Hey, Girls! You are doing such a fabulous job with your group discussion. I’ve especially loved watching you respond to one another. You really are such a tremendous and unique community of women. I’m honored to journey with you here. Let’s continue hearing from all those who have been active from the beginning but let’s also hear from more of you out there who are watching and reading but haven’t really jumped in here and participated. I promise you that when we wrap this thing up, you will be far more satisfied with the experience if you personally invested in it.
We are reaching the halfway point in our journey and have arrived at a place of utmost importance in our pursuit of wholeness. Your assignment this week is based on only one chapter of the book: CHAPTER 9. As you will soon discover, it is not a chapter you just read. It’s a chapter you actually do. A chapter you actually pray. Please take it seriously. Everything ahead of us hinges on this experience. It is placed at this point in the journey prior to the prescriptive and practical phase of the book so that the way is cleared and our dignity restored enough to move forward. It will help place us in a posture God can bless with the rich kind of confidence He wants for His people and activate the power we have within us to think and FEEL differently. That’s essentially where the remainder of the book heads.
Here are your very simple assignments this week:
1. Do (don’t just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it.
2. Go to last Saturday’s post (3/6/10) and look at all the verses in the comment section. You will find a wellspring! Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you feel like you need the most – and write them on the inside of the back cover of the book. (This should be a lot less intimidating than what I asked you to write inside the front cover at the beginning of our journey!)
And that’s it for this week! I want the prayer journey to stand by itself and clear the way for mighty works ahead. We have some of our most eye-opening moments in the second half so stay with it, Girls!
Since we only have one chapter this week, this is a great time for many of us to play catch-up!
I am packing this very moment and about to head to Toronto for our first 2010 Living Proof Live. We can’t wait to see a God-show in Canada! Come on, Canadian Sisters! We’ve got plenty of room for you!
I love all of you very much.
Crystie 
What do you do when the source of your constant insecurity comes from your mom? She seems to have had made it her goal to keep me down and broken. I don't know how much more I can take…
Crystie
Lancaster, SC
Sharen
Flowery Branch,GA
50's
Single
Chapter 9 was really powerful. As I read it a couple of insights came to me. The first one really got my attention and that insight is that I am not the scared little girl that I often think that I am; rather, I am a woman who can be all that God made her to be. Thus, it made the second insight so awesome and that is that I can stop pretending to be so tough and unemotional. The third insight is that all the walls that I have built around myself to protect me from rejection have only served to isolate me from enjoying and truly experiencing life.
Thanks Beth for leading me through to be able to gain these insights.
I am so greatful to the Lord for the way He uses you. Reading through your prayer took so much from me emotionally that I desired a nap afterward. You have the ability to put into words what I am at the deepest levels of my being and bringing it to the surface so that I see it.
Thank you and may He continue to bless you and your ministry.
Angie, 30s
SD, married
Darling Crystie, sometimes you even have to believe God over your mom. I know what that's like. My daughters have probably known what that's like a few times, too, Lord help me. I will not romanticize your situation in the least but I do want to say that you have the potential to know Jesus in a way that others with better parental relationships never will. I know that for more of a fact than I am free to share. Hang with Him, Sweet Thing.
Cara, I nearly FLIPPED over the AMP version of Proverbs 31:25! It actually says "her position is strong and secure"???? How cool is that?
You guys are such a wealth.
I finally was able to get to 'doing' chapter 9 today.
I cannot even begin to explain what God spoke to my heart; but I do know that He has been with me every moment of my life. I know that.
I have been meditating on scriptures and reading through a little book called Serenity, a companion book for twelve step recovery. It is amazing to be reading through both of these together. For me they are going together like hand in hand.
God is so gracious. It overwhelms me everytime I realize it or I recall it to mind.
The first beatitude came to mind after I prayed…Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It just spoke to me so much.
I will always be a person in need but to know that Jesus is all I will ever need to fill my emptiness and protect me. It is all I ever need to know. It is all I know now and He is enough. He is so faithful.
Posting and reading through the verses last week, such a blessing! I made a shortcut to my desktop so I can easily access them. I have them written down but I just love reading through all the different ladies who post.
Love to all the siestas out there going through this incredible journey.
Michelle
Vermont
married 40's
Dear Beth… I don't know where else to post this, but need to write while it is fresh… my heart is so full today… Thank you so very very much for coming to Canada… I'm sorry you didn't see ANY sun while you were here, but we can thank God that He seems to have blessed Toronto with an early spring and at least there was no snow for you! 🙂 Did you try our Tim Horton's coffee?? And thanks for wearing our flag at the end – that was sweet of you and Travis… cute. 🙂 We love you!
You can thank our Lord for giving you a message that resonated with so many of us… I am so ready for God to do something NEW in me… something fresh… alive! 🙂 I loved how you brought out that if I willingly surrender and LET God do His NEW work in me, then I can have a fresh heart – a new Spirit and everything – big and small – in my life would be new for me… fresh… because I will be seeing things through God's eyes. That with God doing a new thing in my life, it would change everything about the "old place"…. I know He isn't going to force it on me, but you made it clear how He LONGS for this for me… and… I am ready!! I have been saved for 22 years, having trusted Christ at the age of 8, and have lived a "christian life"…. I am thankful for how God has preserved me over the years, but for so long it feels like I have been going through the motions… I feel like I'm that "water vessel" you mentioned from John 2, but oh how I am ready to be that "wine vessel" – to have that vibrant, alive, fresh, renewed and filled with God's Spirit life… I am willing for Him to show me a new way… I am ready to Be Alert, and to Be Present.. to move on and be in the moment… to see this new work that God will do in and with me!
One more thing – my heart was so stirred on your message of God's mercies being NEW EVERY morning… set aside for me each day for whatever that day holds for me… wow. I've heard sermons on this before, but this was fresh and hit me in a new way… Great is HIS faithfulness to us! 🙂
And yes, I've been one to moan that I'm not a morning person… but if I can get up early to hear you Beth (and it was SO worth it), then certainly, I can get up early to hear my God. Thank you for that reminder… 🙂
Fellow sisters – I wish you could have been there with us… thank you for Praying for Beth's visit to Toronto – God heard our prayers and I know everyone in that room with a willing heart was blessed! 🙂 Thank you Lord.
Beth, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will pray for you, that God continues to preserve you, strengthen you, hold you up, refresh you and guide you. hugs! 🙂
JR, Forgiven
30's, Married
Ontario
As I began the prayer in chapter 9,
all I could think of was…YES… You can do this for me. Like many, I have allowed the enemy to take control of my life…fear being my major stronghold. I have chosen to join you to cash in that request post-haste! God has been dealing with me so strongly about spending more time with Him in prayer…felt this prayer needs to be a daily part of my life until I'm directed otherwise. In spite of my many insecurities…I have so much to be thankful for…sometimes I forget to tell Him. He has been faithful many times before and I know that He will show himself to be faithful again!
Single
50
P.S.
Beth, I just happened to go to Life Today's website to listen to some of the guest speakers. You and Carlton made my day! I laughed and laughed…such a blessing!You were such a great sport and Carlton was a great Elvis impersonator!
I went to work out this morning and then took my book, and a tall skinny cinnamond dolce latte up to our information center. It overlooks all of our town and our beautiful mountains. I knew I would need solitude. So there I sat in my red van, praying out-loud, crying and just feeling… A RELEASE!!!! A release from crap (can I say that here?) that has kept me in bondage for too stinkin long!
Starbucks didn't give me enough napkins for the tears. The prayer was powerful, and hard and wonderful. Thank-you for those God-given words.
Melana
Sheridan WY
Married
50's
I was so hoping to get the chapter 9 assignment done today, but life had other plans, and I just couldn't find a moment to get away by myself.
With hubby off work for a few days the chances of me finding some time alone are slim, but I'm hoping to gain something truly wonderful from this chapter, so I'm impatiently willing to wait for the time. God will provide.
Bless you Beth! Hope you got back from Toronto Ok.
woops, forgot to add…
Rebekah
Yuma, AZ
20's
Married
Kathy B:
What you wrote has had my heart pounding ever since. You said, "I also seek affirmation from my spiritual heroes… For most of my life I've been a shameless teacher's pet." Oh my word. This is me. I've known it, I've struggled with it, it has tempted to trigger my insecurities time and again, but somehow you made me see it straight on. God is convicting me all over again. It needs to go. …Oh, I'm re-listening to a downloaded copy of the new Breaking Free series, session one, and right when I typed "It needs to go," in the background of my PC, Beth said, "IT'S TIME. FOR US. TO BREAK FREE!" Yes. It is time to break free of this. I love that you then wrote that your teacher is Yah. Amen. May I live to please Him alone, my true Teacher.
Ok, let me just say to you that I fully did NOT expect the emotional storm that came with reading that prayer. It was a good thing, rest assured. I am generally very in control of my emotions, but I had zero control when I was going through this prayer. Thank you so much, Beth. I am so excited.
Julie, 40
Springfield, MO
I prayed Chapter 9 tonight. Yes, God did inspire that prayer. He knew what I needed to pray for. Knowing that the prayer is what all of my Siestas need to pray for draws me so close to all of you. I pray this prayer for all of you, too, my dear sisters in Christ.
Beth, I am so glad I am with you and all of the Siestas on this journey. What a blessing you are to me.
Love,
Fran
Gulf Shores, AL
50's
single
Just the other day I was being attack saying I didn't know how to pray. He work so wonderful chapter 9 could not had come at a better time for me in my walk. Daily is a fight for me to do what is right.I feel like paul when we said why do I do the very things I don't want to do. The evil one doesn't want me to win none of us to win. Be I am not giving up the fight to live with Jesus and do what he want's me to do or should I say be who he wants me to be
mama Beth I am so thankful that our path of life crossed and that you didn't listen to all of Satan lies. Because of you going through the things that Satan tried to break you over . God has used that to help pull me out of the deepest pits. I have many around I have always jump from one pit to another for as long as I can remember . I can feel god working in my life so strongly and the battle is on . My fleshly things that is dieing is bring me down but what better place to be when you are so weak were the only place is up.
Sisters and mama Beth I have so much love for you guys. I have had so many of youngs that has prayed for me. I want you to know that before your eyes a Miracle is be done. Cause I never in my wildress dream that I would be coming out of this pit that I have being setting and play in the dirt. Thank you all for the love and prays that has been shown to me here. You are loved
The Lord was indeed faithful in providing the time alone that I needed. Of course I didn't anticipate that it would come at 2:45 am, but God really blessed the time and I go back to bed with a lighter heart.
I'm not one who gets emotional easily, or is very sensitive in general, so this was hard for me because I felt that I ought to feel more deeply than I did. Even so, I talked to God, and through His word I feel that he talked back a bit, and my soul feels at rest. He made me this way and I need to learn to embrace it instead of feeling like there's something wrong with me.
I guess it's another insecurity! Go figure.
Scriptures that I feel God led me to after my time with him:
Ps. 16:5-6, 8-11 (NAS)
5)The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; you support my lot.
6)The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
8) I have set the Lord continually before me; Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
9)Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely!
10)For you will not abandon my soul to sheol, neither will you allow your Holy one to undergo decay.
11)You will make known to me the path of life;
In your presence is fullness of joy;
In your right hand there are pleasures forever.'
Praise God for his mercy and his compassion. Lord God I lift up every single Siesta who is praying through that prayer and offering her very soul to your healing touch. Lord pour out living water to arid places that have not been touched for years and overwhelm each and every one of us with your peace and the love that none of us deserves but that you long to make us understand. We love you Lord!
Rebekah
Yuma,AZ
20's
Married
She is clothed with strength and dignity. Amen and amen.
I read Chapters 8 and 9 last night. I'm really struggling right now with my marriage (and the fact that my husband hasn't wanted to talk in over a week and he lives in a different state, anyway). Can you just imagine all the triggers that have been activated?
I felt much more peaceful and grounded after spending time in prayer. I'm believing God is working in and through me for His glory and for His praise.
Cathy
40's
Birmingham, AL
Heather
32
Married
Lexington, KY
I did Chapter 9 this morning when I knew my kids would be sleeping in for sure and I would not be distracted! Praise God for Spring ahead (never thought I would say that:))!!
Anyway, what a sweet time of refreshing and release. I prayed through a lot of issues and am excited to have some more freedom this day!
Anonymous 8:55 March 11
I can understand the reality of "marriage being a heartbreak", for I too live in such BUT…
I have learned that since I believe God's word is true and "He will give me back the years the Locust have eaten" my harvest is on the way!
We must learn to stand on his Word when we feel the disappointments of life rushing in. As for "time passing away", once again, the same sentiments have crossed my mind BUT you haven't missed it,
" All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" Rm 8:28.
And be reminded of Anna the prophetess, in Luke, who was of "great age" or Simeon who's sole purpose in life ( at great age) was to see the coming of the Lord and bless Joseph, Mary and Jesus…WOW what a great "purpose" although it came later in life. Siesta, time is only begun….live it!
Cheryl
Age 52
Texas
liz
lubbock, tx
40's
married
funny i got the book early and immediately started reading. i screeched to a halt when i got to chapter 9. I did this morning and it was great and not scary at all. the Lord is gentle and patient. interested how you wrote exactly what i was feeling! my favorite part was "forgive me for committing the flagrant sin of depising myself and consdiering myself inferior to others. Forgive me equally for everytime I've sighed with relief at the thought that I might be superior after all." Me in a nutshell. I am believing God to empower me to trust him and I will no longer panic and fight for control! Amen! and thanks
Tammy
Clarksville, TN
30s
Married
I left a quick comment earlier, but didn't have the time to elaborate. After reading/doing Ch. 9, I am so in awe over God and how much He knows about me yet loves me anyway. One thing that God revealed to me is that I am trying to be everything to everyone – not only is that tiring and impossible, it is due to insecurity. I always try to be like the group I am around at the time instead of just being secure enough to be myself. I just want to be who God has created me to be – nothing more, nothing less.The part about the "pursuit of control" and trying to do God's job for Him was eye-opening as well. I am so scared of not being needed that I have been known to put others down or not allow them to help me at all in order to be lifted up myself. What a foolish thing to do! I also place way too much pressure on certain relationships and then feel so much worse and even more insecure when those expectations are not met when I should be allowing God to meet those expectations Himself. My favorite part, though, was the sentence: "Help me to cease being so easily wounded, but at the same time, keep me from growing hardened." I am in that exact crossroads in a family relationship right now – where Satan would want me to just give up and grow hard towards this person, but I know that would not be what pleases God. That is such a hard balance! Thank you for ending the prayer as you did – reflecting on those who He has brought into our lives that have shown us the love of God. I had four key people to write in that space and I thank God for them. I am so grateful He brought those people into my life through very specific seasons of my life (high school, college, and current). He does work through His people – and I want Him to be able to work through me!
I've read through Chapter 8 and stand on the precipice of Chapter 9. I came to the blog to read the assignment for Chapter 9 and skimmed down through all the comments. Can you believe I actually derived a big old dose of insecurity from the fact that at least 95% of the commenters are married? Unbelievable and ridiculous, but true.
I got divorced 5 years ago as a result of my husband's long-term affair with a younger woman that he had no intention of ending. I felt (feel?) betrayed not only by him but by God as well, because I prayed HARD and devotedly and single-mindedly for a solid year for my husband and our marriage and for my relationship with the Lord. And what did I get? A divorce, a fear of loneliness the size of Mt. Everest, and a brand of insecurity that makes me cling to an inappropriate relationship that I totally depend on and have no intention of leaving, even though I know I must leave it for my own sake.
So now I'm scared to death to read Chapter 9 and pray the prayer everyone's talking about because I'm afraid I'll have to leave this relationship and then I'll be lonely again. I mean, there was a time when I prayed and sobbed and read and reread Psalm 68:6 ("God sets the lonely in families…") and prayed over it repeatedly … and I landed here anyway.
I'm not the pathetic sort and most would peg me as pretty confident and independent. But you see how pethetic I actually am.
Florida
39
Divorced
BJ, Kansas City, MO
20's, single
I think the thing that spoke to me above all else (and MUCH was being spoken) was the line on page 169: "Forgive me for being such a perfectionist that I resist doing something good out of fear that it won't be great." I immediately burst into tears and then had to ask for forgiveness for not even recognizing that was the case.
In the last two weeks, my life has taken almost a complete 180 as, out of almost nowhere, I felt God calling me to apply for law school so I can use that education as a tool to help bring justice to the oppressed. Countless lies have flooded my mind over the last two weeks regarding all the reasons why this is a bad idea. Many times I have wanted to change my mind and stop the already rolling ball out of fear of falling short of my own expectations on this new life plan.
The truth remains, however, that I believe it is a very God-given idea. And realizing that I have wanted to give up already over fears of not "living up" to my own expectations made me realize how often I do that. In all areas of my life. Even last night as I went to bed, I had the thought (not for the first time) that perhaps it is a good thing that I am not a mother yet because perhaps I wouldn't be a very good one and maybe God is using singleness to save me from messing up my kids. But even typing that, resounding in my head, I heard, "There is no truth to that statement at all!!!"
And I will choose to believe the voice of the Holy Spirit. I will choose to clothe myself with the Lord Jesus Christ. And I will pray for ever-increasing knowledge of the strength of the threads which clothe me. Lord Jesus, come.
I wanted to thank Rene from OK for sharing that she wrote the prayer in her journal over a period of a few days. I have started doing that, but am not finished. I love it! It fits my prayer time so well! I am really getting so much out the prayer. I actually read through it out loud, but I just didn't get it the way I'm getting it by journaling it. Thanks so much for sharing!
Nicci
Waterloo, Belgium
34, Married, 3 kids
I loved this chapter! So powerful! I cried as I read it outloud but I felt Him washing away my fears, doubts, and insecurities with each tear. He is renewing me and I feel His strength as he empowers me. I hear HIS voice when I'm feeling down on myself…ushering me back to the love He has for me and that I should feel for myself.
I was so blessed as I read all the scriptures from the March 6th post. I wrote 5 down in the back of my book and then proceeded to write down where I could read many others in my Bible when I needed a WORD! What a great idea!
May we all continue to pray for one another and encourage one another as we conquer this thing called insecurity! xo
Shelly
44
married
Oregon
Beth –
Prise the Lord you got home safely.
PRAISE THE LORD ONE WAS SAVED!
YEEESS!
I love the word you used in your post; 'wonky' ha-ha-ha- it sort of says it all about a tummy that is a little too up tight or nervous to eat a good meal now doesn't it? I never could use the right word for that, ha-ha-but now I can. 'wonky' ha-ha- I like it.
Brittany
Single 20s
CIncinnati OH
Chapter 9 was so good! The whole book is great, but especially chap 9 so far. I had to wait a while to pray that prayer, but finally had an opportunity when I house sat for friends. I sat on their couch, read the prayer and poured my heart out to the Lord. What a precious time! I thought Beth must have read my journals because everything in that prayer described my journey through self-afflicted insecurity.
Oh how pleasant it is to know I am free to be the way my Lord created me!
Thanks, Beth, for the prayer, the book and sharing so much of your journey and insight. I look forward to moving on, secure in the Lord!
I just finished the book. I cried through much of it. It touched my life in so many ways. I'm in the process of making a life changing decision which I've been agonizing over. Your book helped me realize that this is a necessary decision I must make to save my life. Beth, thank you for helping me to realize that I am a beautiful treasure of God's.
I am reading each evening Chapter Nine and praying for some areas I have blocked for God to speak and open. This will be a long process but I know He will show me and met me in those hidden areas. Of course, from my previous post of planning my own 40th b-day gathering I have had lots of flack about it from a few that I thought would understand. Growing pains are hard but I don't feel badly about it at all. I know this is just the beginning of loving myself again and I will never be alone in this process of living. What strength and peace that brings!! I am worth it and can enjoy right now not wait for – – -whatever that was. . .Bye bye!!
Scriptures I have found Deu 31:8, Josh 1:9; Isa 41:10; Gal 3:3; 2 Tim 1:7 for just a few. I am making scripture index cards and keep them at work for those stressful times.
So glad I found the support here to lean, learn and grow!!
God Bless y'all!!
Jackie
almost 40
married
Little Rock, AR
Excited when I read all the amazing work God is doing in all of us!! After reading through the prayer in chapter 9, I had such peace. ( I was very happy to get to chapter 9-"finally-something to do to get rid of this insecurity!" were my thoughts upon coming to chapter 9. :)I wanted the solution! )What came to mind was roots buried in soil being pulled up-the soil was soft, tilled, and now ready for beauiful flowers to be planted in the places of the hidden roots of insecurity. Then beautiful colorful flowers were planted. Cool picture of what God is doing!!! Much love to you all!
Pamela
P
OR
30's
single
what has been impressed on me from the book and from the prayer was the need to be secure for my children…also seeinng myself as equal to other women. i would always feel either inferior or superior. now i find myself thinknig on the truths i have learned about being secure in Christ whenever i am around other women who make me feel either inferior or superior.
monica
30s
m w 4 kids
toronto canada (transplanted aussie)
Wichita Falls, TX
40's
Married
Beth, I do know that this is a prayer that I will need to pray over and over. I have been so insecure my whole life that I know I can only rely on God to heal me. I watched you this past week on Life Today and the part that hit home with me was when you said when someone else prays over you what is not truth you make the decision immediately not to receive it. That really hit home with me. It doesn't even have to be something in prayer but just in conversation and in my thought life.
"God is my strength and power and He makes my way perfect." 2 Sam 22:33 NKJV
"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might he increases strength." Is 40:29 NKJV
"I am He, I am He who will sustain you. For I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Is 46:4 NIV
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." Ps 105:4 NIV
"The LORD is my light and salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?" Ps 27:1 NIV
God, You are awesome.
Chapter 9 just floored me. I wasn't expecting to weep all the way through it, but I did.
The fact that the words on the page are a much more eloquent version of the things that float around in my head revealed to me that a) I'm not the only one that feels the way I feel and b) My Savior is providing a way out from under it.
I am done with rationalizing and the excuses, I'm just walking away. I am waving the white flag and I'm done with it. With HIS HELP, I can be free from the things I hate most about myself.
I do want him to transform what motivates me and quell what triggers me. That is my new prayer
Jen
20's
Married
Houston, Texas
I was at the mall with my teenage daughter. I wanted to escape from there as fast as I could as the insecurities about my weight/lack of clothing reared its ugly head.
I came home and locked myself in my bedroom. I knew that in order to gain proper perspective on how I felt, praying prayers of thanksgiving would change my attitude, and it did. He then said go and read Chapter 9 TODAY not tomorrow as you had planned.
Beth, this prayer could have only be inspired from Him. The prayer ushered us into being vulnerable with Him. What hit me most was that "it's pointless to demand that others love me more or love me better. Real affection cannot be coerced. I cannot put a human in charge of my security without setting him or her up for certain failure." "…start seeing myself as You alone see me." This was at the heart of my relational issues! Finally there is freedom to release those expectations. Praise you Jesus.
This journey to freedom from insecurity began almost 5 years ago. He began digging up deep, deep roots!! For the past year my husband has been telling me that I need to see myself as Christ sees me. My vision has been so clouded. I know that He has been changing me from the inside out. He is defying the odds in order to make Himself conspicuous in me!!!
He has and will continue to restore to my soul all that insecurity has stolen from me. After all, I am clothed with strength and dignity. Amen
Michelle
Wisconsin
40'2
Married
1. Do (don't just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it. Thank you, Lord, for this time of reflection. . .Thank you for opening my heart and letting me be filled with your blessings. I will give up my insecurity. For, in you, I am totally 100% secure. . .So long. . . you've been a bad friend to us!
2. Go to last Saturday's post (3/6/10) and look at all the verses in the comment section. You will find a wellspring! Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you feel like you need the most – and write them on the inside of the back cover of the book. (This should be a lot less intimidating than what I asked you to write inside the front cover at the beginning of our journey!)
Here are a few of the scriptures. . .
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
I just had to share this. The song, "Walk on the Water" by Britt Nicole was on the radio the other day and the words to the chorus were just so perfect for this group discussion. Here they are:
"So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you.
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you
You can walk on the water too."
Crystie,
I understand about your insecurity coming from your mom. Mine does, too. The past year has been a long journey of eye-opening experiences, memories being reawakened, and finally the beginning to a healing process. Don't give up – try to see what God might be teaching you or using because of your experience with your mom. I will be praying for you. Continue to cry out to God! He always understands.
If I can add one more thing – I Love the encouragement and the prayers that are spoken over each other in this community.
One thing that was echoing in my head as I prayed through this prayer was the desire for God to be my Life in death. That as these insecurites are falling dead to the ground, such beautiful life would surface from Him in ways I never knew possible.
My worship pastor at church has written a song called "Life in Death" and you can hear a live recording of it at his mySpace page. (Ignore the junk of mySpace, but if you feel led, listen to the song.) It is my prayer that the truth of this song can be the soundtrack of this new season I am stepping into.
http://www.myspace.com/jonshirley
Many, many blessings to you, sweet siestas!
This is my first time to post. I have been behind because of two studies that I am in–Breaking Free and the study of John. My desire is to be the link of generational change–to change my family tree. I have walked too long in insecurity–of feeling like an accident, feeling unloved, and of feeling like I can not be used by God. Last summer, He brought Galatians 5:1 to me. I'm tired of living in this cycle of defeat. I want healing, restoration, and a life of passion and purpose. I can't wait to see the miracle that God will do in me–the miracle that He is going to make of me!
Kim
46
Married
Nashville
First-timer here! I hope this is ok. I have to admit that I have finished the book…and CD! I meet with a lovely group of women once a month (we have named our group Breathe,) where we rotate hosting a brunch, and coming up with 1 question to start a discussion (which is usually all it takes, and away we go for hours!) It was my turn yesterday(the first time at my house.) I decided to use a question that came from reading your book. Now here's the sad part…As I was preparing for the brunch I realized that I didn't own 6 matching forks or glasses, and the dinnerware that I have is octagon-shaped Corelle and is about 20 years old; AND I only had 5 matching bowls.(We usually use Chinette for big family dinners;-) Because all of the other ladies went out of their way to make things nice at their homes, (and they all had matching plates, forks, and glasses)I felt like I would be a loser if I served soup in styrofoam bowls and drinks in mis-matched glasses. So I bought new flatware and glasses. No big deal. But I knew that my husband would flip (and that I was officially insane) if I came home with new Fiestaware place settings for 6, which I then began obsessing over. I spent time on the phone, on the Internet, and at the malls researching who had Fiestaware at the best price. (Thankfully, I never bought it!) All this, I guess, to impress (or at least not be embarrassed in front of) my friends! AND I did this all while not just reading and listening to your book, but while planning a group based on insecurity!
One other thing I have to mention that isn't so hilarious is this.. At 49 1/2 I decided to run/walk a half marathon to raise money for World Vision. Having never run any farther than the mailbox before, I diligently trained from Sept. to Jan. 31st when I completed the half marathon along with 2 of my good friends. It was a first for all of us, and we raised over $2000 which all went to Haiti. Anyway, I had envisioned us crossing the finish line, with our clasped hands raised in the air giving God all the glory, and that's exactly how we ended the run. I wept it was so perfect (and out of exhaustion.) Well, they have professional photographers at the finish line, and they send you proofs of all the pictures. They captured that finish line moment perfectly, and they also took a close up of me at that moment. You can see the joy on my face. But do think that is what I saw? No. I saw my flabby arms, my square waist, and my 49 1/2 year old-looking neck. I hesitantly ordered the pictures and almost didn't put that one up because of that. That makes me sad. But I want you to know that I displayed that picture proudly, and I admitted to my girl friends that they were using all new spoons, forks and glasses, and we all had a good laugh and a few good cries during our discussion. I obviously need a bit more work!
Thanks for this book, Beth! Every single chapter has applied to me in one way or another. If you need more material, I've got 49 years worth!
Marla
Columbus, OH
34
Married
I don't remember what study it was where you first encouraged us to get flat on our faces and pray, but it really changed my life. Thank you.
Psalm 139:13-14 says "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I have prayed that with so many other people, especially my children. But I have a hard time praying it and believing it in myself. I doubt my value. But the God who created the heavens and earth then took time to create ME.
Then I had to admit that if I give up this "I am Insignificant" idea who am I? It's kind of defined me. Now I'll have to be someone else. A woman of value. Bring it on!
I had put this off due to fear and shame. I finally got down to business about midnight on March 15th, 2010. I struggled a lot with doing this, I had a lot of anger to deal with. But, God, broke through to the depths of my soul. I have never experienced the things that I have been experiencing since God began a new work in me, which started on December 7th, 2009. He has been delivering me and setting me free from SO many things. And this is all a part of it. When I read “You have been with me every moment, even when I felt there was no one to take care of me.” All of the anger, bitterness, resentment, pride and everything else melted away and in their place, a peace, joy, and contentment moved in. Due to a past injury from someone in my life, I have not been able to cry when dealing with spiritual issues very often. Well, that broke as well. I know that the Holy Spirit dropped down into my bedroom and comforted me. I am so grateful for the journey which God has brought me to. More importantly, I am most appreciative to come to the realization that He has been with me the whole way. He NEVER ceases to amaze me. Beth, thank you so much for your heart and compassion for we women. God bless you.
Mischelle
Madison, TN
46
Divorced/who has her God-given dignity! :^)
Dear Beth,
My sweet group of Bible Study gals and I have dove in and been swept away by this book. While I haven't been able to comment much here, we have been diligently following your questions as part of our group study. We are committed to seeing this thing through!!
Your prayer was wonderful…I felt encouraged and convicted in several places. I felt God's presence so strongly in parts of it that I knew He was speaking to me through your words.
Biggest Take-a-ways from God to me:
1. I love how you emphasized 1 John 5:14-15 and how it is God's will for us to be free from persistent insecurity. AMEN!
2. This hit home with me: "If I realized how valuable I am, my insatiable need for affirmation would be quieted." Beth, to say my love language is words of affirmation would be an understatement. I don't just love it, I often seem to require it to function well. So not healthy! In the mighty name of Jesus, I will be free from this need!
3. I want my conviction heightened BEFORE those insecurity triggers so I can cut it off at the knees.
4. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to stop the "cycle of injury" and leave a legacy of wholeness for my family (especially my young daughter)!
Thank you so much for this, Beth! I can't wait to meet with my girls tomorrow. While I may stumble here and there, I will win this war on persistent insecurity!!
Ahhh, shoot fire! Forgot to leave my info!
Kihei, HI
30's
Married 🙂
Lanaya
Florida
30 yrs old; married 10 years
The forgiveness part of the prayer really struck me. I need forgiveness for sure. You can blame so many things on your past, your personality, etc; but it ends up just being sin. There was so much in that prayer; I feel I will need to have another time with it in the future.
Prior to reading the prayer, The Holy Spirit had a couple statements jump off the page at me. The first was “We get to ask for a supernatural act of God Himself” and second “we’re going to actively and deliberately RECEIVE what He gives to us”. God desires to perform a supernatural miracle in my life and I am grabbing onto it and receiving it! I’m choosing dignity and strength. Thank you for this chapter. I feel as if I am wearing a royal crown that sparkles with the words dignity and strength imprinted on it. I feel free.
The verses from 3/6/10 that spoke to me this week included:
Jesus replied, "Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures and you don't know the POWER of God.” Mark 12:24 NLT
“Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John 5:8 NIV
“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deut. 2:3 NASB
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NASB
“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
Kim
40’s, married
South Dakota
Theresa
50's decade
Married
Alabama
My alone time with God was truly Spirit-filled. I received an actual presence—an assurance. I received direction and instruction. I received an acknowledgement—I know God was listening as He always does. I truly felt Him near.
Thank you, Beth, for this wonderful book and for these instructions leading us to a confident and God-living child.
Anna
age 30-ish
Texas
married (10 years, yesterday!)
Chapter 9:
RELEASED!
challenge: to STAY released.
What a great chapter! All I can say is that God is doing a work and I am so grateful. One of my new scripture memory verses this year is Psalm 43:3 NIV "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." I feel like God is truly sending His light and truth and He is demolishing strongholds. The section on self-worship was particularly powerful for me. One of last years memory verses has really been ringing in my mind lately, too. Isaiah 61:10 "I rejoice greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…" All I can say is that we have a mighty God and He is worthy of all praise. I am so grateful, today, to remember who I am IN HIM.
Chrystie
Piedmont, SC
Married
30's
This is the first comment I have posted. I completely identify with the pastor's wife who gave the wrong impression in chapter 7. I too feel that I don't have anything to contribute to other people or conversations. Then in the prayer in chapter 9 asking for forgiveness for thinking pitifully little of the person He has made me, brought me to tears.
I have been focusing on the gifts I don't have as opposed to the gifts I do have.
I AM DONE WITH THAT!!
Praise Him for allowing me to reclaim my dignity.
God bless you Beth and thank you for bringing me to Christ 4 1/2 years ago. I look forward to the simulcast in April for SLI.
Mary
45
Married
Wisconsin