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.
Trudy 
Hello Beth and all my Siesta's! Blessing to each and everyone of you.
Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own "Prominent False Positive"?
I would have to say that my "Prominent False Positive" is popularity would make me secure. I have this horrendous need to “fit in” somewhere. I have never been able to fit in. I have always felt like I am on the outside looking in. Pathetic isn't it? Oh well, that's why I am here. Oh, security please come quickly!!!
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.)
The challenge is this: “To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives away our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?
Moses, because he never felt confident in his own abilities much less God's. I have been struggling with completely trusting God, and surrendering my life completely to Him. Trust has always been a big issue with me. I am however, getting better at it. Praise the Lord!
My hopes are the same as Beth's for each of us, and that is that when I read the last page of this book and close it, that I will be secure in Him!
Mischelle
46
divorced
Greater Nashville, TN (area)
still very insecure about myself and life.
South Carolina
30's
Married
My first blog site! Not a better one to be involved with!God is so good!I planned to be patient and read along with the pace but as soon as I read Ch.1, I could not stop!Everyday was a new freedom! I soaked every word up like a cracker(me)in a stew bowl(Gods words)SO many different veggies and pieces of meat, it may take a while to digest but ohhh.. so worth it!Thank you for being obedient in writing my thoughts with your keyboard which allowed my eyes to see the lies I was blinded by.
Recently, God moved me far away from all I've ever known.My husband and I believe it is in part due to Gods call on my life for womens ministry.We have no idea How, When or Where but I'm so thankful he keeps pruning me along the journey.This book sure has brought on some cutting!
So, back to the beginning of the book I go again. I will feast on it until I go to Atlanta in April.
Thank you Beth, for your never ending pursuit of His face.It has made a huge difference in this girls life….
Nikki
CA
40
Married
I am excited to be reading this book. My daughter who is a sophmore in college is reading the book with me. We both have many "issues" that need to be dealt with. May God deliver us, and help us to find our approval/acceptance in him.
Lisa X – married – 44 yrs old – Texas
Chapter 3 made me think hard about myself and believe it or not in how I make OTHERS feel. Do I make them feel uncomfortable/intimidated/insecure? Do I do this because I am the one insecure? Then I asked myself (actually while at Beth Moore in Houston last Tuesday night) why I felt like everyone was looking at how fried my hair looks or how wrinkled I'm getting or how stupid my make up looks. I didn't realize until THAT NIGHT that this is a torture I go through every single time I am seen. I think these thoughts when someone is looking into my eyes or at me in any way – and mind you this is during a conversation for goodness sakes – where else should the friend be looking if talking to me? It's WHACKO! I know it and I can't stop it. I believe the voices. It all sounds easy to control but it's not! And then I think of times I know I made someone else feel insecure. YUCK!
I did have a good thing this week! I have a fake channel purse. It's beautiful and you would never know the difference. A girl was admiring my purse and said to me how much she loved it. The 2 week ago girl (me) would have said "awe thank you" – but not this (today) girl. I said "girlfriend this is a great fake" – I even told her where to buy it. I don't want the "name brand" insecurity another day.
I am learning in this. Every sentence sounds like you have been listening to me. I pray by the end I can be around a girl with perfect, long, shiny flowing hair and not think the entire time how much my husband would think she was beautiful. It's just ridiculous as he loves ME. He often says "Lisa I didn't fall in love with your hair"
As for who I identify with most – it's SAUL! OMG I can't believ I admit this to you. In our Houston study I find him going flat out of his mind. But I've been there. I didn't throw spheres mind you – but I did think of how much I wish I was her or how much I wanted so much the recognition she got.
Still waiting on my book. My small town Walmart doesn't have it yet and Amazon said not to expect it until March 1. Yiiiikkkesss – When it finally arrives I'm gonna have to retreat to college days and pull an all nighter to catch up:) I'm sure all be feeling insecure about how I look that morning after:)
Looking forward to it!
Trudy
Brevard,NC
40's
Married w/4boys – one who is 4yrs old and we also call him our "man-cub" 🙂 (loved the letter to Jackson!)
Mardell
Canton, GA
50's
married
I am still reading chapter 3 & 4 but wanted to share that when I heard the book was out I went to the book store walked right in say the book right in front of me, grabbed it, went straight to the counter, the cashier said, 'wow, you knew what you wanted' and I said 'yes I sure do'. I took it right back to work with me and layed it on my desk, so proud to have it, I never considered someone seeing it and thinking strange of me, I was so excited to have help, I didn't care who saw it. Thanks for this journey, thanks for following God's direction.
Theresa
50 age decade
Married
Sylacauga, Alabama
1. Job certainty would make me secure. I have twenty years service with our school system. We are hearing that our school alone will lose seven teacher units at the end of this school year.
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 suppose I'd have to say Eve but I really think Adam was the one with the security problem. He caved and allowed Eve to talk him into taking a bite of that ol' apple and then he blamed God for giving him that woman…Genesis 3:12.
Marilyn
61
married
my false positives are: if I had a larger family, more children, i would feel happier, and, if i had a great marriage i would be happier…………..i don't dwell in these delusions much of the time b/c i KNOW better. I know that peace and joy come from walking closely with the LORD… in HIS presence is fullness of joy!
The challenge is: Don't listen to the enemy and all the lies he tries to throw our way. Spend time with the LORD, everyday, and bask in HIS love, provision, and fabulous plan for your/our future.
I think the apostle Paul's mention of the 'super apostles' resonated most with me. I don't think I'm really down on myself, but the LORD knows there can be precious little love and encouragement out there in or out of the church. It is not uncommon to feel unloved and unaccepted, even in church. Remembering, of course, it would only take one such incident to make one feel rejected on a bad day. i often worry that inattention and distraction on my part is creating the same sense of rejection in another.
I just finished the book and have a big smile on my face! I am SO excited about exploring this topic with your community online as well as my small group from church. Only two weeks in I have already experienced the power of God's grace and know it will only keep flowing as I share with fellow siestas (love that!).
I was one of those who didn't think I had much in the way of insecurities, but low and behold I was at a red light last Sunday & just burst into tears. Coming off 21 days of fasting and praying with my church, I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up the momentum I had gained during that powerful time. I signed up for a small group using your book as its guide & knew I'd found my inspiration to stay on track. I've been divorced for almost two years & thought I would never love again, then out of no where and under the strangest of circumstances, I've fallen madly (I'm talking MADLY) in love with a man I KNOW God sent to me! He is 12 years younger and my 'old' insecurities of not measuring up to other, younger women came hurling back into my mind while reading your book. Hence the braking down in tears. I realized I had pushed that insecurity way back down somewhere, but it was still there and I needed to deal with it. I talked with the love of my life and he reassured me (as he always does) that he was madly in love with me and because we are building a relationship in Christ I should have no worries….and for the love of everything, I believed him! 🙂
The other thing that hit me like a ton of bricks was a moment of asking for forgiveness. I had held on to some horrible feelings toward a couple women who had hurt my family terribly over the past two years and could not find the strength to forgive them. As I sat there in tears I felt God's tender, loving hand soften my heart and tell me it was okay. I had asked God to let me know when I could forgive and I knew in that moment it was time. I will never forget what those two put my family through, but I have forgiven and am at peace knowing God knows I've asked for forgiveness as well.
Thank you Beth for a powerful and much needed book on women and their insecurities. And thank you for being so raw! That makes us love you even more (or should I say Moore? LOL!)
Yours in Christ!
Kelly
Jules
kearney, NE
40 single
1. Bubbly personality is my false positive. I don't have one and would love to be noticed because I was funny or witty or something fun.
2. Let God overcome us and make us secure in all areas of our lives.
3. Moses-I have the same insecurity about doing what God has asked me to do because I don't think I can.
Elena
St. Paul, MN
30s
Married
I know that I am full of insecurities, but having to figure out what they actually are is difficult for me. Or maybe I'm just insecure about my insecurities.
1. My prominent false positive is impression management when it comes to my children. I want them to be the best, the smartest, the best behaved because when they do that will show all that I am a good mom and that I have my life together.
But.
a) I'm an insecure mom. I am so afraid that I'm doing it all wrong.
b) Ha. My life is far from put together.
2. 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." AMEN.
3. This one is hard because I see pieces of many in me.
The Sarai/Hagar relationship and feeling threatened by other women is huge for me.
At the same time, I see so much of Saul in myself. I never think of myself as good enough. I am self deprecating and I have a very difficult time accepting compliments. I have an even harder time believing said compliments.
Danielle
Greenville, SC
20's
Married
1. I feel as though I have an entire page of prominent false positives! But my most prominent is: "If only I had a close knit group of girlfriends, I'd be secure". I do have friends but not the kind of friendships that I long for. Friends that I can be absolutely real with and vice versa. Another prominent false positive of mine is financial security & material possessions – "If I only had money to buy those clothes, shoes, etc. I'd feel better about myself" Just like the majority of women I want to be cute – I want to look attractive.
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. I relate most to Moses. So many times I've found myself not doing something God was leading me to do because I was scared – insecure.
This book is so good for me. It almost brings me to tears when I realize how much I need it. It's easier to admit insecurity when so many others are too. Thanks for opening that up for me.
1) The biggest issue lately is my friendship insecurities (but hovering always below the surface is the weight issue, money, wanting love and attention from spouse).
2) I wrote this down again in my journal, so I won't take up precious blog space with it again. 🙂
3) Leah…not competing over a man, but feeling threatened by another woman in my life. There is some despising, envy, some admiration all wrapped up in that situation. If it didn't feel like she was smug and gloating, it may not push my buttons so much. But it's painful to be around her lately because I have felt the rejection of friends in the past and she has a lot of friends and is "popular" at church. This was hard, so I going to anonymous this time. 🙂 Love and hugs!
30's
Married
My most prominent false positive – A great man would make me secure
Financial success would make me secure
Popularity would make me secure
Beauty would definately make me secure
Prestige would make me secure, of course if i was financially successful than i would be prestigest. So there you have it, I'm really insecure because i have none of the above.
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. Now my friends, how do we do this?
Anne, 30s, single
1. I think my false positive must be the right kind of job. I've been in grad school for what feels like forever, and I keep thinking that if I could just land the type of job I'm shooting for, I could be financially secure, and I could put other areas of my life right as well.
2. To let God's truth eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have.
3. If I may proffer a biblical figure from the NT, I find myself often echoing the prodigal son's big brother. Yes, I know he's practically the villain of the story, but do you ever wonder what his problem really is? Does he feel like a loser because he's the family drudge and his brother has gotten away with everything but murder? What has he missed? (I know. A lot of heartache.) Does his father just not love him as much? He's selfish, as well as sanctimonious, but I'm afraid I often echo his complaints that life with Father is all work and no party.
Wow… You women are amazing. I am very, very encouraged.
My mother, the most beautiful woman I know, is doing this study. My sister as well, God how you have grown her.
I'm not reading the book, though I think I should, but I ask your permission to read your comments on these posts to find enouragement in dealing with a separation from my ex-girlfriend — the one I want to marry and give my whole life to.
She is a young believer, very guarded, very hurt from the past (which I know not much about). And she recently broke up with me, leaving me confused. . I'm deeply in love with her, and I've never used those words. My gut tells me our situation has a lot to do with her insecurities and fear of committment.
I pray she can find hope in our Heavenly Father through this book. He is the only one that can sustain and love and break down her walls. I want that more than to have her back.
I'm praying for you all!
Your Brother in Christ,
24, single and in love.
Louisiana
(I don't think he reads the posts so I think I'm okay)
When I was a teenager, I hated my nose,I wanted it smaller, when I was in my 20's-30's I wanted larger breasts, 40's smaller butt, now in my 50's I'd like to lose weight. I will say that at this stage of my life I hardly know I have a nose, could care less about the size of my breasts just give me comfortable support, and I don't see my rear-end. So now it's the weight. I'd like to say it is for health reasons and that would be partly true, but I am not happy with my weight and the way I THINK I look.
BTW, I left my cover on the book but I couldn't write in it, because I didn't want anyone to see what I would write.
Sharon
50+8
Married
Frederick, Md
I take that back…
I will not be reading these comments… I want you women to be as free as you want to discuss this book. Since you are dealing with insecurities (as we men are too) you may not want a man reading this.. Haha.
You have my word not to return. But I will read Beth's posts! They're great!
Know that I am praying though!
God Bless you and keep you!!
-Wayward Rebel
Frieda, Texas, 60's married
1. My FP is financial security alongm with search for prestige.
2. The challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole and completely secure part of us increaslingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship.
3. I relate to Saul and Sarai. someone who wants to hide because I know I will not live up to the expectations of others.
Evie
48
Married
Cedar Crewek, TX
1. Prominent false positive – Education
A dear acquaintance (used to be my boss) was an absolutley well dresses, well poised and above all well educated older lady; whom I' ve always admired. I can dress like her and perhaps poise myself just so if I try really hard!! — I hold high regards for people who have gotten their Masters or Ph.d.
2. My 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.
3. Woman at the well – she did not realize that Jesus was referring to her spiritual need when He asked her for a drink and she replied … You have nothing to draw from and He replies … whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst.
For several years of my life I remained frozen right in that exact moment. I finally overcame and believed He had ALL I ever needed! Praise You LORD.
1) My PFP is to be a better conversationalist and to spell better! (Might have missed that big word.) Leading our ladies in the Revelation Bible study, I wrote a greek word on the board before class to emphasize the word diligent. When I went to say it for them I realized I had spelled it wrong. I can't spell in english, what in the world made me think I should try greek! LOL
2)To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me overtake my earthen vessel until it drives out every insecure thought, reaction & relationship contrary to who He says I am.
3) Of course you might guess…Moses without doubt. Slow of speech and tongue. I wonder how his spelling was?
Sandy
50'
Married
Deming, NM
Janet
Aurora, CO
40's
Married
Oh my gosh…talk about funny. I went to great lengths at my daughter's swim team practice to conceal what I was reading tonight! Never thought of taking the cover off…ha ha. Talk about insecure! But it gets better. After reading all the well spoken comments from other sisters, I never make comments on this blog because I feel like what I have to say is so insignificant in comparison. Thanks be to God for delivering me for this mess of insecurity I have lived with. Now on the the business at hand…
My most prominent false positive: If I were at a "normal" weight, ALL of my problems would be solved. I would have more friends, be a better mom, my husband would love me more, my anxiety would go away, etc. (the 50 or so pounds away from a normal weight seems like an impossibilty-so much bondage to break through)
The challenge: "To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my earthen vessle until it drives out my every emotion, reaction, and relationship"
Moses for not believing that God was going to equip him with what he needed for what God had called him to do, and also Paul "belittling and boasting in himself"
Thanks Beth for your labor of love in this book and for serving our most precious Savior humbly. May God be glorified in all these changed lives!
Hey Bethie! I saw five books in a box at the office, and mine actually came by way of UPS today. I read the chapters post haste to make the post deadline for last week. Anyway… Just a word about BOOK JACKETS. I am not insecure about my insecurity… I just through the book jacket off because the darn thing drives me nuts! 🙂
I didn't take off the cover but I seriously considered it, ladies! I feel your pain! Instead, I kinda bowed my head shyly when I walked in the door with a Lifeway bag FULL of books I have been meaning to read for AWHILE now! Hey, there was a sale, ok? 🙂 Of course I cannot put down So Long, Insecurity so I will not get to the other books for another long while! But that is ok with me. 🙂 I saw the Five Love Languages (Men's Edition) on sale for $5.00 so I thought if I gave my hubby that book, it would maybe distract him from seeing the title So Long, Insecurity! Or distract him from his eyes bulging out at the size of the book! I bet he wonders how we women can read that much. 🙂 I do not, however, take the book in public…I am ashamed to say. But hey, let's brave it out sisters and just do it! We might see each other out reading at the dog park or something and how encouraging would that be?! It's like us all wearing the blue bracelets from Beth's "Believing God" study! What do you say??
I am also reading a book called Sexual Intimacy in Marriage – That is one that does not have a removable cover – Beth, thanks for including the book jacket! 🙂
Anyway, I did ask my husband openly and honestly, yet half-way laughing in case he thought I was being too self-conscious (which I was…See, you can see my insecurity right there) – "So…I have a question for you… When you see this book, is it a "turn off" that your wife is insecure or do you think, 'Hey cool – My wife is trying to learn and grow.'" Okay, so Hubby wouldn't think that much in detail but he might think something along those lines…no offense hubs. His answer surprised me…and reassured me…"I like it. I like that you read." Of course he didn't look thrilled about the Men's Edition of the Five Love Languages…For some reason that edition is a little bit longer than the original!
Megan
Oklahoma City
Almost 24 yrs. old!
Newly married – almost 2 yrs.
Lynn
40s
Married
Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
Prominent False Positive: Being skinny would make me secure. I am not finding myself terribly insecure, didn’t think once about taking off the cover, probably because I move around so much I have to throw myself into new people and new friends every two years. I read the portion about the friend who said that Beth must not have an issue with insecurity since she’s so tiny! I realized I always think this, too. I am always trying to take off the weight and realized I harbor this notion!
Challenge: He has no dark side. In Him is no darkness at all.
Biblical Figure: Definitely Eve since I’m always trying to hide my bum behind a fig leaf, e.g., long shirt or jacket.
And can I just say, I so admire all you siestas that are just pouring your hearts out with such bravery! The things you’ll admit, we’re all thinking it, but I certainly don’t have the courage to put it out there like you do. Thank you for being so honest!!!
Nicky, 38. Taipei, Taiwan. (But a Kiwi!) Married
The thing I am noticing as I turn 38 this month is that I am not liking the extras wrinkles and rounder figure that I am developing. I feel that if I could stay fitter, younger and slimmer looking I would be happier, so I think that is my most prominent false positive.
I identify most with the woman at the well. I am so sad to say that I have had several good and bad relationships that were like being married, when I wasn't, looking for someone to love and take care of me, to take the place of the parents I had that didn't do this and the father figure in my life being abusive to my brother and I in many ways. I am now married to an amazing man and would give anything for him to have been the only one in my life.
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 reflectionwe'll also see the treasure we ARE. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.
My pfp is popularity…never was popular as a kid, but wanted to be…and I still want to eat lunch at work with the "popular girls" and I'm FIFTY…so when does it stop. I can see myself in a nursing home begging a kind over-worked CNA to wheel me to the table with the cool people.
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.
And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us
I guess Saul has to be my home boy when it comes to the popularity thing. I do get jealous when someone else gets the attention that I think I deserve and then I feel like a petty jerk…urgggh!
Leslie
50's
Clinton, UT
married
Lisa
40
Madison, WI
married
Ladies, I have not read ch 3 & 4 yet..and I will comment once I have, but I went to bed and felt compelled to share something deep in my heart. First of all, Beth, the word "Insecurity" was the only word I saw when I looked at the title..I ran to the counter to buy it as fast as I could. I do have to praise Jesus about something also…I am feeling insecure saying what I am going to say because of what Beth might think..ha ha…but I had never ever been on your website before..I am not good with computers and I just never looked at living proof ministries…so one day(after the book) I decided to look you up..how I found the blog site is a miracle…I would never had known about it and been reading your book by myself. Praise God He led me there AND helped me learn to blog.
But now on to whats on my heart. I recently saw a preacher on TV….her message left me sobbing. The message was about having a determined spirit. She ended with…"when are you going to stop allowing the enemy to rob you of your joy?" Yes, we all have insecurities and many of these thoughts come from within ourselves….but the enemy KNOWS exactly what these insecurities are! He reminds us of them everyday when we aren't reminding ourselves. It keeps our focus off Christ and on ourselves…For the first time, I thought..I am ANGRY. Instead of feeling hopeless and defeated…a righteous anger rose in me..and I thought..do you know what God has promised you and how beautiful you are to Him? I am tired of focusing on "what is wrong with me!" Jesus loves each and every woman doing this book and knows the deep desire we have to change. Lets talk back to the enemy…he does not deserve to have even an ounce of our joy and instead give us misery. The next time I am thinking.."Do I look fat in these pants?" I am going to answer with what Christ would say…"You are so beautiful, my beloved, on the inside..because I know your heart. It doesnt matter what your wearing." May God Bless you ladies.
Suzi
Married
28
Austin, Texas
1) I can't choose one false positive. I have 3 major,
Beauty, Popularity, Credentials 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)Rachel and Leah-"Nothing like thinking God doesn't like you as well as He likes someone else."
Sally
Columbus, OH
50's
Married
My biggest false positive is my insatiable desire to get my extra weight off, but that is connected to my desire to have unconditional approval from my mother (and I'm in my 50's, when does it end???).Don't know why I think this acceptance will be forthcoming, she is conditional with my thin sister too!!!Lord, I pray your truth would eclipse all of our false positives!
For the Biblical character, I guess Saul because I've been on the receiving end of a jealous person, and have watched their attitude deteriorate over the years, to complete indifference, no fun to be on either end of that one!
Prominent False Positive — in my human form that I can achieve perfection…always striving for that goal and feeling insecure because it is not possible.
Challenge:
"To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every unhealthy emotion, reaction and relationship."
I can relate to Saul on the subject of jealousy. Another false positive is that God's blessings are finite and only allowed for a few. But reality God's blessings are limitless and there is enough for all.
Lisha
Hanging on to 40s for a few weeks
Married
Texas
Married
40's
Missouri
False Positive: Financial Security–IF only I was out of debt everything else would be great!
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."
3. Martha– I want to be secure enough to sit at Jesus' feet and not scurring around trying to stay busy busy busy so everybody wont notice what a mess I really am.
Y'all are studs. You're honest and willing to be transformed and sick to death of feeling insecure. That's the combination this journey is going to require. I love you guys. God's getting to us. Let's not stop the work.
1. Prominent False Positive – CONTROL – if I could just be in control (in numerous areas) I would be secure.
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole, and complete secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship. When we allow God’s truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes open to the treasure we have there in His glorious reflection we’ll also see the treasure we are.
3. Saul – hiding in the baggage and being my own worst enemy.
Denise, 49
Married, Michigan
38, TN Married
Popularity would make me secure. I loath the thought of somebody not liking me. I am a people pleaser and it is part of my insecurity. THere are meny that are turned away from me for one reason or another. Many times I have prayed for a personality change to be less selfish and more focused on others.
To let te healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessles until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positiveand 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.
In some way or another I can identify with each of the Biblical figures. But Moses sticks to me most. He was called by God to do a job he thought he wasn't qualified for. Oh how I feel that everyday as a mom and woman. There are many times I lean on my self without seeking God's help (thinking like a mom…that I can do it all) only to end up feeling like a failure.
Thank you for the title, seeing the word insecurity in plain view on the front is like going face to face with an enemy. And that is the only way to battle this insecurity. I am sure I speak for all of us who are reading, thank you Beth for your insightful, Biblical words to get us through this battle with victory!!!!
1) I had originally put one false positive down last night,however, God awoke me this morning to the real false positive in my life. First, I feel compelled to say that I have wonderful Christian husband, is our marriage perfect, no, but we do have a good marriage — & as I've heard Beth say before, "Can't good be good."
With that said, the revelation that God woke me to is that my false positive is "my life would be better (financially) if I would have married _________. (this being the one I dated prior to my husband). How foolish I am to think that but I do. That man is the ONE who has given me or caused me the most insecurity in my life. Strange & Ironic. That false positive has some truth to it in that Yes, I probably would be better off (financially) but I know full well I would not be where I am today in my walk with Christ. So with that said I wouldn't change a thing.
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 & relationship.
3. Moses — once again, God spoke this revelation to me this morning, that I have been stubborn & refused to listen to him telling me to step out in faith (obviously i'm not trusting him completely). As a result, the one security that I felt and was the reason I wouldn't step out, he NOW has removed it completely — so now I have no choice but to follow and trust him completely. Kinda scary but oh what a ride i'm on!!!
Sorry so long, but I had to tell someone. Thank you for writing this book and letting us go through it on here.
30's
married
Charlotte, 29
ATL
Married
READING!!!
I am also doing Covenant right now so i have to finish that homework before I can report on the book but I had to share something with you Beth. LOOK what I found for you! Betty Crocker Easy writers. They are cake decorating writing pens. I bought them and tried them out for you this February. It takes some patience but girl it is better the icing.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VW6FTM/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0471753076&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1N60MWRZWGCWPFF4QKSA
Loving you gals,
Charlotte
My prominent false positive I would call"fear of rejection" but maybe it is better stated as popularity.I have an awful time dealing with the idea that someone would rather be friends with "her" than friends with "me"..It's crazy to think that everybody is going to like you-but I have this need to try and "fix it" if I think somebody doesn't like me.. And not being invited to something is devastating.. I might not even want to go-truth be told- but I sure want to be invited.
I believe that the challenge is to see myself as Christ sees me.. Who does Christ say that I am? I need to allow Him to so permeate my life that when I am experiencing insecurity my FIRST response is to lay it at His feet and ask Him to bring health and wholeness and healing in this area of my life.He alone can look inside me and see where all of this is coming from.(Sometimes I know-but sometimes it is deeper than I imagine-after all we don't know our own hearts)Jesus is the One who knows where to tinker..He knows exactly what needs to be healed..He alone is the Healer..
Moses..It is very hard for me to try something new and hard.. I might fail !! This "playing it safe" has something to do with growing up with alcoholism,but I haven't sorted that out yet.. "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies because of their own insecurities."That's a very sobering thought.. What great things have I not done for God because I was too scared to try?
Carole
60's
Married
Salina, 30's, Married, Hindman, KY
1. My Prominent False Positive is being able to conceive a child would make me happy and secure.
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. Without a doubt it’s Sarai. I’ve ached right along with her for the want of a baby and felt her frustration when it didn’t come (in her time). Although I’ve never entertained the idea of providing another woman to conceive a child for us, I’ve been close to the edge with many other far-fetched ideas 🙂
Amber
20's
Single
My prominent false positive is and always has been my weight.
It's like I'm sitting here telling myself that if I could just lose the weight everything else in my life would be wonderful. (yeah, yeah, I know I'm rolling my eyes at me too.)
the challenge – Allowing God's truth to eclipse every false positive.
Marcia,portland,OR,50's married.
1.False positive: i have worked through almost all of them. The one I have spent the most time on is "married to the most fabulous man in the world." My husband has barely a chance of "proving" he loves me – he can never do enough.
2. Gods truth: HE HAS NO DARK SIDE:IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL.
3. Rachel and Leah resonated with me the most because of their competition for love. This opened my eyes to how much I compete for the love of not only my husband but other important people in my life. I'm the one competing – they aren't.
I'm laughing at myself as I type this because I would like to do this book study with a good friend of mine, and insecurity is stopping me from asking her…to the outside world…I am SUPER confident….bless my own heart!
Out of all the prominent false/positive examples I would have to say weight. This pains me, because this is something I feel for myself can be taken care of. I love what you wrote under the THREAT paragraph. For years I struggled with the first three fears. Fear of someone,fear of something and fear of what am I going to lose.FEAR I have found out is what puts chains on your legs. It paralyizes you, it does fuel your imagination and I had to Trust God and dive in. Its either that or go sit in a corner and suck your thumb. Thanks for this book Beth. I am pretty secure in many areas of my life, but the ones I am NOT needed to see this in print. God Bless You, Love Angel
Ginnie, 44
Single in Florida
The two most prominent false positives that stick out worse than a sore thumb are financial security and singleness. It is so hard for me to grasp that neither will satisfy. For a while I do fine without dwelling on either one and then all of a sudden it's all I can think about. How if I just had money or a man my life would be perfect. I should know better. . . being that the first marriage didn't last and I've witnessed people with money and see just how miserable they are.
The challenge stated at the very end of chapter three is beautiful: Let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us (finding more and more that the only secure part of me is Christ in me) increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship. Allowing God's truth to eclipse (I like extinguish instead of eclipse – put that false positive OUT) every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection and see the treasure we are. It is then that the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us!
The Biblical figure from Chapter 4 that resonated with you me the most was (is this any surprise?) Rachel with Sarai & Hagar right along side of her. I've done some stupid things to get that man I had my eyes on, only later to be dumped for someone else. That's where Sarai & Hagar come in. . . that green eyed monster rears it's ugly head.
Oh that I would to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
1. My Prominent False positive is that having a college degree would make me secure. I grew up in a home of verbal abuse and was constantly told that I was stupid and could only ever make it on looks. I've gotten over that, but now in my marriage my husband resents me for not having a college degree to offer more to our family financially. My lack of education haunts me.
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. Ironically, as someone who went into thinking "I'm pretty secure", I see myself in pretty much all of them.
28, Married
Louisiana
my false positive is definately thinking that my life would be better/ easier if i had an education and lots of money. Not that an education isn't important, I mean if my parents had had the money to send me to fancy four year school
Candace
East TN
33yrs
Married
Ya'll, pray for me…I'm feeling pretty defeated as I am getting more into this book. I'm just seeing soooo many areas that I'm messed up! uggg!! I know God is bigger than ALL this though…just pray I can trust in HIM to change me!
1. As I read the pages with the false positives on them, I saw several that could have described me. But, I think the one I struggle with the most is Appearance/Weight. Up until having kids I never struggled with my weight. And now, struggling with depression, being on antidepressants and just having had 3 kids in 3 years, I struggle with weight all the time. But, in trying to look back at the time in my life BEFORE I struggled, even then I struggled with my appearance. I've never liked my freckles. I've never been satisfied with my hair. You get the point…so, I think this would have to be my most prominent false positive.
2. The challenge is 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. (LOVE THIS! I think I need to print it out for display.)
3. I think the one that stood out the most to me was Saul. His feelings of insecurity caused conflicted feelings about other people. The very people he was feeling insecure because of, he admired…yet he also despised. I would not say I despise anyone, but I feel very very conflicted about people. Relationships confuse me. I never know if my feelings are messed up because of me, because of the other person or if we're all just so messed up that I can't have a normal relationship. HA!
More on my blog…
http://candacemercyisnew.blogspot.com/2010/02/so-long-insecurity-week-two.html
I also want to say that as I read through these responses, I'm praying for you, dear friends!!
Teresa
Tifton,Ga
30's
Married
My most prominent false positive is my weight/looks. I've always felt like if I LOOKED like the beautiful women I see everyday, then I could be as happy as they APPEAR to be.
Challenge:Allowing God's truth to eclipse every false positive.
I identify with Sarai and Hagar. That whole jealousy thing absolutely eats me alive. It truly is tearing me apart!!
I just have to tell you this…Last night I was telling my boyfriend about how everyone has their own false positives because that was really a revelation to me. Then throwing me off guard, he asked me what mine was. And I felt too insecure to tell him!!! I wanted to, but then I didn't… such an internal struggle for about two minutes (that seemed liked hours!!). I finally ended up telling him because I decided I didn't want the devil to hold that over my head anymore. And you know what??? It wasn't a big deal. He didn't look at me like I had leprosy or anything. We just finished the conversation and it was ok. Normally, I would've analyzed that conversation for days but giving the insecurity to God and trusting he can take care of it made all the difference. God is so awesome!!
Heather F/Beaumont, TX/29/Single
Sorry Siestas but I just have to share today what the Holy Spirit spoke to me about, I have no one to share this with. In August the Lord gave me a word, threshing floor; I have tried to look up ask others and read books about the threshing floor. All of which were just not what I felt God wanted me to know. Then Yesterday I was reading the story of Ruth and how she laid at his feet on the threshing floor. My Spirit started jumping and my heart was racing like I had just found the answer, still not knowing. I finally heard the Lord say that He wanted me to be more inimate in my prayer life with him, where as I lay at the feet of my kinsman redeemer He can smell the aroma of my prayers. He then being the bread of life can help me swift the chaft from the wheat in my own life. Along with being my safe protector in the night. Now I just even have to learn to be more initmate with my prayers to Him, I flet Him say they were about others, He wants me to tell HIm my Hopes and Fears. I know this might sound silly to you but I just thank God because He is so sweet to give me such a picture of what he desires for and from me. Thanks for letting me get off topic and share.
Michelle
Holt, Mi
40's
Married