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.
Sandy Poblete 
1) Prominent false positive – beauty & youth
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 realtionship."
3)Saul and jealousy.
-Nicki
FV, NC
30's
Married
Katie
South Carolina
29
Single
1. My most prominent false positive is that I think I would feel secure if I lost weight.
2. My 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 probably identify most with Leah. In the past I was married, and my husband loved another woman more than me. So, I can identify with her kind of insecurity.
Hanging On
40s
Married
1. My Prominent False Positive is financial security. I've never had it, although for a brief period a few years ago, things were fairly good. But then I lost my biggest client and my husband got laid off. We are so poor (I HATE that word) that most people would find it hard to believe. We have a roof over our heads for the moment, and are trusting God to keep it there, but at times it's hard. We have been hungry, we have been without utilities. We live cheap (even a haircut is a luxury), and the lack of finances is slowly, but surely, killing me. I don't want it to be like this, but don't know how to get out of it. We do tithe, and we give on top of that as we can. I know the Lord it teaching and refining, so I'm trying to be patient. My health has declined, and most days it just feels like I'm under a heavy attack. Some days I so long for Heaven, just to get out from this burden.
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. 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. Please Lord.
3. I AM the woman at the well – currently happily married to my fourth (and emotionally healthy) husband. I don't tell many people that – because I am instantly judged harshly.
Quite frankly I have experienced all of them typed out on page 38. However at this season in my life, my false positive is "Financial success would make me secure". It has been a continued season of uncertainty for our household. My man and I are becoming united in prayer and constantly reminding ourselves that we are not in control. For that I am truly grateful.
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 am praying for God's truth to eclipse it all for me.
Paul is my guy. Resonating statement "he was enormously used of God in spite of himself.
That gives me hope for myself.
tcal
40's
single (divorced)
SC
(1)
My prominet false positive is if I had a college degree, a higher paying job, if only I were beautiful and thin; I would be taken more seriously…others would notice me more and they would be more interested in listening to what I had to say.
(2)
My challenge is to see myself as My Savior sees me and believe it….and that He will ALWAYS equip me.
(3)
I am more like Moses—-Like he, I am timid when I have to face a challenge and I am really apprehensive when I struggle for words when I have to speak in front of a group. I am afraid of sounding cheesy .
My Prominent False positive is that beauty would make me feel secure. I want to be thin and have great hair and I have neither.
Challenge at the end of Chapter 2 is "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.Oh, Father God, please do this for me!!!
I am most like Saul, I believe, because I feel insecure over the successes of others. So many women (and men) have had careers that have brought them power, position, wealth, and popularity.( AND they get to wear great clothes to work.) My husband has achieved all these things.I have been a stay at home mom for many years. I feel as though my brain has turned to mush sometimes. I've loved my life, but I don't feel comfortable in situations where everyone has had a career out in the world and I have nothing (I think) they would feel is important to add to the conversation.
Mary Kay
50's
married
Fulshear, Texas
Karen
Chandler, AZ
40's
Married
PFP: Triple tie between my looks, my shy personality that worries so much what others think, and my marriage – I don't necessarily feel insecure with my husband as much as I don't feel valued and envy marriages that look to have that.
The challenge: to let the healthy, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake us until we see our total security in HIM!
I most relate with Leah and Saul. Leah my heart goes out to feeling unloved and "weak eyed" and I love how the Lord reached her. Saul I can relate to the jealousy/envy as I hate this in myself and see the danger in letting it go unchecked. The Lord is doing such a mighty work – I love reading what He is stirring up in everyone else on her and I love what Beth is saying in the book. Insecurity has always been a huge issue for me and I love the ways the Lord is bringing us all to deal with it – in such a loving and yes-even fun way in reading Beth's book. It is painful to face these feelings, but with pain comes growth. I am very excited at what the Lord is doing with all of us!
1….My weight and finding the perfect mate.
2…." 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."
3….Moses….I feel like I will never measure up to God's ideals for me…I'm totally inadequate.
Amanda
30's
Divorced/Single – in a relationship
Linda
St. Paul, MN
Married
40s
1. I recognize so many prominent false positives in me. If I were more disciplined… If we had no debt… If I were well toned… If I had naturally straight hair that didn't whack out when I went swimming with our boys…
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. I identify most with Moses: "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies simply because of their own insecurities."
1. My most prominent false positive would probably be looks
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… allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treausre we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are.
3. I would have to pick Saul… when I know someone else does something better than be it tends to make me feel insecure.
Emilee
Greenville, SC
17
Single
Jenna
colorado
26
engaged
fales positive- If I am skinny I will be happy. If I could just make more money than I will feel secure. If I could get a better job then I will be happy. If If If…..
Sandy
Corona, CA
40's
Married
1. Prominent False Positive is my career. I mean, what career? I didn't think this is where I'd be at this age (trite but true). And from this PFP comes several more…financial security, making a difference, being somebody…
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 we ARE.
3. Paul and I would have been pals. I know I've said the same things, trying to build myself up and make myself feel better. I call it being arrogantly humble (although I didn't like it when my therapist called me on it!)
Kim
Salem, OR
20s
Married
My most prominent false positive is popularity would make me secure. I've always been shy until I get to know people well and I think I've always had false assumptions of what people think of me because I can be quiet, etc. Whenever I see someone with an outgoing personality I feel completely insecure in who I am and think why can't I be like them? So silly.
I most identified with Moses. I always assume the worst about myself and that I can't do something well. I wonder how many things I miss out on because of my fear.
But, that's where the challenge comes in! 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.
Amy
30s
married
Grand Rapids, MI
1. My prominent false positive tends to be my looks: hair, weight, clothes, etc.
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. The biblical character that most resonated with me is Moses, especially with the phrase: "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies simply because of their own insecurities." I've said "no" to many opportunities, from career opportunities to mission trips, all because I thought I would fail, that I wasn't good enough. How sad! I think I missed out on some wonderful God opportunities because of silly insecurities.
Dana
Birmingham , AL
30s
Married
My most prominent false positive is that if I was in great shape I would feel secure. A close second would be if I had more money, I would feel secure.
Challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly take overtake our earthen vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship.
I'd say I identify with Paul. Its so strange how I can be so confident in so many parts of my life, then be completely insecure in others. Where did this come from?
1) Definitely popularity!!!!
2) Allow God’s truth to eclipse every false positive in my life.
3) Paul as I can totally relate to the feeling of not being as good as those around me one moment but then turning around and thinking that I am all that!
Robin
Philadelphia, PA
30
Married
Week 2 63 yr old Kathleen in Calif. Married
False Positive-money & a trim firm body and youthfulness will make me more secure, Ha!Ha! Only Jesus will make me secure, not earthly things.
Challenge
Lord help the secure part of me overtake the earthened vessel to drive out negative emotions, negative reactions and negative relationships.
What am I afraid of losing-money,husband
Who am I afraid of-Satan
Who will displace me-my ex-girlfriend or a blond
Who do I relate to – Moses because he said SEND SOME ONE ELSE, LORD.
I say that to the Lord all the time.
THE TREASURE I HAVE AND THE TREASURE I AM WILL BE VISABLE TO ME THROUGH CHRIST.
THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD WILL BE UPON US.
Thank you Beth for writing a book that makes us look inside ourselves and rely on Jesus' strength to fearlessly serve him.
Stacie
40
married/O'Fallon, IL
1. My longest running false positive and typically most prominent. If I could just be size " " , I would
feel secure.
2. My challenge is to let the truth of God that is rooted deep in my core overflow into every area of myself, into all the places I judge with my human mind.
3. I can identify with Moses – I have had conversations with my Lord that sound like: "Lord, I will do — if you're sure you want Me; I'm sure You have someone else that is better qualified" or "Lord, are you kidding me – me? well You're in charge; but really, you want me to ****"
Something that I cling to~something that gives me confidence is remembering the mustard seed – I just tell Him – I know You can do big things with my small faith……
Late 30s
Married
from California
I guess I'm feeling a little bit insecure that I can't seem to fit my insecure into a "false positive" statement. I'm even feeling insecure that for a while I couldn't even name what my insecurity (insecurities, I'm sure. At least I couldn't name them based on Ch 1-4 . . . now that I've gotten farther I'm "getting" it a bit more). I have, however, felt like saying, "Beth, I believe it when you say we all struggle with insecurity, but, um, I'm not even sure I can tell you where I'm insecure." I even asked my husband – "Am I insecure?" and though he can be brutally honest sometimes he said, "I don't see you as insecure, at all."
But, I kept digging because I figured I'm just clueless. I talked it through with a friend who is also reading the book and it dawned on me – I am very insecure in my sexual relationship with my husband. Can't figure out why nor really put it into words. After talking with a friend, I realized that some of my sexual problems are because I'm insecure. Geez… I think it's because sexual experiences with our spouses are soooo intimate and that kind of intimacy is sort of, well, scary. And there's this little "loss of control" thing that I almost avoid. I'm sorry, is this "G" enough?
It made me tired to even write this. Or maybe it is sad. Sex is supposed to be good with your spouse, pure, beautiful. For me, no.
40s
married
1. most prominent false positive is financial security. Seeing what others have around me – nicely furnished big houses, cars, etc. But I have more than I could ever ask for or imagine…I don't really need more!
2. The challenge: " 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. Resonate mostly with Saul – feeling insecure about people in positions around me.
1. The one thing that I feel would make me more secure in all things?
Hmmm…definitely being like a size 0. (I'm currently a 10, gasp! Did I just say that online?!?!)I feel that in a smaller size, I could look good in anything I put on. However, with a size 10.. I'm within my BMI range… it's just not good enough.
2. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive we had, and let our eyes be open to the treasures that we have.
3. It wasn't in this chapter, but I feel like I could relate to Orpah, because I cherish my relationships with older women. I LOVE my friendships with someone who has lived a little and is female and who can mentor and advise; however, I always get nervous that they may never like me as much as I like them. Anyway, When Orpah leaves Naomi and Ruth stays, I figure that she had to feel insecure in that moment of walking away.
4.
Forgot my info.
Miranda,
23
Single
Warner Robins, GA
Chel ~ 38 ~ FW, TX!!! Married
I've been waving ba-bye now to insecurity but the darn visitor won't take the hint! arg.
I have to say that picking a prominent false positive for me is very hard. God has gone through GREAT links and strides by this time to show me security is not found here PER-eee-ud! period.
Not Here, Not There, Not Anywhere but in His Kingdom Alone.
Not in man but the nail scarred hands. Not in friends but in the One whose love never ends. Not in fun but in the Righteous One. Not in the mirror but in the Pruner and the Shearer. Not in fame but only in HIS Holy Name. Not in power but in the One who knows the Hour. Not in this life but in the Creator of the day and night. Not in anyone but in the One who sent His only Son.
If I had to pick one it would be a secure marriage. That in and of itself is enough to teach anyone that you MUST-Trust-Only-Him. Only Christ is faithful to the end.
2. His truth is only thing that can eclipse this perspective seeking heart. I must allow His truth to do just that and allow all of HIM to be visible in all that I am not.
3. Probably Sarai (before the "h") I am an incurable resolver but when met with anything less than cooperation "reSolver" can quickly become "reVolver" Hagars can manifest themselves in many ways in our life.
I am loving and needing this so much! I have laughed I have cried, I have journaled I have poured it all out in poetry in excitement, every where. 🙂
But I have to say that your beautiful picture can be a source for/against me. I wanted to remove the cover not b/c of the title but your beautiful face. but alas I did not. :). B/C I understand the donkey mentioned by Corrie Ten Boom.
In His Amazing Love, Chel
Margie
Bosworth, MO
30's
Married
My most prominent false positive is having a beautiful singing voice. I hold a performance degree from a respected liberal arts college and God has (I humbly acknowledge this)graciously given me an abundance of musical talent. I play many instruments and sing well enough to lead worship on a professional level…..so why do I covet Nicole Nordeman's voice?! That was so hard to type.
I relate to Saul…I fear losing my piano playing fingers to arthritis, my singing voice as it lowers with age, my figure as it all goes south and spreads, my hair to grayness. Oh – the 30's! I know it's just the beginning.
Virginia
40's
single
My most prominent false positive, the one that I think, "If I had this, I wouldn't struggle with insecurity at all" is the unconditional love, encouragement, and acceptance of a father. I have seen the effects of this kind of love and nothing has made me more envious…not even beauty or a great singing voice…I think this one would have prevented bad decisions and encouraged many wonderful things (like participating in life instead of being an timid onlooker)
I'm always feeling inadequate for the task at hand, so I identify mostly with Moses in his lack of self confidence and perceived ability…."not ME, please pick someone else; they can do it better than I can"
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…..AMEN!
1~ I can have many different false positives…it depends on the day and situation. Each time I am feeling insecure, something that someone else does or has can become my false positive…I am not partial to just one!!
2~ Our challenge is " to let the healthy, utterly whole and completely secure part of us increasingly take over our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship" Amen!!
3~ I can relate to Saul and how he liked and despised David at the same time…it's so like me to love people, yet when they succeed at something that I have not been quite so successful at I start having those insecure feelings that can turn to jealousy and rear it's UGLY head in a heartbeat! Yuck!!
Sally
Newnan, Ga
30's
Married and blessed
Karen
Hartselle, AL
40's
Married
I am really enjoying the book and study. Thank-you so much!
1. My prominent false positive is finanacial security.
2. 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. When I first read your post I thought I would choose Saul, but as I went back and re-read Chapter 4 I realized your description of Moses could have been written about me. It is humbling to realize that God equips those he calls with a power to overcome themselves. I tend to focus on me and what I think I am capable of without adding my Heavenly Father into the equation. How many times have I shaken my head at Moses and thought, "Man, you have God's power with you, why are you doubting yourself?" Oops! I better me saying that to ME and not judging Moses!
1. My most prominent false positive is perfection as a wife/woman. I want to be perfect. I want my house to be perfect. I want to look perfect and thin. I want to have it all together. And if I meet someone that appears to have it all together, boy do I not like her!! 🙂
2. Let the secure, healthy part of you overtake the darkness.
3. SAUL. The man knew that David wasn't doing anything wrong and yet he still wished harm upon him. Then he would realize it and cry out to God and then he would go back to what he was doing before. I've been there. I've never wished harm upon someone but I've felt a distaste for someone.
JEN
25
Married
Houston, Texas
Cindy 30
Single
Indianapolis, IN
1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own "Prominent False Positive"?
People looking up to me. (Oh, and if I dropped 100 pounds or so, i would feel much more secure)
2. What is the challenge stated at the very end of Chapter Three?
" 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. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure resonated with you most and why?
MOSES! God has called me in so many ways, yet I still ask, Why on earth would you choose me? I am no one! Do you know how many times I messed up TODAY?
Vicki
52
married
Eufaula, AL
1. Being a great mama would make me secure.
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole and completly secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship.
3. Paul, "I made a fool out of mysef – but you are the reason why" I tend to compare myself with other "teachers" to the point that right now I am not teaching anything – as a bible study – because I feel crippled in my abilities to do so at this point in my life. I still answer questions that ladies ask and minister one on one but I have even come to the point of not studing anymore with the thought of why study if I cant us it. Too much honesty??
Christy 30's
Iowa Park, TX
Married
I have only read chapter 3. But, I wanted to get my input in on that chapter. My roots are fear of rejection and sensitivity. It was so comforting to know that there is someone besides me that is sensitive. My mother always tells me that that is something I should have grown out of all ready. But, I like Beth, also cry about dead animals on the road. If someone criticizes me I think that I have done the most awful thing in the world. I will try to read chapter 4 and get my comments in before Thursday.
I'm behind on this, but wanted to answer.
Karen
Atlanta, GA
late 20's, single
1. My false positive is women with good health and great bodies (together). I have struggled with a lot of health issues for almost 10 years, and it has caused all kinds of insecurity issues (I'm too much for anyone to deal with). So, sometimes I imagine that women with no health/physical issues must have it all.
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. AMEN!
3. I think, out of the examples provided, that I probably most identify with Rachel- because she is jealous of her sister who is a baby making machine. My sister isn't making babies yet (hehe), but she does have almost nothing wrong with her health, and has it easy in that respect. When i take time to dwell on this insecurity, that is one of the thoughts that crosses my mind- "woe is me. how come i'm the only one in my family who is sick all of the time and can't get a handle on it."
Carrie
Minnesota
30's
Married
1. My Prominent False Positive is that if I was more fun and light-hearted, then people would be drawn to me and I would be secure. This HAUNTS all of my relationships. I am always second guessing conversations. I can definately relate to Meredith.
2. My Challenge is "to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of (me) increasingly overtake (my) vessel until it drives (my) every emotion, reaction, and relationship." Yes Lord Jesus, Do It!
3. The part about Paul resonated with me the most. "He was a complex mound of clay just like the rest of us, belittling and boasting in himself in a dizzy psychological zigzag…Like us, the fiercest enemy he had to fight in the fulfillment of his destiny was himself."
1. Prominent False Positive: Financial success would make me secure.
2.Our challenge is to let the healty, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship! Thank you, Beth, for putting it into words!
3. I could relate to the difficult relationship between Leah and Rachel. Not that I have shared a man with my sister, but it's been a difficult relationship. I've resented her for most of my life for a million different reasons, and felt so much jealousy over the years, I'm really sick of it; sick that I have these feelings toward my sister. It's so sad. I know, that God is there with me, and I know that He is working in me to overcome this. Prais His holy name!!!
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
40s, single mom
I think my most prominent false positive is: If I lose the weight I want, I will feel more confident in all areas… and that will play into attracting my future husband.
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. LETS DO THIS THING!!!
I think I identify, to some extent, with Leah. Leah so desired to be loved in her entirety, and to be found attractive and desired. Being a single female, one of my deepest heart desires is to be married and have a family.
Thankful to be glaring these insecurities in the FACE with each of you!! Let's be free girls:)
Zarah
Atlanta
25
Single
Tammie
Skull Valley, Az
50's
married
My false positive- If I had a successful career and did not need my husband to support me. Naturally, I'd want to be thin and pretty while being so successful:)
I identify with Moses the most. I wonder how many times I've told the Lord "no" when he asked me to do something for Him because I felt sure I could not do it or could not do it right enough.
30's and married
I first thought of 2 most prominent false positives, but realized that one would undo the other. Mine is if my husband was more of a spiritual leader and more passionate in his pursuit of Jesus. My other would have been body image, but if my husband had his mind on God's kingdom more often, he would not care about bodies so much. (I know I probably sound more messed up than I actually am) I always think if my husband pursued God's way in all areas, life would feel more secure and less out of control.
Always a work in progress…
50's
Married
PA
My prominent false positive is having a deep sense of purpose or reason for being. Enter circumstances: children are grown, no longer teaching, and large extended family lives far away. Yes, my heart is full when I am with my husband, and I volunteer with several minitries; yet there is this gaping hole in my soul that I thought I was allowing God to fill…
The challenge is: 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. Oh Father, let it be so…
I relate most to what was stated about feeling as if God doesn't like me as well as He likes someone else. My own dad certainly didn't. Which leads, among other things, to my tag along…excess baggage. I have carried in my heart some incredibly damaging, supposedly "spiritually-based" baggage, and I can zip myself into it in way less than 9 seconds.
victoria
Reidsville NC
60
Married
mu false positive is rejection, money for if something happnes to my husband for he canclled all the life in surance, years ago, he is a brettle deabice , but i do know God is in control
i relly dont know ho in the bible i would say i identify with
Janice
60
Married
Still trying to catch up because of getting a late start!
My own prominent false positive is appearance/weight followed closely by acceptance, maybe even popularity-now doesn't that sound petty for a 60s lady.
I loved the challenge at the end of Chapter 3 "To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasinlgly overtake our earthen vessel until it dreives out every emotion, reaction, and relationship. Oh to see myself as God's treasure.
The biblical figure I most relate to is Saul. He was such a troubled soul, couldn't decide whether to love David or kill him. He could see the things that David possessed that he did not and was to INSECURE to handle it.
I love the book, and I love the cover. I knew the instant I saw the cover that it was meant for me.
1. The false positive that strikes me is my need to be right. I have overcome hurdles in other areas but this one is still a trap for me. My thinking that I somehow know what is better makes me difficult to be around. The source is pride and I work on yielding it to the Lord daily.
2. The 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 relate to Moses, being chosen by God and feeling totally inadequate. Are you sure you want me, God? To do what? Are you kidding?
married
50's
Chris M
Seattle, WA
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.
False Positive
Finacial, Body, Image, Success, Relationships…uuughh
Sarai's story hit me the hardest. What a shame to love so much that you will do something on impulse (that drastic) that you will regret so much in the future. Be careful what you wish for!
Challenge: trust god and not your own mind
20s
Divorced/Dating Again
Indiana
1. My primary false positive would be if I looked (skinnier) /talked better that others would like me more or I'd be more popular. (Ugh, that sounds so teenagerish again!)
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole & completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthern vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction & relationship.
3. I always thought I related to Moses & his feelings of inadequacy ~ but I never thought about Paul's humanity before. I like what Beth wrote on pg. 57, "The beauty of Paul wasn't his superhumanity but his unwillingness to let his weaknesses, feelings, & fears override his faith. Like us, the fiercest enemy he had to fight in the fulfillment of his destiny was himself."
Jennifer
Angola, IN
30's married
Cait
20s
Single
Whispering Pines, NC
1. my PFP is definitely popularity. not the cheerleader/beauty queen/cutesie kind of popularity, but the kind in which everyone knows me and likes me. that people feel like they want me to be a part of what they are doing. i feel really intimidated/jealous of people who garner that type of attention and affection. sometimes i look on facebook at the profiles of people i feel really have that going for them and i wish i could be them — being invited to do fun things and people saying they miss me/want to see me. sometimes i feel like the only involvement i have in my life is self-prompted. otherwise i think i'd just sit in my room by myself night after night and no one would notice i wasn't there.
2. the challenge: to the 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 most resonated with leah and rachel. not so much in my relationship with my actual sisters, but with other women i guess. like leah and rachel, whose primary way of finding value and worth was through childbearing, i compete with other women (or sometimes just myself) to make myself lovable or valuable. kind of like, what do i have to offer people and how can i be awesome enough for them to care about me? i really struggle with striving to give people what they want rather than just being myself around them. i really resonated with way leah named her sons because i, too, hope that with each thing i do i can win approval.
I'm doing a little experiment. I have posted something earlier this week and the 1st week and can't find either one??
Perhaps I am leaving a step out. This book has been so good for me, and from reading so many women's comments it makes me see how much we need this. God is working!
40s
NC
Married
1. False positive is verbal affirmation, praise, attention.
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. Paul
Thanks!!
40s
married
Katie
Firestone, CO
20s
Married
1. "Popularity would make me secure" and "Beauty would make me secure."
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."
3. I identified mostly with Paul and this quote hit home, "He was a complex mound of clay juts like the rest of us, belittling and boasting in himself in a dizzying psychological zigzag… Like us, the fiercest enemy he had to fight in the fulfillment of his destiny was himself." AMEN!
Whitney
Tulsa, Oklahoma
20's…barely
Married
I will eventually post my replies on time. My life is looking a bit different than I thought it would 2 weeks ago. But, God is in control and He will get us through these next few weeks.
Now for my anwers for week 2:
1. My most prodominet false positive: initally I would've said body image. I've struggled with my weight all my life and I've always thought that if I was thin I wouldn't have such issues. BUT, if I'm going to be honest I'd have to say my pfp is public perception. I feel like if people perceive me as having it all together than maybe they won't notice my shortcomings.
2. Challenge at the end of chapter 3:
"He has no dark side. In Him is NO DARKNESS AT ALL."
3. I think I related the most with the description of Moses. On page 52 Beth wrote, "But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.'…Heaven knows how many peoplenever fulfill their destinies simply because of their own insecurities." For awhile I've felt a specific need and desire to write. Part of my wants to write a book, but I keep having the thoughts, "What would I write about?" and "Who would want to read what I have to say?". I know they are thoughts from satan and they are meant to make me feel inferior and insecure, but for some reason I haven't let myself get past them.
Beth, I want to thank you for following God's call on your life. Your obedience in writing your books and Bible Studies has enriched my relationship with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for helping me.
Carrie
40's
St. Louis, MO
Married
It is hard to pick just one false positive, I have so many. I would say popularity, having a lot of friends. I get so frustrated when I hear people say that they do things together and I think "why didn't you call me and invite me?"
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.
I would say I relate most to Paul.