love you so much anyway and meet with you plenty of other times on the blog.
WOW. This is about to be a reality. I just have one last thing to say, Siestas. If you hate it, you helped me write it. SHARE MY PAIN!
I love you.
*Update*
You can sign up for the SLI DG on the roll call post.*
Hi. My name is Rebecca and I am second time blogger on this site. I backslid today! I had a major insecure moment today and my husband suggested that I BLOG!
I had to speak today for a worship service and as I was praying and mentally preparing myself to deliver the message. A man turns to me and he says, “I hear that you are a powerhouse.” He continues to say, “I want to see because we have a women’s day coming up and maybe we will bring you in.”
The first thing is that this statement is so “fleshy” that it begin to stir up so many different emotions within me. All I knew is that I needed to make sure that my message needed to be on point so that I could remain this powerhouse and so that this man would invite me to speak at his women’s day.
Well, I spoke on Philippians 2 and when I got to the portion that said, “Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made Himself of no reputation.” lol
He made Himself of no reputation and here I am trying to make myself of a reputation as a “powerhouse”.
It is sad…So immediately after the worship was over. I just continued to ask my husband how he thought that the devotional thought went. And he could not understand what was wrong with me. He hadn’t seen me like that since I began reading So Long Insecurity.
I recognized that that man’s statement was a trigger for my insecurities. I backslid! but I know that there is victory and I am going to keep pressing toward the mark. Thank you for this safe insecure anonymous blog site-smiling.
warm regards,
Rebecca
Hi Beth,
Have just read SLI and it really helped me recognize the root of my problems. The definition you gave cut right through me as it described me totally.
I praise God that you were willing to share your story to help us.
I shared my own story with a group of ladies at a retreat, and some tips from your book in overcoming Insecurity and many were in tears afterwards.
I have lent your book to one lady and cant wait to see how she responds.
It is difficult to be a pastor’s wife and deal with insecurity, but I am getting a handle on it now.
Love all your teaching… Keep up the awesome work.
Love, Lynne
Beth, I just read SLI and found it to be transformational. I felt the need to share it with the women in my Bible Study, so I copied Chapter 15 “What Are You Afraid Of?” along with the beautiful prayer at the end of the book. We read the prayer out loud together as we concluded our Bible Study together last week and everyone was so choked up we could hardly get through it. Being reminded that we are clothed with strength and dignity and can smile at the days to come is powerful stuff indeed. God knew we needed it–our discussion (and tears) that day had involved family members with cancer, a mutual friend whose 16 month old baby had just died, and on and on. So thank you. I truly loved the book!
Hi,
I recently finished reading So Long, Insecurity. I loved it! However, I have a question. You mentioned that we are clothed with strenth and dignity. That applies to the virtuous woman. Is it appropriate to apply that to every woman?
Thank you, Cheryl
I too just finished the “So Long Insecurity”. I did love it and learned a lot from it. My review of the book would be that it seemed there was a lot about insecurities concerning men and women relationships which is not a problem I can identify. My insecurities seem to deal a lot with feeling indequate, either in relationships friends and family, or things I need to do.
But your book really helped me identify these insecurities, and how, through God, deal with them and hopefully eliminate them! Thank you so much for taking the time and skill to write this book for all of us who can use it. Also for being vulnerable and sharing your life with us for our benefit!!!
Just finished it! Loved It! I have certaintly made this book my own- I have underlined, circled, and commented almost on every page.(my children have left a few of their own marks as well) The prayer in the middle ushered in a sweet and intimate time with my Lord! I have been crying out to God to rescue me from the approval of man/fear of man. Thank you for always reminding us to fight and to BELIEVE we can be free!! Believing Him more and more each day! Love, The Daughter of The King, Joy
I’ve been desperate for this message, delivered in exactly this way. I’ve been reading it over the past week, and thought I was getting it. Apparently I am a slow learner, because I got a text the other day, that I should have responded too with dignity, but instead I let it unsettle me, and responded like the pathetic impostor I’ve been trying to be free of…So, off to read it again, this time with pen in hand.
I’ll report back,
Nelleke
Hey Nelleke….I love to see what all of us “cracked, broken, vessels” say about our conditions as insecure women. I have loved this book and am in the process of reading it for about the 3rd time…I personally think most of the insecurity issues have to do with man/woman relationships, that is my particular issue..I would love to hear some comments from any woman who has literally magic-marked chapter 11 to death…..That was my area of need and I have all but worn out the pages with my yellow magic marker!!! Thanks Beth and Praise your Name Jesus, for giving this insight to Beth and therefore, allowing such healing to our hearts and minds!!!
I finished SLI this summer and LOVED it! I wondering if anyone has used the book with teens or knows of another great resource that is geared to their stage of life. I work with teenage girls, and they desperately need these concepts ingrained in their thinking. Thanks so much!
Terry
Terry,
I am a teenager, (19 now but I was 17 when I started reading Beth’s books) so I’ll try to answer your question! I have not read So Long Insecurity yet, but I love Beth Moore’s books! Some of my friends read her books too, but most of them are honors student and are either very into reading or very into Jesus. My youth group used one of Beth Moore’s books for a teen book study, and it went well. I guess it depends on the age/maturity level of the teen. But anyways, I hope that helped!
I would like to read this book with the ladies in my church, and was wondering if there are study questions to discuss that go with this book?
Thanks,
Bree
I have just started reading “So Long Insecurity.” I only made it to page 5 before I was in tears as I recognized myself, and many loved ones, in the pages. I was so disappointed to be unable to attend the simulcast back in April but it was my son’s 5th birthday and I didn’t feel right leaving him with a sitter. God has reminded me several times over the past few months to get the book because I truly believe He wants me to be free from my insecurities. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do through this book and hoping all the “siestas” out there will be blessed by it.
Hey, Jada! Welcome! I pray God really uses the message in your sweet life. I’m honored to serve you.
Please forgive the duplication. I think I submitted this post to the wrong blog topic yesterday…
I’m about 2/3 of the way through So Long Insecurity and have received such new insight from the book!
I get a major dose of insecurity when I make an apology and get no response from the person. To be honest, the situation leaves me feeling empty and condemned even though I have repented to God and have been forgiven by Him. Thank You, Jesus…
I know my feelings are my responsibility and no one else’s, and I don’t fault anyone other than myself.
I so want to shake this issue and stop sinking!
I read SLI right after it came out. As I devoured the pages I saw myself everywhere! It was such a relief to finally understand the root of all my pain and loneliness. I thought things were under control until an issue with a friend relationship took a nasty tuen this week. I’ve gotten SLI out again and plan to circle, underline, and highlight the death out of it! Satan is going to LOSE thins fight. With God’s help I will overcome these feelings of inadequacy.
Wow! …. You got me girl!!! The words leaped of the page at me! Thank you for letting the Lord work through you. Thanks for being so candid! Tears ran down my face as I read your description of your make up artist pounding her heart with words of wisdom! It was like she was there saying it to me! Thank you Jesus! There will be a lot of heart pounding at my house! <3
SLI was so refreshing to read. I read it in 2 days!! haha It’s amazing to truly have a hunger to be satisfied in the Lord alone, and to be a Godly example to girls that I once was intimidated by. I’m 24 and have seen this book effect my whole entire life in a drastic way. It definitely took some kind of pressure off, and I am full of the Lord’s incomprehensible JOY. It’s amazing how insecurity robs women. I see it everywhere now. If I can’t rest in Christ, than I have no rest or security. It never dawned on me that women of all ages have insecurities. The best news is that He is with me every step of the way, to be more of who I was meant to be in Christ. The insecurity that I still battle is definitely men. I know that the Lord has given me a desire for a man so it’s a balance between a Godly desire and idolitry. However, as I’ve pressed into His word, the things of this world and approval of men become so dim in the light of his glory and grace. Thank you for being transparent, you really were used to change my life!
Dearest Beth,
You are a true inspiration! How refreshing that even while being in the spot light, you are willing to be vulnerable in order to help us with our insecurities. I am sure you have taken hits even by admitting you have insecurity. I am a pastors wife who is a transparent person and I get critisized for being so open, mostly by other pastors wives. They say I need to be strong and set an example, that I should be there for others but not open myself up. I see it like if I am not real than how will others open up to me? I am so tired of everyone pretending to be something they are not. I do have a question that I dont think was covered in the book. When you encounter someone with deep rooted insecurities, how do you respond to them without continually tripping their insecurity switch, even when you are not trying to? ie.games women play. I have a friend who is hot and cold..never know which one I will get. Most of the time she is so insecure she snubs me to hurt me, then if she hears that I have been with another friend, she gets even more upset. I just dont even know what to do. I dont want to play this game, but I feel she has me playing it even if I dont want to! I don’t want to contribute to her insecurity. I have tried to talk to her by asking if I have done anything and she always says she is fine (the mask)..please Miss Beth I need help! I encounter this more than I ever thought I would as a pastors wife and I don’t know what to do!!
Signed, Desperate for Answers
Hi Beth…and thank you! I am just about to finish SLI and am so thankful for the insight God has given you to help open my eyes!
I am 52, married 34 years, 4 children, 6 grandbabies…and it feels like you know me so well…
I must confess…after praying the prayer, later that morning I had my same knee jerk reaction to a trigger that gets me everytime…I was so disappointed with myself, but realize this is not going to be easy…
I now have notes all over to remind me and help to keep my thoughts where God wants them…
I know there will be many tests along the way…esp. with my husbands upcoming job, but I Know I have the Power of the Lord inside me and I am determined to make Security a reality in my life! Thank you Beth for allowing the Lord to use you so mightily!!!
SLI has been the perfect follow up to Breaking Free. Many areas changed with Breaking but I remained in bondage
through my insecurities and was blind to the havoc it had weilded in almost every aspect of my life. I was so Insecure that I did not want to be seen reading a book about it and immediately turned the cover inside out so
no one would know! After doing serious business with Father
I have started to walk through the battles of transforming one more area of my mind and my heart. Asking myself the QUESTION is making the difference….” What would a secure woman do right now?” Then I do it. Thank you Jesus, Thank you Beth for laying your heart open before us.
Beth,
I read so long insecurity at the begining of this year. A woman at my church i greatly admire suggested that i should read it after some things that we had been talking about. Her exact words were “it changed my life”, and her being the Godly woman she is, i knew i needed to read it. i’m 19 years old.. and will be getting married soon. And God has began to show me things and pull things out of me.. that were there since my childhood. I’m just amazed and humbled at how good God is to begin to do this work in me at a young age.. and how he has been preparing me for a healthy relationship in the marriage i’ll be entering. Not that it was easy, but well worth it! I know that many other woman at my church are reading this book as well, and are being changed by it. Recognizing the strongholds and the lies of the enemy, and standing on the truth. Were building a new church and fixing to move in, and we’re excited to share the truth to the new and the old.. i just wanted to tell you thanks for your obedience, discipline, and willingness to serve. I also am in the process of reading Breaking Free,i’m almost done.. and it has been the most life changing. I encouarage everyone that is reading so long insecurity to read breaking free, and if you already have go back through it with it..
but anyway,to make a long story short- thanks beth! and thank you Lord for what you’ve done in her for the generations to come
In Christ’s love
Ms. Moore; Thank you so much for your obedience in writing “So Long Insecurity…” I just completed reading it and it has blessed my spirit! As I was reading I kept thinking ‘Beth get out of my mail’ lol, each chapter spoke to where I was and where the Lord is gently leading me. I plan to read it again to get what I missed the first time through.
I am 47 years old and have lived my life hating too many things about myself and my life that I felt didn’t fit in with the world’s difintion of perfect…I didn’t have a perfect family (grew up in foster care) I didn’t have a perfect education (flunked out of college) my body is…I don’t know which fruit, apple, pear, whatever lol, I’m not a social butterfly etc..yet I felt the Lord calling me to wholeness for a while now and He wouldn’t allow me to ignore his prompting either. Through His Word, Church Body, books and TV programs he has kept the pressure on to allow him into those broken parts of my life and allow him to heal me!
He is such a loving, gentle, persistent God, I love him so very much and I thank him for using woman of God, such as yourself, to minister to my spirit and give me hope through your personal example that He is able and willing to heal if we would let him. Pray with me please as I continue on this journey to wholeness! I won’t stop until I get there…promise! God bless you my friend (you must be my friend if you’re reading my mail) lol.