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.
zorhar12 
Robin
Cleveland, TN
50's
Married
Week 1
1. small group discussions, even when I am the group leader I feel so over my head. The last 3 weeks have been hard, I'm not the leader but don't feel as if I belong. God keeps reminding me He has me doing 3 studies – The Inheritance, Breaking Free and this one all dealing with insecurities for a reason.
2. Chronic self consciousness, lack of confidence in myself. But God is still using my insecurities as it makes me more intune to others who look lost. I try to reach out to them and make them feel wanted.
I look forward to what God has for me to learn in these studies.
Deb
Florida
50's
Married
Most prominent false positive-feeling like I can't give my husband what he needs.(the Superwoman package) My husband met me 17 years ago when I appeared to be the most self confident woman he had ever met. I was a single mom with a sweet 5 year old in tow. I had left a 13 year abusive marriage…
He was "our" knight in white Shining armor. I took on the corporate world and we were quite the successfull team climbing up the corporate ladder. I now have fallen off that ladder and do not know who I am anymore. I am grateful to God who has saved me from myself! My husband tells me every day that he loves me no matter what. I carry deep shame for the facade I built. God's love is healing me but I have a long way to go in accepting His love.
I identify with different parts of each person mentioned. Paul and Saul speak the loudest to me now as I am "getting" the message clearly from your book. Thank you Beth for opening my eyes! God has used you through many of your bible studies to help me identify strongholds. By the grace of God I am who I am. I know God loves me where I'm at right now.
3.The challenge for me is to let the love of God transform me into who He has always wanted me to be…I believe that He has what I need to be whole!
Yolanda
40's
Married
Ulysses, KS.
1. Owner of a corporation; being given power when I had no business doing so! It about did me in and became the death of me.
2. " To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3. Eve with her wardrobe as I always tend to think everyone else looks so much cuter, hip and put together. As well as Paul because I find it utterly amazing that God is using someone like me, with such a past, for His glory. only because of the grace of GOD.
Keeping on, keeping on.
With love,
Yolanda
One of my prominent false positives is meeting some standard I have created for myself (often unrealistic). It can be attractiveness or my weight (I'm only a size 2, so clearly my insecurity is unmerited.)
Ironically, my husband gives me no reason to be insecure. I can't even convince him that other women are attractive – he is a one-woman man. I say that not to boast or make anyone else feel bad, but to point out that so often we want to blame others for our insecurities (which no doubt exacerbates them), when in reality we need to accept responsibility for the sin of jealousy, comparison, pride, etc, that will inevitably make us insecure – regardlesss of our circumstances. I am testimony that you can be profoundly loved and the apple of one's eye, but still painfully insecure. The need is to recognize the unbridled love and acceptance of the Father whose opinion is the only one that matters anyway.
20s, married.
Heather
Euless, TX
Thankful 30's – 🙂
Single
1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own "Prominent False Positive"?
My prominent false positive centers somewhere around the areas of prestige, credentials and financial security. I found this out when I met a woman at a dinner a few weeks back and I admired her so much. She was a pharmaceutical sales rep, divorced, drove a Porsche, intelligent, traveled and went to the spa and salon all the time. It was an understatement to say I was jealous, but I looked up to this woman and loved talking to her – – I thought, she must have an answer to something that I don’t. LOL!
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."
In my own words: Based on an audiobook I got from the library, “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist, Howard C. Cutler. In the book on page 56 it says, “the ultimate solution to our conflicts, both internal and external, lies in returning to our basic or underlying human nature, which is gentle and compassionate.” So it relates to the challenge above – – it’s our nature to be gentle and compassionate. With discipline and training (like coming to this blog every week and sharing of yourself among others) you can drive out those tendencies that cause aggression, conflict, insecurity – by products of, in my opinion and unbalanced human intellect and misuse of our human intelligence.
3. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?
King Saul – – the part about being in constant terror of loss. I felt that so many times in my life. Growing up as a child, with estranged family members, the first love of my life at 19, divorce, getting laid off, losing my house to foreclosure. Also the book mentions feelings of being conflicted and the fear that someone has something that we don’t that makes us insecure. I can’t tell you how many times so many single mothers (me included) lament that somehow married mothers shun them and are more secure and have a better life – – I say (now of course) hogwash – –
Carolann
Topeka, KS
40's
Married
The book is amazing but reading all the posts is even more so. I'm already looking at ALL other women differently. I think I'm going to be a "kinder, gentler" person from now on.
Holly
Monument, CO
39 🙂
Married
I identify with Moses. Someone just called me their "tech person" and I panicked! "Who me, Lord? I am not (smart enough, together enough, educated enough, etc) to do that." Ah, Lord!
About to head out of town on a women's retreat…so I'll come back and answer #1. Pray for safe journey in the snow.
I am identifying with so much, Beth, and in some things I am hearing the Lord say, "Holly this is who you are. Walk in that."
Love you, Beth! Love all of you, Siestas!
PS I am WHO God says I am. Amen?
I went to Barnes and Nobles with my husband to buy the book. I approached the male clerk to purchase it having a slight out of body experience and trying not to look to see if the clerk was making any funny faces at it/me. I forgot my debit card so my husband hands me his wallet. I pay with his debit card, put it back in the wallet, and without looking at him I hand him his wallet and walk quickly outside. 15 seconds later my husband appears laughing because I, in fact, DID NOT hand him the wallet but handed it in his direction but DROPPED it on the floor so that he had to pick it up while watching me make a mad dash for the door!
Flagstaff, AZ
20's
married
Brandy
Edmond, OK
30's
Married
My dad bought me this book for Valentine's Day. I think he was surprised that I wanted it and I know my mom was surprised. It's amazing what people see in us that we don't see at all.
I'm excited for the journey.
Robin
Cleveland, TN
50's
married
week 1
1.small group discussions, I feel so out of place. It is even worse when I am the group leader. For the last 3 weeks I leave the study saying God why am I here? And the reply is I have you in 3 studies for a reason. The Inheritance, Breaking Free and So Long Insecurity just be patient and study hard we will work throught them together.
2. chronic self consciousness, lack of confidence in myself. But God still has used my insecurities to His glory. He has made me more in tune to someone who looks like they are lost or don't belong. I try to include them more and get to know them better.
1. I feel so schizophrenic, but I think my false positive changes depending upon the group of people I am around. I am a lawyer with a 14 month old and I find that my insecurity causes me to have different personas depending upon whether I am with my “mom” friends or my “lawyer” friends. As far as with the “mom” friends, my false positive would be to be more creative and a better homemaker. I recently went to a baby shower and thought I had purchased some really cute baby clothes for the new mom. I have never felt so insecure in my life when all of my mom friends had handmade all of their gifts- and they were completely adorable! I felt so inadequate!
With my “lawyer” friends- I think that the false positive would probably be being more accomplished in my career- getting the better projects, working with the more highly esteemed partners, etc.
2. Our challenge- to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. Saul- I identify with the conflict of his feelings with respect to David. I find that some of those people that I truly like the most I wish badly upon because of my own jealousy for them. Somehow, in some warped way, I think that their failures will somehow make me more successful. Yuck!!! It hurts looking at your hidden darkness like this!
Kim
Bakersfield, CA
20s
Married
married, 50's midwest
My false positive was financial security, several years ago my husband ran a successful business and we were very comfortable. the downturn of the economy caused financial ruin and I learned the hard way to lean on the Master. The biblical character I always related to was Ruth. Even though I was never a widow I always related that I should cleave to my husband's family. With all their insecurities, that has been hard. I never realized my insecurities were allowing me to see their insecurities as hatred towards me which increased my insecurity. I am re-examining that thanks to you. Funny you have to have something stare you in the face like Beth puts her hands on your shoulders and says Hey Girl, wake up and smell the coffee. Don't be so hard on yourself. I still think I should cleave to this wonderful family but it is sort of wonderful to realize they are insecure too.
OK- I'm not doing the study but now wished I was. We're in the middle of a move and I knew I couldn't do it with my other study. But, I think I'm going to buy the book and just write down the questions and start when I can. And NOT be insecure about starting late 🙂
chrystal
lex ky
Linda
50's
Married(but wish I wasn't)
My prominent false positives are beauty and intellect. The 2 things I miss most in my relationship with my husband, is that he NEVER tells me I look nice or that I am beautiful and he does not affirm my intellect; I am after all “A LOON”.
To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us to increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives every emotion, reaction and relationship.
I relate to Hagar, she is the one that gets thrown away.
Barbara
Pasadena, TX
47
Single
I'm still chewing on last week rich info and starting this weeks today. All I can & have been saying to the Lord is "BALANCE". I want balance in emotions, passion, etc. (you name it). Life will throw those curves and I'm one who is hit harder than some. Being a single parent of boys is tough. (22 & 19 now)I would over compensate for the "father" figure and then go to the extreme of being that "damsel in distress". Talk about pride I didn't know I had because of circumstances. YUCK!when life throws us a curve, insecurity may try to take over, but I declare BALANCE WITH/IN/THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD! I see HIM in my life everyday & we are Blessed. He even gave us double portion of twin babies Gabriel & Genesis. Born at 26 wks are alive at 16 mons old now. Gabriel on a trac & on way to healing. I say this in hopes to remind us of HIS Faithfulness & Loving-Kindness on this walk. God Bless you Beth and all of you.
I say this with incredible "fly on the wall" love…those of you self-conscious about buying the book…it never, ever dawned on me when I bought it that it was a reflection on MY insecurity…I looked at it like an "autobiographical sketch" of Beth's insecurities…guess I'm not as insecure as I thought I was…again, I'm not trying to belittle anyone at all, I just hadn't thought about it in the terms many of you have…I love reading everyone's comments, so that I can put myself in other people's shoes, this is SO good for all of us! In fact, I was shocked that her stack of books weren't front and center with a big poster of her at the front of the store at her big debut…I even mentioned to the clerk, "You do realize this is going to be on the best-sellers list?" after I had to ASK where the new Beth Moore book was located!!!!!!
Susan
25
Clarksville, TN
Single
1. The Lord has done a great healing in my life on the matter of singleness over the past couple of years, but I think I still struggle with thinking that marriage and children would make me secure. I LOVED the line that said "children will bring out every insecurity you've got!" because I definitely have had lots of wonderful mentors who have told and shown me the same thing. It encourages me to think I can, and AM becoming secure in Christ WITHOUT and possibly BEFORE I am married or have children! I also struggle with thinking that if I were a healthy weight that everything in my life would be perfect. Again, the Lord has done a lot of healing in my heart over this issue as far as helping me see the roots of this problem and forgive those who have hurt me as well as myself and accepting His forgiveness, and I definitely think that I am heading the right direction in making God-honoring changes, but a small part of me still thinks (mostly because of the influence of things that are said to me by people I love), "after I lose all this weight, everything in my life is going to be changed for the better." And while that is true in many ways, I don't want any THING, even GOOD things, to be my security, other than Christ alone!
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. AND THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD OUR GOD WILL BE UPON US!! (Psalm 90:17)
3. All of them! But mostly Sarai and Hagar, and that "jealousy is always the result of a perceived threat. And a threat always places a 911 call to insecurity." AND, Moses, "Heaven knows how many people never fulfill their destinies simply because of their own insecurities." I'm seeing myself in so many of these pages, and it sickens me, or in the words of Beth, it ticks me off. I want to fulfill my destiny and purpose that the Lord has for me!
Angie
Blacksburg, VA
30s
married
PFP: SKINNY THIGHS
I'm only sort of joking. Part of me believes that if I were in excellent physical shape I'd be more secure. But genes are going to have the final word on my thighs, no matter how much I exercise.
The challenge: To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of myself increasingly overtake my earthen vessel until it drives my every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
I guess I can most identify with Leah and Rachel, especially after the other night when my feelings got so hurt after my husband complimented another woman's cooking. How pathetic.
Well, I DIDN'T buy this book because it had "insecurity" in the title. In fact, I felt like, "Hmm. I don't have that problem, but I am sure I will get something out of it, after all, Beth Moore wrote it!" Plus I am going to the live conference in Atlanta with my daughters and daughters-in-law and thought it would be good to read it. Well, I came face to face with my insecurity on pages 20 and 21. More and more the Lord is revealing the pride that lay at the root of it, too. My false positives: I could relate to the "if I had those degrees" or "those credentials." I am unfortunately finding myself relating to Saul. While I have killed a few thousand, those other women have killed their ten thousands. Lord, free me from self consciousness and pride!
🙁 OK… still waiting for my book I pre-ordered to arrive (thought it would have come in this past week). That's what I get for living out in the country of CCTX. My mailman just got here… no book as of today. I will go out in town and buy one tomorrow and read like crazy to "catch up" for week one and log in week two by next week. I can't wait… reading many of your posts have encouraged me!
Love in Him~
Teri
Corpus Christi, TX
40's
married
Elisabeth
Modesto, CA
20s
Single
FIRST-I had a hilarious experience a few days ago. I was reading the book on my lunch break, and my co-worker who is a 60s-something guy took it off my desk, read the back cover, opened it, read the prayer I had written inside the front cover,(At this point I was ticked because that was the LAST thing about the book I wanted anyone to see-especially him), and laughed at me. Told me I was a freak and that "she" (Beth) looked like a blond Bimbo who just wrote the book to make money. I let loose on this dude. I got redder that a tomato and began defending it left and right. "She is one of the most intelligent, educated, real, and true people I've ever encountered. DON'T TALK ABOUT MY FRIEND THAT WAY!" When I came back to me senses, I could see by his dear-in-headlights look that I had reacted more than slightly ridiculously. Then, it hit me. I was clobbering this guy and completely losing my temper over what he thought of Beth. Of the book. Of ME reading it. I saw the huge amount of insecurity I experienced over him seeing it. And I just started laughing at myself. And HE started laughing at me. And you know what he said? "Why do you women always go off on us when we do the littlest thing we think is innocent?" I laughed even harder and told him "Because we're all so insecure!" It was awesome!
Now, the questions-
1.My most prominent false positives are weight and men. I have been overweight for several years and there hasn't been one hour of one day in which I haven't thought to myself that if I could just get skinny again everything would be better. Which, in a way, ties into men. All my friends are married and younger than I. Deep down I believe that if I lost weight, I'd finally have a guy somewhere out there be interested in me. And I would finally get married. And all my hurts would be soothed. Yeah, right. 🙂
2. " To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthly vessels until it drives out every emotion, reaction and relationship."
3. I relate to Saul. I have jealousy of every married friend's marriage, beautiful friend's looks, and successful friend's success. Ugh! Jesus, help!!
My most prominent false positive is definitely thinness. I've always struggled with being a little bigger than my friends, the one who couldn't lose that last few pounds. Hands down, any time I see someone thinner or someone who was able to lose the weight, my insecurity is at an all time high.
My challenge is to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me increasingly overtake my earthen vessel until it drives out every emotion, reaction, and relationship. To allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let my eyes spring open to the treasure I have, there in His glorious relection I'll also see the treasure I am. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon me.
The Biblical figure that most resonates with me is Saul. As someone whose spiritual gift is leadership, I know that empowering others is so critical. But, when someone else is better than me, or has something I don't, my insecurity always increases.
Stephanie
Lititz, PA
30's
married
Heather
Brandon, MS
20's
Married
1. My PFP is if I knew for sure that my husband thought I was the greatest & if I knew for sure he would NEVER leave me for another woman or image, then I could be secure. Therefore, my PFP becomes trying to be better than every other woman that comes near us. It's a pretty heavy load to bear, always trying to be better in EVERYTHING than EVERY OTHER FEMALE that comes near. God help me!
2. To let the healthy, utterly whole, & completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship.
3. I identify most with Rachel being jealous of her sister Leah. If there's someone else around us that I think could give my husband something I can't give him, it's instant "I must have what she has, I must be who she is! My husband will NOT think someone else is better than me!" I am embarrassed to show that I have this much pride & insecurity!
On a much happier note, God has already begun ridding me of this nastiness! Although I cannot totally see how it is possible to not live this way, I can see glimpes & I believe that God is all-powerful!
Silvia
Miramar, FL
40
Married
1.) My false positive all my life is that people think that I am a strong woman and can handle anything that comes my way. If people only knew how I struggle to keep it all together. I have a disabled husband, who is a wonderful man but all I hear people tell me is that I am married to the nicest guy ever! I know I am but it's also a struggle for me to not let my mind wonder…can anyone out there relate?
2.) He has no dark side. In Him is not darkness at all! Thank God for that!!!
3.) I would say that Moses resonated with me the most. I sometimes feel God's prompting on things but my insecurity holds me back that I either don't have enough knowledge on the subject or that I am not a good speaker (public speaker) and that just terrifies me.
1. The most prominent false positive in my life is weight/appearance, which has led to some unhealthy practices (including bulimia) off and on for the past thirty years. Thanks to God and LPM, last year's scripture memory challenge helped me to memorize 24+ verses that I am now able to use to defend myself against the enemy's lies.
(2 Corinthians 10:4–"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.")
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. We must allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive.
3. I can SO relate to Moses when I think of how my insecurities make me reluctant to believe and obey God. In so doing, I miss out on God's best for my life.
Married
50's
Becky
Brentwood TN
40's
Married
My most PFP is different things, but at the top of the list is intelligence, being smart. AS a child in school I made bad grades,so I was lauged at and called dumb and not bright…and at time by my teaher in front of the whole class. My husband and children are very intellignet, so for me, I always thought if I were smart, I would be secure.
The challenge – To let 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 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 treasaure we are. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.
I feel I identify more with Solomon, the fear of something or someone being taken away from me. As a child friends were taken away by another person, then that friend fogot me, they played with them. a girl in my class stole my boyfriend from me, he went willingly. Always the fear of someone taking over my job, my place in somthing, even at church, I have the postition of working in the baptistry ministry, but the pastor keeps doing what is 'my' job, now, I'm about to resign the baptistry ministry. I see this coming,and I just let'em have it, no fight left.
Still haven't received my book from CCN. Hoping to not get too far behind everyone.
melinda
lakeville, mn
40s (barely)
married (blissfully 🙂
rookie blogger (this is my very first)
i'm adoring this book. in suggesting my Bible study join me in reading it i found myself dishing out caveats like gumballs for pennies: "we may not be *that* insecure but we all have *something*," i heard myself say as if to remind then that i'm still one of the together ones. what a joke! i've been blessed to have many of the false positives in my hand (like so much melting snow) at one point or another in my life so i especially love how you (sweet beth) pointed out that people like me don't seek the healing we desperately need because we don't fit the "mousy/inept" definition they've created for "insecurity."
yet having someone upset at me is incredibly unsettling no matter which side of right i'm on– and i have a crazy/relentless desire to make ammends immediately (if not sooner) if i think for a moment i've done something wrong. so you won't be surprised to learn that my false positive is that popularity would make me secure. seriously? is this what a daughter of the King is buying? sadly, yes! but not for long! though i have wonderful deep friendships we all know that the affection of others can be fickle at times and if i'm counting on them (and the clerk at target) to think i'm darling, witty, and wise all of the time — then i'm putting way too much stock in the approval of others.
i am absoultely ready and commited to accept the challenge (and i love a good challenge 🙂 to let the unhealthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of me overtake my earthen vessel. amen and amen!
love to all the siestas. i seriously think of you all so much and it feels good to be in it together.
Renee J Colorado Sprngs/52/Married
I have 2 false positives -one of yours, one my husband "volunteered" We actually disagree on his– I don't think it is a false positive I think it is a true statement. "If I had more confidence in myself, I would be more secure." I think that is a true statement, so it probably IS a False positive!!! But, the one I chose from your list is the personality one. It takes all the 'guts' I can muster to walk into a room full of people – whether I know them or not. Yet, I am told people don't see this in me at all. So, I don't know if I "own" both of the above "false positives" or just the one you mentioned!!!
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. My question is "How do I find that "secure" part?"
3. I guess Moses resonates most with me b/c he fought the call of God on his life. I know I was called to Women's Ministry and for years I fought it b/c Ifelt inadequate . I finally did begin teaching and did it for 5 years (until we moved to CO about 18 mo. ago) I loved teaching , but STILL felt (and feel) inadequate. Also, to some degree Paul b/c I alwys feel the need to take up for myself b/c I feel most people think I am stupid and ignorant.
Whew! I only hope I can say all this face to face to my study group!! Give me strength, LORD.
I think from one rookie blogger to another you did great! Keep on blogging!
Jagette, would you please email me at [email protected]? Thanks!
I'm so sad! I pre-ordered 2 copies of the book, and they still haven't arrived! I have called a couple of times, and they tell me to just keep waiting "a little longer". I feel like I am watching a ship that I was supposed to be on board sail away from me!
Please pray my books come soon.
Not so "joyful" today
pam, late 40's, married, georgia
1) false positive – appearance, always worry about weight, looking old and frumpy..etc.
2) challenge -…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)in reading about the biblical characters, i first thought i was more of a 'moses' type person…i tend to tell God that He could surely find someone better than me for the job…but then i realized, i'm probably more like leah than i want to admit. some how your heart can't quite forget the pain of hearing your husband tell you "i don't love you any more", (even though it's been more than 22 years, and restoration of the marriage has taken place…the insecurity and fear is still there, that some day you may hear it again.)
I know Beth has strong shoulders and can take a lot. I just didn't like reading the story from Elisabeth of what her co-worker said about Beth. Sometimes things are just better left unsaid.
Sacha
Midland,TX
30's
Married
1.My prominent false positive has always been "if I weighed this much or if I were only this size life would be perfect and everyone would like me, etc."
The challenge to me said that we need to hear God's opinion of ourselves and not the world's opinion or even our own.
3. I feel like Paul because it seems like I struggle with both insecurity and pride in myself, my knowledge, my accomplishments, etc. It drives me crazy!
1. Thinking about it, I have several false positives. Looking at the moms in my life circle, I think that they have it all because they have children and I cannot. Body image is a big false positive in regards to my marriage and how I perceive my husband to look at me.
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. 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." Beth, I'll ride this ride with you and pray that we will all be swept up in this.
3. I most identify with Moses. I have always thought it odd that he queestioned his abilities after all that the Lord had done for and through him. Yet, he doubted the call on his life and the things that the Lord asked of him. I am completely and utterly in that same place…always doubting any abilities that my Father may have placed in me. For example, the ladies that I do Bible study with asked if I wanted to lead this next study. Fear and doubt gripped me and I declined.
Jill
Laramie, WY
40
Married
1. Thinking about it, I have several false positives. Looking at the moms in my life circle, I think that they have it all because they have children and I cannot. Body image is a big false positive in regards to my marriage and how I perceive my husband to look at me.
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. 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." Beth, I'll ride this ride with you and pray that we will all be swept up in this.
3. I most identify with Moses. I have always thought it odd that he queestioned his abilities after all that the Lord had done for and through him. Yet, he doubted the call on his life and the things that the Lord asked of him. I am completely and utterly in that same place…always doubting any abilities that my Father may have placed in me. For example, the ladies that I do Bible study with asked if I wanted to lead this next study. Fear and doubt gripped me and I declined.
Jill
Laramie, WY
40
Married
Molly
30's
married
Georgia
My most prominent false positive would have to be weight/beauty issues. Growing up, I was the only chubby person in my family and it became an obsession in my teens and turned to eating disorders in my 20's. Praise be to God, HE delivered me from the obsession and disorders a couple years ago, but I still struggle with the thought that I have to be a certain size or weight to be secure.
I want 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. I claim Philippians 1:6. God has begun a good work in me, He has delivered me from so much already! But He's not done with me yet and He will complete it, He promises to!!
I identify with Moses, because I always feel like someone else can do a much better job, and I hate speaking or even walking in front of people. (It takes a lot for me to even respond on this blog!)
Tammi Ford
40's
Widowed
Lilburn, GA
My most prominent false positive would have to be "having it all together." You know: financially savvy, full of parental wisdom that makes your kids hang on your every words and your friends ask your advice; finding time to work two jobs, go to the gym, spend quality time with the fam AND not neglecting God. You know….super woman.
Chapter 3 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.
Tammi Ford
40's
widowed
Lilburn, GA
The biblical character with whom I would be most like in the area of insecurity would be Saul. I see other women who are pretty, confident, working, volunteering and still appear rested and have a smile on their face and I think, "knew I was a loser."
Rachel
Columbus, MS
30s
Married
1. My false positive has forever been: being thin, skinny, a "normal" size, etc. If only this thing were fixed, all would be right in my world. Or at least I would better handle all that comes my way!
Challenge: I will allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive I have and let my eyes spring open to the treasure I have, there in His glorious reflection I'll also see the treasure I am. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.
2. Hmmm…the last one, for some reason, is hard. I think Moses would be my answer b/c God has done some great healing in my life over the past couple of years but I still don't feel worthy or ready to be used publicly. Does that make sense?
I love you, Beth. Thanks for being "…on your way to freedom and bound and determined , God willing, to take some women with you."
Michelle P
Clarksburg, WV
20's
Married
1. PFP: 'A great man would make me secure' This is probably one of the big things that caused my affair that nearly ruined my life.
2. Let the healthy, utterly whole and completely secure part of myself overtake until it drives every emotion, reaction and relationship.
3. I related to Saul the most in Ch. 4. I often feel threatened by people that are prettier, smarter, more talented than me.
Kathy
49!
Married
Virginia Beach,VA
-Challenge from the end of Chapter 3: Our challenge "beloved," 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." Woo-hoo! Make it so, dear Lord, make it so!
-Prominent false positive: This was tough. Initially no one thing came to mind. God has delivered me from the false positives of a Christ-centered marriage and having all my children walking faithfully with the Lord.So, I prayed. Was there something else I am hoping will fill me up and make whole? Well, y'all know God is faithful to answer questions from a seeking heart. Because I am in the last few months of my fourth decade,okay, I'll be 50 the end of October, I am battling the false positive of recapturing my youth.Where's the line between being me, young at heart, spunky and fun, and making youth an idol? The comment "…your young and in the prime of your life!" is what got me. I work at a community college and recently I have been struggling HARD with feeling insecure when one particular co-worker is around. I even mentioned that at our group's gathering last Tuesday. I didn't understand where it was coming from. No more need to wonder – she IS in the prime of her life! And what have I been thinking? "You are sooo NOT in the prime of your life – you are not as relevent, not as useful as …." Lies, lies, lies!!! I AM fearfully and WONDERFULLY made! Woo-hoo! To drive the matter home, two of my sweet daughters are bound and determined to give me a make-over! Die my hair, send me to the tanning booth and spruce up my wardrobe! Gotta love 'em
Paul is the guy I identify with the most . I have often joked that I have no gag reflex because this size 9 of mine goes down pretty easy. 🙂 But NOW, I too, REFUSE to use my weaknesses, in all their many forms as excuses for not following hard after God. It has not always been so and praise God for His work in this area. I am currently working through David Nasser's "a call to die" and how you worded Paul's position needs to be seen as a challenge for each of us as well: "…the essence of the crucified life (is) daily dying to the part of (ourselves) that would deny, destroy, or distract from the GREAT work of God in (each of us)!" -emphasis added. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing all victories, all the ground taken back from the Enemy, all the glory God's gonna bring through His girls, through our journey together! Woo-hoo!
With the snow and sickness and the fact that the nearest bookstore is one hour away, I just got my book yesterday; missed posting on Week One.
1. Yes, the whole weight, diet, exercise thing is heavey(no pun intended), but can't get someting from Cahpter 2 out of my mind: Unrealistic expectations about relationships. I think that's my true false positive – – Want to have the perfect honest, intimate, loving, caring, sharing, etc., realtionships with my friends and family. Whew. It's exhausting.
2.Allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious relfection we'll also see the treasure we are.
3. If you're looking for me, I'll be in baggage claim. I struggle often with what I perceive my God given potential really is when I look around and see someone else has already done what I think God called me to do…and they did it with great finesse and success; So, I tell myself "why bother?" and slink back out of sight to the luggage compartment
Nancy/40s/married/SC
Molly, I read your blog and I think you are very honest and courageous. Do not fear, keep posting, your words encourage others. Angelgbooks
Cindy
Newton Tony, England
30's
Married
1. My most prominent false positive(s) …can I have 2?…are 1) a happy marriage (I think that God probably wants this more than anything for me)…and 2) Being OCD about a clean house, being the perfect mom, being the "likeable" girl and being a great 'witness for Christ'…..who would have thought you could be insecure about your Love Walk for Christ! ME!!
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. Probably Paul. For the majority of my life, by the grace of God I have always felt secure in my academic abilities (brain), my appearance (for the most part) and my personality; however, this book is tearing me apart. I don't think that I am an overly confident girl and most of my friends tell me I'm very humble and genuine at heart, but this book (though I merely bought b/c Beth wrote it and I LOVE her) is tearing me apart. I swear it's like this last week has started to unearth all kinds of insecure things that I had NO idea I dealt with… I'm like, "Where the heck did THAT come from?" I guess God had some things to deal with with me and I just didn't even know it! 🙂
Thanks Michele (#203 i think 🙂 for the WORD. I think I needed that as well. Bless you.
Denise
Louisa Va
40's
married
1.My most prominent false positive is the same as Beth's friend in the book, that being thinner and prettier would make me feel more secure…wow, that is so shallow, but I realize that this is really how I feel…YUCK.
2.The Challenge in Chapter 3
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. AMEN TO THAT.
3.I think that I related to Moses, because whenever I am asked to do something, I never think that I am going to be able to do it and even if I do, someone else can do it better.
I want to thank you Beth for writing this book. I have struggled for 42 years and I HAVE to beat this…I don't want my daughter to be insecure and I am afraid that I will pass it on to her and it was by my mother to me.
Danielle, 30's
Married in San Antonio, TX
False Positive: Power and credentials (degrees) would make me secure. . . . and maybe a touch of beauty
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, rection, and relationship. Help me, Jesus!
Biblical Figure: Rachel
She allowed her insecurity to convince herself to take the reigns from God. Taking matters into our own hands leads to TROUBLE. She knew what she wanted (children) and didn't feel like God was acting fast enough. Oh how I can relate! I love international missions and think God is calling me to be his hands and feet in orphanages. A few years back, I decided dentistry would equip me to help these kids. I was accepted and began Dental School (no easy task). After 3 miserable months, I withdrew. My good idea was not God's idea, and He made it known! God is teaching me to rest on His timing and direction instead of opening my own doors.