Hey, Girls! I have absolutely LOVED your discussions in Week One! I am so happy about the decision to take a full week for your responses because the comments come in at a slow enough pace for AJ and me to read a ton of them. You are such an interesting and diverse group.
There were so many comments that made me think, a few that made me want to cry, and several that made me laugh my head off. I have to mention two that brought a smile to my face because I had anticipated this very challenge and discussed it at some length with my friends at Tyndale House. Both of the responses that made me grin came from the question about the last time you faced our gender’s massive insecurity struggle. One of you said you confronted it when you immediately had to pull the book jacket off so no one would see that you were reading a book on insecurity. The other one said something similar but with even more detail. You described getting the book that very day, taking it with you to work to begin reading over your supper break, spreading your stuff out on the table in the break room, then covering the name of the book so no one would think you were insecure. I loved it.
BY ALL MEANS, pull that book jacket off if you need to! It’s what’s inside the book that matters. I’ll tell you why I begged to have the word “insecurity” in the title even though the question came to the table, “Will insecure women be secure enough to get a book with insecurity in the title?” My feeling – then theirs – was that it was worth the chance. If we’d just named it something like “Hello Security,” women would not have known outright that it dealt with healing from INsecurity. Big difference. We can talk about security all day long but we will never find ourselves in that beautiful place without letting God deal with our insecurity.
As I wrestled with how it should be titled, I became certain, I pray through the direction of the Holy Spirit, that the key word had to be in it. It had to be blatant. That moment’s resonance with that distasteful word insecurity might make a woman like me stop and think…then gather the courage to slap that thing on the counter and take it home with her. I am convinced that, if someone else had written it and I’d been in the emotional turmoil of last year, I would have seen that word, looked both ways in that Walmart or that bookstore, and, when the coast was clear, I would have run to the check out counter – then to the car – as fast as I could. And I probably would have read the first chapter in the car with tears rolling down my cheeks. That’s how desperate I was.
Anyway, the first real step toward healing is admitting we’ve got a problem. So, you see? The fact that we were secure enough to get a book on insecurity means that all 6700+ of us are on our way to healing! High five right here, Girls. God is proud of us.
OK, so let’s get to our discussions for Week Two. Read or thoroughly review CHAPTERS THREE and FOUR then answer the questions that follow this paragraph. Remember to add your basic bio information every time you comment: First name, age decade, married or single, city, state. If at any time, your answer is too vulnerable for you to want to identify yourself, just go with age decade and married or single status. Those facts themselves bring insight to your answers.
1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own “Prominent False Positive”?
2. What is the challenge stated at the very end of Chapter Three? (I want us to see this restated in our comments hundreds of times so it breaks into our belief systems. It is critical to our journey. SO, I don’t care how many times you’ve seen it written on this post, write it again for yourself. That’s your mama talking.)
3. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?
That’s it for this week! I can’t wait to see your answers. Remember, you have until next Thursday morning to answer your questions.
I care so much, Ladies. You are a tremendous inspiration to me. May Christ meet you in your tasks and concerns today. He loves you lavishly.
PS. I had to hop back on here and mention another comment that I just saw under last Thursday’s post. In fact, I’m going to flat-out cut and paste it. I thought it was so funny in terms of the two earlier ones I mentioned to you about some of us feeling a tad insecure about reading an insecurity book in public. Dig this one:
One of our sisters wrote…
Well, I ordered my book online and really thought it should be in/getting close to last Thursday when we were supposed to start. I went up to the receptionist and to see if I had received any packages and then said, “sure wish my book would come in.” Receptionist had a funny look on her face and pointed to a package on her desk. She said she didn’t know whose it was as it came in the day before with just company name and not an individual. She said, “I asked every woman in this office if it was theirs. I didn’t even think to ask you….you would be the last person…” Well, it was mine and at first I said, “I’m not insecure” but later walked back up there and said, “[the woman’s name], I do have some insecurities but guarantee you when I am done, I’ll be set free from them.” She looked at me like I was crazy. Oh well.
Bless your heart, Sister! We love you, we’re feeling your pain, and we’re all cringing and laughing with you (you just might as well go ahead and think it’s funny). Honestly, that’s just like something that would happen to me. You are all so refreshing to me. Let’s stay the course in Jesus’ great Name.
Tami 
My most prominent false positive: it's hard to put into more concise words, but my security & confidence has been more related to my son's positive/negative behavior choices –than is good for me as Mom of my two munchkins. When the reality is that he has a biological brain disorder, and there will ever only be so much I can do or say before I have to just let go. For my daughter's sake and for mine. But still…that struggle is what it is, for now.
Ps.23:1: "The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want…" it's so hard NOT to hang on to what I want what I want for my son from God.
2)My challenge at the end of ch.3(I'm want to start trying to own it personally!): "To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us(me)increasingly overtake our(my)earthen vesseluntil it drives our(my)every emotion, reaction, and relationship."
3)Which Biblical figure or statement about him/her in ch.4 resonated with me most & why? Moses, because even though I believe God and believe in Him… the struggle of actively risking to believe AND obey Him inspite of (and even because of)how things appear in the 'here and now' happens to be at any given time–is not an area of testing I've done as well as often as I wish.
…how's that for a run-on sentence?! lol
Diane
40
Ogden, Utah
shelley
Married
33
Cornelius, Oregon
1.my most prominent false positive is-if I just could loose a few pounds everyone would like me better.
2. our challenge to let the healthy,utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3.I identify most with a most of them. I am quick to judge, and I get jealous oftern when I feel others have more things then I do. I also am not good at doing what God asked me to do. It takes many times of God showing me what I need to do before I feel confident in dong what needs to be done.
20's
Single
Dallas, TX
1. Prominent Self-Positive: Beauty/ Attractiveness
2. Challenge: To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my earthen vessel until it drives my every emotion, reaction and relationship. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let my eyes spring open to the treasure I have, there in His glorious reflection I'll also see the treasure I am
3. I hate to say this, but I most related to Saul. Living with a constant fear of loss and the jealousy- it's so destructive. I even find that I can be jealous of my own friends (not because they have something, but because I don't) rather than rejoicing with them- as if God can't abundantly bless me and ALL my friends!!! However, where I am determined to be different than Saul is to seek the Lord and ask Him to give me freedom from my insecurities. I am determined not to let insecurity and the fear of the "what if" keep me from the many good things the Lord has planned for me.
Rita
Colorado Springs, CO
50's
Married
My prominent false positive: that the things I do and the woman I am–created by God–is "enough": A) that the things I do for my children as their mother is enough to provide for them, support and encourage them, educate them, prepare them for life as adults, care for them, impart God's Word into them, propel them forward and love them equally. B) that the woman I am is enough to hold the attraction and attention of my husband, that the love I give him is enough to keep him loving and liking me, and that the other women in his work life will not "outshine" me. C) that the musical and vocal talents God has created me with are enough to allow me to continue praising Him as a member of our church praise/worship team. Do you get what I am saying? Despite the fact I know without hesitation that God created me with a voice and a passion to sing for Him and call others into worship of Him, i still do not feel "enough". D) that the 45-50 hour work weeks i put in are "enough" to accomplish the tasks laid before me to the best of my ability. E) that the love I feel for and share with my siblings and their families is enough . . . that there is always something more i could do let them know i love them.
The challange: Let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthern vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
Beth, I most resonate with the words you wrote about Paul: "the fiercest enemy he had to fight in the fulfillment of his destiny was himself." "The essence of the crucified life was a daily dying to the part of himself that would deny, destroy, or distract from the great work of God in him." For as you wrote in the middle of chapter 4, "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies simply because of their own insecurities."
I pray that–in God's strength–I can overcome my insecurities to live up to the full potential and role He has created for me to provide to my fellow man while my feet walk this earth. How disappointed I will be to stand before Him and find that He had so much more for me to do/be . . . if only I would have believed I was ENOUGH!
Ellen
Long Beach, ca
50's
Single/divorced
1. False positive – I would have to say my weight – If only – I have struggled so long with this issue–
If I could lose and keep off these 30lbs. I would be able to do so much more for the Lord and be the woman he wants me to be. OR I would disappoint him again and get involved with some guy I shouldn't and find myself right back where I was 16 years ago – haven't had a date in 16 years because of the trouble I got myself into then. LONG Story
2. The challenge – To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. Sarah – I see myself a little bit in her, maybe a stretch I don't know but she gave it all for her man- she wanted to please him so much that she changed for him. Gave him something she thought he wanted or needed. Then she realized the mess she created and it was too late. She took it out on everyone.
My most prominent false positive is I'm not sure ! I can remembering wanting everyone to like me when I was a kid. I didn't think I was as pretty as the other girls.So that would be popularity and beauty . You know I don't seem to think that now at my age but it must be in there still somewhere.
The Challenge in Chapter 3 states,
" To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
Most relate to Moses and the woman at the well.
I've got to tell you my progress with my book š I'm the one that laid out my lunch and then covered my book. I don't cover the book anymore and have read lots of the commets and I am just putting it out there and going to get rid of any insecutiy like a lot of the ladies said they wanted to do. Thanks for the inspiration to do that.
If anyone ask me who is Beth Moore I am going to say she is a friend of mine.
Pam
Campbellsburg In,
50's
Single ( Widow )
I am so excited to have won in the drawing.
Molly
40's
Single, never married
Camarillo, CA
1.So many false positives in this girl's life, some of which are woven together, but the most prominent would be weight/size.
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my mind and heart … allow God's truth to eclipse EVERY false positive so that I may see the treasure I have and the treasure I am because the beauty of the Lord my God is upon me. (didn't think you'd mind if I personalized it.)
3. I most identify with Leah longing to be loved and desired by a man.
So thankful God is always in the business of bringing truth, healing and transformation to my life. Thank you, Beth, for inviting me on this journey.
Cari
Arvada
50's
married
1. Prominent false positive is my weight and looks. One goes hand in hand with the other. when he weight goes up my self esteem goes down.
2. Challenge: to let the healthy utterly whole, and completely secure partof us increasely over take our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship.
3. It's Saul. "Insecurity lives in a constant terror of loss. Insecure people are always afraid that something or someone is going to be taken away from them" It comes from my childhood. Parents divorced when I was in 4th grade. dad remarried and divorced again. My sister married and left home. It goes on and on. I am married for 33 years and still love my husband!
Amy
Washington D.C.
20s
Single
1) My prominent false positive is two things, but as you said, one comes out more than the other. So my first is definitely weight/beauty. I've ALWAYS believed that in order for me to have total security I have to be thin and beautiful. This ruined my teen years and my college years. It's kept me from taking the risks I've always wanted to take, doing the things I've longed to do because I was always afraid of what my body would look like while doing those things. What if my thigh looks too big, what if I jiggle here or bounce there? What if my chin suddenly had two? I wouldn't play volleyball with my friends, wear dresses that were gorgeous, or ride in the same car as guys. This false positive kept me from saying yes to the one invitation I've ever received from a guy to go dancing at a ball. I'm 27 years old and I've never even been asked out on a date…never been told by a guy that I was beautiful (other than my father and brothers), and certainly never heard from the "chain of friends" that some guy liked me. Once I mustered the courage to take ballroom dance lessons with other people at my grad school. The guy who later asked me to the grad school's annual ball was turned down because I was too scared to show my arms in a sleeveless gown. In fact, hardly any of my friends have ever seen me in a tank top.
The second false positive is…you guessed it…guys and romance. I think I explained that enough, except to say that after all these years I'm starting to question whether all this heartache over never having been asked out is all the guys fault. Have I been scared all these years too?
Yes, mama…our challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
I wrote at the end of this: Father, i did not know that these two areas were the prominate false positives of my life. But i am encouraged to know they can be diminished. yes, I am partially a wreck; I have so much to work on. But you reside in me and you are completely healthy. I desire for you to completely and wholly take over my life. Take it to the point of overtaking and driving my being, emotion, reaction, and relationship.
2) I resonate with Moses the most. Feeling sof inadequacy even after he did amazing things is exactly who I am and what I do to myself. I am one of those who not only is but fears of being the kind to never fulfill their calling and purpose simply beause of my own insecurities. All throughout college my mother and father encouraged me when all I could do was cry over these very two false positives (and others like the insecurity of thinking I am not as smart as others, not up to their calibur, and not as great or special). They encouraged me as I would tell them in between breathes that I constantly heard the devil's proding at me almost every moment of everyday, even as I walked to classes or to my job or cafeteria, "Look at her hair…it's wavy, yours is ugly, she wears those jeans amazing, it's because she is thin and you aren't." Over and over again they listened to my troubles and one thing would stop my crying over it all…it's when my mother would tell me, "God will not use you to the measure of His greatness if you don't tear down these insecurities." Even now I get chills thinking of those times on the floor of my dorm hallway. I've let these insecurities rule over my life for 16 years…it's time to take over and let God have the reigns.
1. My āprominent false positiveā is definitely body image- that losing weight would make me feel secure.
2. āTo let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.ā
What a great challenge!
3. I identify most with Saul. It doesnāt take much to make me jealous and scared someone is going to take something from me or get something I want to have. The sentence āInsecurity lives in constant terror of lossā is completely me. I always fear loss in some way.
Page 35, I really resonated with the statement, āYou and I are going to have to come to a place where we stop handing people the kind of power only God should wield over us.ā I constantly look to others to get approval for decisions, life choices, etc. rather than asking myself and God if itās ok.
Taylor
Dallas, TX
20s
single
Mindy
Oakdale, CA
30s
Single
I am SO excited to be joining in this week! This is officially my first post and I am working to catch up (I just received my book yesterday)!
1. My prominent false positive would ABSOLUTELY be having a man in my life. I have been single now for several years and most of my friends are married. Due to the severity of my past relationships (the father of my first child is currently in prison and the father of my other three children resides in another state and hasn't seen his children in over a year), I steer clear from relationships (mainly due to the fear of repeating the same mistakes – "It's time I got healthy enough emotionally to choose my lifelong companions better" is my new mantra!). I have gone to great lengths to protect my children from another one of my 'relationship mistakes' but cannot seem to get away from the idea that everything would be better if I were to find a man.
2. "Let the HEALTHY, utterly WHOLE, and completely SECURE part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it DRIVES our every emotion, reaction, and relationship!"
3. I would have to say that I relate most to Leah, in that my value/worth was/is wrapped up in my child-making ability. I also relate to the 'settling for an attachment' statement (after the third child). I remember coming to a point in my relationship where I said, "If he just loves the children, I'm ok with that. I just want him to live the children. That's enough. I can live with that."
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share!
I feel blessed to be a part of this quest with all of you! God bless you on your journey!
<3
Tami
50
married
Arcadia, CA
1. prominent false positive would be losing weight! I always seem to be about 20 over.
2. my challenge is to let the healthy, whole & secure part of me increasingly overtake the rest of me until it becomes the driving force of my life!!
3. I suppose I relate most to Moses because God usually has to tell me more than once when He has something for me to do… dense!
Gayle, 61
Anacortes, WA
Married
My false positive has to do with position. I know that deep down I often think that if I could be the supporting center, the "gramma" of my family. that all would be well with me.
Our challenge is to 'let go and let God'. The closer we get to Him the more secure wewill be. He is the "soul"(sole) source of true security.
I would have to say that I identify most with Paul. I have so many problems, yet I refuse to let them interfere with my faith and work for the Lord.No matter what, I will just keep counting on Him to see me through, illnesses, insecurities and all…I am His and He is mine!
1. I think my prominent false positive is people who appear confident in themselves. They seem to present themselves with a self assurance and a "togetherness" and I am insecure when I am with them.
2. Our challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. Saul, because I frequently battle the fear of something or someone being taken away from me.
MaryBeth
Hallsville, TX
53
Married
Lisa
Hickory NC
Married
40's
Prominent False Positive- Fianacial security would make me secure in all other areas~~I know not really but coming out of debt reduction and working hard is a start but after reading this book I have so much feeding everything else…aarrggh by God's grace and time, we'll get there…2 God Be the Glory!
God Let the Healthy secure of me which is in YOU O LORD overtake my belief system, my emotions, reactions and relationships. Let my view be a God view even while looking at myself and allow God's truth to penetrate all of ME ! Praise you Father Praise YOU !
I identified with Paul I think the most. How you explained things about him I never understood he felt like that before….amazing! I too am like him I battle myself in the fight of fulfillment of my destiny, deliberating continuing giving it and myself back over to God again and again !
Much LOVE ! Thanks for writing this book ! Its helping me so much!
Pamela
CA
19
Single
1. My false positive: To get married. I somehow feel that marriage will prove that I am not undesirable, and not such a horrible sinner. I feel, unrealistically of course, that it will take away problems with body image, and mostly that I will feel fulfilled spiritually, physically, and mentally.
2. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have.
3. I associate most with Paul; Beth wrote that "he fought the awful feeling that he wasn't as good as the others who hadn't done nearly so much wrong." Sometimes when I'm around a group of believers, I struggle with the notion that I am somehow inferior to them because of the specific sins that I have struggled with and still do struggle with; sometimes I put myself down for it, and other times, I try to put myself on an "equal" footing with people who I feel are somehow more righteous than I.
Heidi
40's, married
Cary, NC
My life long false positive has been regarding weight. "If I lose (____) pounds, then….." The number in the blank depends on which life phase I said it in, but the number has increased over the years. Even for the few brief days I've attained my ideal weight, it did't make me feel any different. It is the one area of my life that so far I have not been able to consistently walk in freedom.
The challenge: That the power of Jesus Christ would bring light into every dark place in me and that by doing so the healthy, whole, secure part of me totally eclipses the dark, insecure parts.
I most resonate with Moses. God has clearly called me to a new thing and I have been resisting out of fear and insecurity. By His power (and with the help of this book), I will not let this fear and insecurity prevent me from walking fully into the destiny He has for me. Praise You Jesus!!!
Katey
Boston, MA
30's
Single
1) My prominent false positive is being married. So many of my friends are married and have babies. I always feel insecure around them. I wonder what's wrong with me that I don't even have a boyfriend let alone a husband? I desire it so much that being around them hurts.
2)To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.
3) Moses because I'm in a situation with work where I do not want to do what needs to be done. I don't feel equipped or competent and I want God to send someone else.
Erica
30's
Married in KS
1. My false positive is having more successfulness/eduaction. I have a 2 year degree, but have been a sahm mom for almost 10 years with atleast 2 more years for me to go. I feel like by the time I am ready to go back into the workforce I'm not going to have a clue. I'm already worrying about that. Instead of being secure in the fact that my job right now is being a mom,and being so thankful that I can do that and loving it, I'm insecure that I won't be able to find a job later….how messed up is that??
2.When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in HIS glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure that we are.
3.I'm going to say Saul. I have a love/hate relationship with some family members. I want them to be successful. I want them to financially stable, but when that happens, its like it gets thrown in my face. Just like Saul promoted David, I want to promote my family members business's and talents, BUT "we've all felt insecure over someone else's success"
Cathy, 50's
Lincoln, NE
Married
False positive – losing weight
Challenge – to let the healthy and whole secure part of us overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
Moses – even though he was given everything he needed from God, he was still insecure in his ability to do what was needed. This resonates with me.
Tammie
50
Married
Cleveland, MS
Prominent false positive- if my husband were out of the "pastorate" (not the ministry, mind you…just pastoring)I would be secure. My family…especially my man have suffered terribly at the hands of "God'speople."
In Him is no darkness at all…to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
The apostle Paul SO resonates with me…"the fiercest enemy he had to fight in the fulfillment of his destiny was himself."
Paula
Iowa
60's
Married
1. My body (large breasts) is my false positive.
2.(In my own words) To let the positive, secure part of me increase until it drives out my negative feelings.
I was so blessed to read that "Insecurity lives in constant fear of loss. Insecure people are always afraid that something or someone is going to be taken from them." THAT'S ME!
Amber
Dallas, TX
30's Married
My most prominent false positive is completely unattainable…but gosh do I try. I struggle with an addiction to approval. I'd really like everyone to like me and approve of my actions/decisions…all the time. Facebook is a nightmare for folks like me!
The Challenge – To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship.
I most identify with Moses. I often wonder why God has chosen me for the tasks at hand when I'm clearly unqualified (or at least I feel that way).
Danelle
Ames, IA
50, married
Prominent false positive- people would make me secure. I have many friends but am struggling as my world is shrinking.
I identify with Moses as I believe I have used size of family, ability to say no, season of life to be reluctant to obey and believe God
Roni
Williamsport, PA
40's
Married
1. I think I have many prominent false-positives. If I had more money things would be easier. If I lost weight things would be easier. If this. If that.
2. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. Adn the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.
3. I think I am a bit like Rachel. End of story!!!!!
Lori
Parkersburg WV
30's
Married
1. I think my most prominent false positive is financial security. It's interesting because we are blessed financially. Our bills are paid, bellies are full, and there's money in the bank. 10 years ago this was my vision of financial security… now it's grown to include being completely debt free with a 6 month emergency fund and zillions in mutual funds. It just goes to show that when your faith is in a false positive nothing is ever enough. You will never have enough money, never be thin enough or pretty enough or smart enough.
2. "To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship." My translation let my tru positive, my salvation through Christ guide my heart, actions and thoughts rather than letting all the negatives or false positives of the world take over.
Lydia, 21, Single in OKC, OK.
1.) Weight. I am a control freak about excerising and eating right. Being single. Sometimes I feel that I am useless because I am not married.
2.) Allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have…in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are.
3.) Moses.
Addie, 29
Married in Missouri
1. False positives. Wow, where do I start? I think I have a million. Let me start by saying that my husband is a coach, so I could totally relate to the part where you talked about athlete's wives. You're in the spotlight. You feel like you have to look and act a certain way. And I get very jealous of the "thin, tall, blonde" athletic types because I'm so NOT that…and I think to myself "why would my husband want to be with me when he could have THAT?" Or "If I was thinner/prettier/different hair color/could run around the baseball field and not get winded, he would pay more attention to me."
Yeah. I'm messed up.
2. Challenge – basically, to realize my self-worth is in Christ, and I need to let go of all my earthly junk. It's Christ who's opinion matters – no one else. And that is so, so hard for me to grasp.
3. I totally identify with Saul. How many times do I let my jealousy completely get out of control? Your words kicked me in the butt when you said "by the time you wish something bad would happen to the person who makes you feel insecure, you need urgent care." Hoo sister…get me to the ER!!
I already posted my answers anonymously this week. I read so many of the comments and tried to pray for us insecure writers. But I have one thing to say to anyone who will read it. I lost over 10 pounds last year; the 10 pounds I'd been wanting to lose for 13 years and guess what? IT DID NOT MAKE ME SECURE! Yep, so please toss that false positive, all you women who want to lose 10 pounds.
Liz, 40s, Married in Florida
1. My "prominent false positive" absolutely has to deal with my weight. It's something I've been struggling with for many years. I remember praying many times, "Lord, if I can just have success in the area I know I can do anything for you." How silly of me! I have Him and He's all I need to do anything, it doesn't hinge on the weight loss.
2. "Allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are."
3. I think Moses' insecurity resonated with me the most mainly because of your one sentence: "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies because of their own insecurities." There are dreams I've had for a long time, that are just tucked away and covered with cobwebs because I'm afraid of rejection and failure.
Paula
30's/Married
Virginia
West Texas
30s'
Married
1. False Positive–if I felt more desired by my husband that everything in my world would be ok.
The facts are: he has many wonderful characteristics. He loves me dearly and completely. He has challenges in this area. Definitely something to pray for…not something that I need to focus my time on. Once I let go of the obsession of this, God has revealed several things to my about my husband and myself. Once I let off the pressure, peace has come to dwell in this area. (If I continue to refrain from dwelling there!)
2. The Challenge in Chapter 3 states,
" To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
Need to reflect on this when #1 tries to overtake me!!!
3. I identified with several characters in part. The one that seemed to slam in the face was Moses. God has brought me thru many seasons…lifted me up, girded my wings, fortified my spirit…and yet, and YET!!! When I feel a stirring in my spirit about something God wants me to do, my first reaction is to think…but Lord, I can't. I don't have the ___ for that. Items that fill the blank at different times: strength, confidence, talent, etc. I never stop to say…Okay, Lord. I don't know how WE'll do this…but I know that you've brought me thru x,y, and z…and I KNOW you'll provide what is needed for me to accomplish this.
Wow, Beth. Thank you for following his call on this topic. I'm growing…centimeter, by centimeter!
Stacey
Sugar Land, TX
30's
Married
My prominent false positive is thinness and beauty. I feel that if I looked better I would be more secure.
The challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
I most identify with Sarai. I know God has a plan, but too often I try to hurry it along or do it my way.
Lonna
40's
Married to the dreamiest man
Albany, OR
1. Prominent False Positive: To weigh 145 pounds and have a flat tummy (since I've had 5 kids this would be nothing short of a miracle… or surgery to get rid of all the extra skin š )
2. The Challenge is: "To let the healthy, utterly, whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship". Boy, you aren't just whistling Dixie there sister. To me that translates "Christ in me is to live…"
3.The Biblical figure I identify with the most would be Paul. 99% of my battles are started by me, fought with myself happily (or not) beating up myself and me insisting on keeping my reigning title. Undefeated Champion of Myself. Like Paul said in Romans 7: "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out". And he goes on with his famous summary of his own inner wrestling match; "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to doāthis I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to Godāthrough Jesus Christ our Lord"!
And that sums up all my insecurities. It includes my jealousy, feelings of never being good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, funny enough, strong enough, faithful enough, believable enough, honest enough, holy enough, forgiven enough, loved enough, not a good enough mother (although I think I'm a pretty good grandma, just ask my 4 year old granddaughter). Sorry to ramble on and on. So to make it short, I identify with Paul. Because he's a combination of all those mentioned in your book.
Becky
Attalla, AL
40's
Divorce/Single
My prominent false positive would be my finance and my weight. If only I could pay my bill comfortably and loss the weight that I found again that I lost a couple of years ago.
To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
The Bible character would be Paul. I like the line..To Paul, the essence of the crucified life was daily dying to the part of himself that would deny, destroy, or distract from the great work of God in him. My biggest issue would be allowing the distractions of my daily life distract me.
1. My prominent false positive would probably have to be spirituality. If someone appears to be know the Bible well, always includes great comments at Bible study, then surely they are secure.
2. The challenge: to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are.
3. I can not pick out just one person that resonated with me most. Many have similar struggles as I do. I did feel terriblely sorry for Leah. Talk about rejection! That would be extremely difficult.
Joni
Animas, NM
30's
Married
Shara, Somerset, CA
Married
Holding 50's
Prominent False Positive – outward appearance, a spiritual and emotional balanced family
In Him is no darkness at all.
I identify with Moses, feeling inadequate, not totally getting the fact that it is God's work, not mine.
Kate – 34
Married – Virginia
As I told my dear friend, this book has hit my nail on the head.
It's hard to say just one false positive, but I think the most evident at least the last three years is financial security.
I have just identified with so very much of all the words on the pages of your book, Mama Beth. I'm swimming in this stuff and I want a new pool.
p.s. I am leading Breaking Free -updated and the DVD sessions are flowing virtually parallel to your content of the assigned SLI sessions! ONLY GOD COULD ORCHESTRATE THIS!!
The challenge: To let God's truth eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have and are.
Heidi
Midland, TX
40's
Single
My most prominent false positive is that after two divorces where my first ex-husband now has lived with Steve for 20 years and my second ex-husband had an affair while I was pregnant and left me, if only I had a "normal" family/marriage/relationship I would be more secure.
" To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3. Because of the divorces I most relate to the woman at the well. I feel like a failure, ashamed and unworthy.
1. My primary false positive would be that anyone who is beautiful would have security.
2. The challenge is to let the truth of Jesus reign out to overtake our bodies and minds so that we focus on Him and what he believes not what the devil wants us to believe. For me this happens (and I guess with everyone) in our minds. It brings to mind Philippians 4:8 āFinally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableāif anything is excellent or praiseworthyāthink about such things.ā (NIV). It is so hard to only focus our thoughts on those things. All the devil has to do is put a thought into our head and we can run with it.
Virginia, 30s, single
Cathy Hopewell, VA Single age 66
My false positive is probably finances. I dream of a home of my own with a fenced in yard for my dogs.
My favorite biblical character is Ruth.
Amy
Fayetteville,AR
20s
Single
1. My Prominent False Positive would be my self image.
2. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and open our eyes to the treasure we have in God and His Word.
3.I resonated the most with Eve, the self image issues the instant thought to cover up. Iāve always been self conscience of my looks. Iām immediately self conscience if Iām not comfortable in an outfit and this feeling can and often does change the whole outlook on my day. Unfortunately, the majority of the time the words of those around me determine how I feel about myself.
1. My prominent false positive.. I think a have a couple but lately it seems to be well spoken and good cook. My husband is both of these things. He is quick on his feet when it comes to speaking with others and retains knowledge like no one else I know. I would love to be like that, especially since I work with men in construction management. Also, I admire women that can cook naturally. I feel bad because my husband makes dinner every night and sometimes as a wife I want to take over that responsibility for him so he can relax after a hectic day.
2. The Challenge in Chapter 3 states,
" To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3. There are two biblical figures that resonated with me. Moses because he wasnāt a good speaker / communicator and Saul because he was worried about loss. More so with Saul though because jealously comes quick whenever someone does better than me and also I worry about losing loved ones and relationships. I constantly worry if someone is mad at me or if I am not holding up my end of the relationship. I want less of myself and to give more.
Christina
Pittsburgh,PA
20's
Married
Leslie
Shreveport
single
20's
1) My most prominent false positive is that material things will make me secure. The perfect house, the perfect job, the perfect mate, the prefect dress. I rely on searching for those things I don't have that I desire instead of living today exactly for what the Lord wants me to do for today!
2)" To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3)I would probably relate to Sarai…trying to rush the Lord's plans for me. Not being content with my circumstances and thinking my security will be in thing I am lacking!
PS. I love seeing your smile on the cover of the book! I feel like you are encouraging me in this journey! You are our biggest cheerleader! You are like "Rosie the Riveter" cheering us on saying "You can do it"!!!!!! That is how I imagine you!
Stephanie
Tupelo MS
30's
Married
1. Being able to teach well & to be funny, also losing weight. Also, I sometimes think if I were able to stay home with my children that things might different. I put up a wall with my friends who stay home in my mind and that is so unfair to them and keeps me from enjoying times with those friends, and it is to my disadvantage because they are good friends.
2.The challenge is " To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3. Moses–even though the Lord has shown Himself faithful to me, even when I have not been faithful to Him, I still feel like I can't do the things I feel like he asks me to do. It is so hard for me to get in my mind that He is my creator and He creates with a purpose and if He is still allowing me to draw breath, then it is for a reason.
lorie
pennsylvania
40's
married
1. There are a couple false positives I could put in this slot depending on which day you ask meā¦ but probably the one most critical would be: āa great man would make me secureā. Trouble is he was and he DID for a long while and then life went on and I slowly became invisible and seemingly unnecessary. Somehow it seems ten times worse in my soul to know that at one time I truly had this and then one day I awoke to the realization that I have it no longer. Itās my faultā¦of course.
2. To let the healthy, utterly, whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my earthen vessel until it creates in me the most holy emotions and drives my every reaction, response and relationship. Until the beauty, the delightfulness and the favor of the Lord my God is upon me and I am confirmed and established!
3. I canāt pick just oneā¦ I see snippets of myself in just about all of themā¦sigh. I have despised someone without really knowing themā¦ just the threat of their existence, I have shunned (I canāt go so far as to say mistreated) even the DOG when sheās gotten more affection than meā¦ how bad is that? I, like Moses, STRUGGLE with articulating myself face to face. So much of what is inside of me just doesnāt come out in a way that makes sense or with the passion/persuasion that I feel it deep inside my soul. I stumble all over myself feeling that I make no sense at all. There is not ONE SINGLE time when I do not go back over everything Iāve said in my head to make sure Iāve said it correctly and then ask God to remove from their remembrance anything Iāve said that misrepresented Him. Then thereās Paul. Wow. I didnāt even see this in Paul until I read it hereā¦ belittling and boasting in himself in a dizzying psychological zigzag. That is so me! UGHA. I am totally my fiercest enemy and I am so in the fight to fulfill my destiny. And in all honesty its very hard to imagine that I will be able to finally look at someone different ā a stranger to me ā in the mirror.
Megan
Bradenton, FL
20s
Married
My prominent false positive has to do with confidence. Now, I know this whole insecurity thing relates to confidence, but I often find myself wishing I could just stand firm in what I think regardless of what anyone else says. And often, I feel wrong if what I think is not what others think. Also, Moses is my person because I often ask God for the courage to obey Him, and then continue to make excuses:o(
1. My prominent false positive has to do with physical beauty being thin enough and pretty enough and desirable. If I was perfect in this area then I would be able to handle all else, get the other things I need in life and succeed in being secure.
2. Misread that we were supposed to put in our own words: Our challenge to see ourselves as God sees us. God sees us as his beautiful creation and vessels within which his Spirit dwells. He sees that each of us is perfectly made in His sight which is so much wider and grander and more complete than our sight. Seeing ourselves as God sees us will rid of us our insecurities which are ultimately caused by seeing ourselves through imperfect eyes.
3. Stuck out on Page 49: Jealousy is always the result of a perceived threat and a threat always places a 911 call to insecurity. Because we married young as result of pregnancy I identify with Leah: Not loved. Because Jacob had to settle for Leah since her father forced her on Jacob while he waited to marry her sister Rachel who he really loved and wanted. Not that my husband was forced or coerced but I feel ānot chosenā because of this. Ironically today is my 21st wedding anniversary and yet circumstances have caused my husband and I to be separate for almost a year. … Also this on Pg. 54: Insecurity lives in constant fear of loss. Insecure people are always afraid that something or somebody is going to be taken away from them. Very much me, so identified with Saul in this.
Beverly
Clarksville, TN
54 – married
This has been a harsh winter for many — snow, ice, frigid temps — times when anything green seems an impossibility. However . . . deep underneath all of that mess, spring has been waiting.
With my eyes on my imperfections, I let insecurity winter-freeze my heart with the belief that things will never change — I will never be enough.
But, Christ lives in me! I have eternal "green" in my soul. Once I let His truth melt my false positives, I'll see myself through His eyes. And just like the daffodils pushing through the snow, He is going to help me come busting out of this frozen prison.
Romans 15:13
Running so late in answering, but my prominent false positive even at this season of life would be beauty. The whole of it – hair, make-up,wardrobe, size.
The challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
I identify so much with Saul in the constant fear of loss. Last year while doing the Esther study, the Lord asked me to make a list of my losses. I didn't understand at the time why I should do that even though I was having a very emotional morning remembering those people I have lost. At the end of the Esther study, I realized that God had brought me safely through each loss and strengthed me greatly. But I see that loss of mother, father, sister, marriage, family unity,friends, and other dear loved ones, I do fear any more loss. Insecure people are always afraid that something or somebody is going to be taken from them.
Deidra
Waynesboro, MS
60
Single
1. My false positive is thinking that getting married or have a close good friend would make me be complete happy.
2. challenge: To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my earthen vessel until it drives my every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. I can see a little of me in Paul. Part of the reason why one of my closest friendships ended was due to the fact that I had to act like I was smarter, better, etc that my closest friend. Thanking God that He allowed me to see my arrogance even though the friendship crumbled. However, God has allowed healing in the relationship, and we have beome friends again.
Sandie, Knoxville, TN
30's
single