So Long Insecurity Discussion from LPV on Vimeo.
Hey, Girls! How are you sweet things? You newbies well surpassed the 100 mark on our last post. Way to go! Now, keep it up! God willing, we’re walking another week closer to waving a happy good-bye to insecurity. “KB” posted a comment last night saying, “Did anybody see Jessica Simpson on Oprah and could you believe how much it sounded like what we’re studying??” Yes, I saw it and I thought exactly the same thing. (She was talking about how she was chastised in Hollywood and the tabloids for being a full size 4.) It was this whole beauty around the world thing and it occurred to me that our female insecurity epidemic obviously isn’t limited to the West.
I read countless responses to the questions raised in Week Three and held a number of your stories close to my heart. Some of you may have been shocked by what others in our community have endured but I’ve been in women’s ministry way too long to anticipate less. The common ground does not, however, diminish our compassion. We can’t let it. It still hurts to tell. And hurts to read. Epidemic insecurity needs to lose its mystery for us to find our liberty. As you can see, many of us earned the right to this battle but those of us who know Christ possess an infinitely greater right. In Him, we have the right to be free and whole.
We have the God-given right to be secure.
In many ways, we qualify as a microcosm of almost any community of women you could find in this culture. You just can’t make it into adulthood on Planet Earth without getting pretty beat up somewhere along the way. Look at it like this: the enemy of our souls wanted more out of those hits than he got or we wouldn’t be here trudging this path toward wholeness together. Many of you are marvels. Others are pure miracles. Praise God, there is healing for all of us. AND, praise God, there is also meaning.
If you’re able, please watch the video greeting I included in this post. It’s a rough cut if you’ll ever see one and very impromptu (I decided to do it that morning while I was putting on my mascara, thinking about you). But it comes to you with much love and desire to see you free in Christ. I want you to get the best possible benefit out of this journey. God is so able and so willing. Hang with it here. We are taking the turn toward solutions in a very short time. We’ve got one whopper of a chapter to read before then, however. Your reading assignment this week will be CHAPTERS SEVEN AND EIGHT. Chapter Eight will be a welcome relief and will introduce one of the major components in the acquisition of soul-deep security. But let’s talk about Chapter Seven first.
You’ve heard of the house that Jack built. Chapter Seven is the chapter that YOU built. This blog community (that we regulars around here call Siestaville) makes its mark in multiple places over the course of the book but this chapter is entirely your input. Those of you who were with us a little over a year ago will perhaps remember it well. I threw out a question – Has insecurity ever made a fool of you? – and, boy, did I get some answers. Some of you more tenderhearted sisters will be sorely tempted to skip or skim over this chapter because it’s hard to read at times but, unless you’re hyper-sensitive or feeling too pathetic already (we’ve got to break out of that), try to read the whole thing. Get started post haste because it’s the lengthiest chapter in the book. It’s meant to hammer a point till you’re practically screaming:
THAT’S IT! I AM SICK TO DEATH OF THE TOLL INSECURITY TAKES. I’M WILLING TO DO WHAT IT TAKES TO DUMP IT.
As long as you come to that conclusion, you don’t have to read the whole chapter if it’s above your threshold. I hope most of you will read every page of it but, if you’re having a really rough week, you can have a hall pass on the long version. Just flip through various section headings and read the ones that resonate most. And always read the wrap-up of any chapter. In an ideal world, all we’d ever need is positive motivation. The truth is, sometimes a little negative motivation mixed into the positive is exactly what it takes to shake us up enough to deal. In Chapter Seven, you’re going to get a glimpse of what happens when insecurity deals with us instead of us dealing with our insecurity. Hopefully the point will be made and we can move on. Then we can dive our scalded souls into some healing waters in the coming chapters. I promise relief is coming. We will still have plenty of issues to grapple with in future chapters but new responses will begin to shape up shortly and fresh God-given strength is on its way. We are not wimps, Girls. Let’s rise up.
OK, here are your questions for this week. Since I’m giving you four this time around you’re welcome, if you prefer, to pick two of them to answer in your comment:
1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?
2. (If you’re choosing only two, please include this one.) Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it’s time to deal with your insecurity. (We’re not looking for right answers. We’re looking for YOUR answers. Don’t copy off your fellow sojourners’ papers on this one. Grin.) So that you don’t get your numbers confused here, list your 3 reasons under A.B.&C.
3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.
4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?
You guys are doing a fabulous job with this. I am so proud of you for sticking with it! Your extra effort will not be in vain. May God meet you in these pages.
You are loved here!
Barbara 
1. Because I'm tired of it.
2. Because it costs any effectiveness I could otherwise have had.
3. Because more than anything, I want to walk securely and pour it out in Jesus' Name.
Just this a.m. I asked someone if she liked how I phrased her words in our church's newsletter. She gave me a look and said it was okay… And I just felt so awful for the next couple of hours. I know what I wrote was not wrong–it made me feel so insecure. I should not have asked… I truly asked for it.
53
Widowed-remarried
Middleton, WI
I feel my life is one big insecurity masked by pride masked by being a perfectionist. I've had trouble putting my finger on any particular insecurity probably because of my pride, although I consider myself to be humble(oh the irony!) I was reared in a Christian family as a preacher's kid yet am the worst example of a Christian ever.
Reasons for reading this:
a)want to overcome my insecurity as it relates to my relationship with God, as a sinner clawing her way back into God's good graces..
b)want to become secure in the fact that God loves me regardless as his mercies are new every morning and that it is His grace that is sufficient, not my works
c)want to become a woman after God's own heart, to truly love Him and follow Him daily even if I don't feel perfect enough for Him to love.
Trigger: my husband's comments – I take them as personal attacks that I have not done things correctly.
Beth: I am new to your studies, doing my first, The Beloved Disciple, now and your teaching and testimony have done more in a short period of time to help me begin to see God as a loving Father who treasures me – thank you.
1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with me the most and why?
The part about insecurity affecting the impression people get about you. I could have written that paragraph from the pastor's wife whose shyness is misinterpreted as being "stuck-up" or "stand offish." Been there. Felt that. There right now.
2. Top three reasons why it's time to deal with my insecurity.
a) I am sick to death of it and the misery it causes in my life and in the life of my family.
b) God has been dealing with me in the area of living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Living what I already have. Dealing with the insecurity that has kept me behind bars for so long is part of that journey.
c) I want to be free! Gal. 5:1
Jayne
Married, 40's
North Carolina
Mariah
24
Vancouver, WA
2. top 3 reasons to deal with my insecurities:
a) I've become an angry and irritable mom in the past year when a big insecurity of mine surfaced up
b) My husband and I have a great marriage, but it would be way better if I cut him some slack
c) I'm feeling old and like I've passed my youthful prime…I just want the Lord to tell me that ain't so!!! you know???
4. Dignity to me means to be able to face my fears in the name of Jesus with a smile!!! 🙂
1. What part of Chap. 7 hit home with me and why? — how I act insecure in relationships, either with my husband or with family. I spend too much time and energy on wanting approval of others!
2. Top three reasons to deal with insecurity:
a. To let me be the woman God wants me to be (not who I think I should be)
b. To release me from these horrid chains of relying on others for confirming my self-worth.
c. To let me be authentic
(All three of these go together!!!)
3. Dignity means holding my head UP and looking UP to God, instead of looking down.
4. My husband tried to compliment me on what I was wearing by telling me I looked like I was ready for a safari. (bless his heart, he has difficulty with compliments, and I have difficulty in receiving them in the intended spirit.) I didn't say anything but felt hurt. (Later, he tried to amend his compliment by telling me I looked like I had just been to "Rodeo Drive." I guess that was an upgrade!!!)
Cathy
50's
Married
Lincoln, NE
1. I most related to the female relationship stories. It would drive me NUTS if a woman didn't like me. I would give them things or compliment them, anything to get them to like me. It never worked.
2. a)I am sick of feeling this way.
b)For my two girls.
c)It is my God-given right to be
secure.
3. Recently, I bought my daughter something I knew she really wanted. Usually when I do this, I set myself up by expecting a certain reaction from her, and then am disappointed that she didn't react the way I thought she would/should. But this time I asked the Lord to just let me give it "no emotional strings attached". It felt so good to not expect a certain reaction.
4. Dignity is a deep down belief that you are worthy of respect and honor because God created you with it. It is in your God-given DNA.
May I please have just a little permission to share something that made me so happy today? Just today, at church, somebody told me that I looked "DARLING"! I have never been called that EVER! I was so happy! Okay, I'm done now. Thanks for letting me share.
Joan
Portage
40s
Married
1. WOW – I think I recognized a good bit of what was in Chapter 7 – yikes! I can really relate with the STUPID things I have done in my life when it came to guys – either from loneliness or jealousy. Boy, do I feel foolish about that. However…I have a God who has forgiven me and I can put that stuff behind me now. I have a loving husband of 25 years and lots of years of bliss ahead. Those were definitely insecure years that I want to forget!
2. Top 3 reasons it is time to deal with my insecurities:
a- I have a daughter who needs to know better and the best way to teach her is to model it myself. It's important to me that she not waste years of agony when she can be free.
b- I recognize it clearly and have to "pull that root" to move along toward total liberty in Christ.
c- Most importantly – God wants me to be fully HIS. I have to loose (more like CUT) the bungy cord.
3. Dignity means the ability to operate without past weight – with a clean heart and willingness to face what's ahead with my head up.
Top 3 reasons to deal:
1)To love myself no matter what my size
2)To stop hiding from certain people and situations
3)To allow God to use me as He has intended
Dignity to me means being able to look at myself and be secure and confident in who God made me to be-no matter what my size
Wichita Falls, TX
40's
Married
2a. I am so tired of living an insecure life. God has so much for me to do besides looking at myself.
2b. I want a Christ-filled life.
2c. I'm tired of looking at other people wondering what they think of me or how I want to be like them.
4. Dignity – Pride is dignity's counterfeit. May I never lose sight of that.
I have a right to dignity because God Himself gave it to me.
God didn't put this honor/dignity in my hands. He put it on my head. He wrapped it as a crown right around my mind, just where I need it most.
All insecurity is a cover-up for unbelief.
Dignity comes from God and only God and I am worthy of respect.
All the above statements from Chapter 8 spoke volumes to me. I can be concerned about how God looks at me not everyone else.
#2 – top 3 reasons…
1) tired of analyzing (over and over…) every single thing I say or do 2) to the point of missing out on new opportunities to say and do; and 3) tired of feeling insignificant and/or incompetent or to be able to offer anything of value
#3 – recent trigger and reaction…
at this point in a currently shaky marriage, anything my husband says or does triggers either a prideful/defensive response or an overwhelming sense of failure
But, thanks to God, I will be a woman who is clothed "in strength and dignity"!
Amen sistas
40ish in Prairieville, LA
I am so tired of feeling insecure….on the outside I look totally secure…and yet just tonight I cancelled on a ladies event at the church because I feel fat, feel fake, and feel scared….and not even secure enough to post under my blog name
1. Insecurity with female relationships hit home with me.
2.a. I need to get on with the business of serving others without second guessing myself.
b. I am sick of using the lost world's standards to measure myself. (we are holy vessels)
c. It gets in the way of all my relationships.
4. Dignity to me means that I think of how much I am loved by God, and forgiven. I picture myself in a pure white robe with my sins covered with Christ's blood. Also, I love my earthly children so much and I want them to see themselves how God sees them, forgiven and so loved. How much more does God want me to see myself like that. If I feel loved and forgiven, then I act in a loved and dignified way.
40s
married
NC
Beth, Let me start by saying this is my very first ever blog of any kind. I need to be honest as well…I purchased SLI several weeks ago and read it cover to cover and wondered "what now?" Well, my prayers were answered last night when I found this blog & the simulcast information, which BTW I plan to attend. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for tackling this subject. I'm now reading it again along with all of you. I've been dealing with insecurity most of my life for one reason or another. I hoped at one point, it was something I'd grow out of but as my husband (Bless his heart – he's beside himself& doesn't know what to do) of 13.5 years can tell you, mine's gotten worse. Im sure the fact that I started dealing with 'Empty Nest' syndrome last summer when the last of our 3 sons left home hasn't helped. But just knowing I'm not crazy or alone in this helps tremendously. I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.
Beth:
I will tell you I have read all the posts and just have to say wow… so much realizm and so much pain but with great grace and tender mercies, God's healing is on it's way.. V I C T O R Y …
Ch 7.
I could relate to almost all of them but there are two that really stick to me. Insecurity can make you act like and Idiot in Female Friendships and Insecurity can talk us into doing things we don't want to do. For me, those two have gone hand in hand. I have lost two really important womans friendships from doing things I didn't want to do and then trying with every word to make up for the pain… when in both of the situations I forgot that it really does take two to make a friendship survive.. I have over mailed and over emailed trying to heal the relationships but not happening. So finally I just had to say… Lord if it glorifies you the most that these friendships end so be it… It has taken years to get here.
2). Tired of always questioning everything
b. For my family,friends and people God has me minster too.
3). Jesus wants me to be free!!!
Recent trigger… I am really trying to take care of myself and set boundaries (sp). In doing so it has caused all kinds of issues but the one that was the worst… was when my Mother didn't like me drawing a very healthy line in the sand with my children. When others questioned it, I blew it off but when she does it…. well it's a trigger.
And dignity… transperancy, confident, humble and glowing with the love of Jesus.
Lichelle
40's
single
Austin
I just closed the back cover to SLI.
You have been living with me, Beth! You, dear sister, have been inside my head and my heart! I didn't know about the blog until I reached the last few pages of the book and am delighted to find a group of sisters who, as I read, struggle just as I have all of my life! I thought I was the ONLY one who could be so messed up!!! I have to share that I suffered sexual abuse as a child. Instead of getting help, I have swept the aftermath of that abuse under the rug all of these years. As you well know, the ugliness of it does not stay hidden under the rug but takes the form of many types of insecurities. I've been married for almost 30 years. As only God can do, he gave me a man who has suffered along side me, encouraged me, and persevered through all of the times that I made a complete fool of myself. Most men would not have put up with all that he has endured. I want so badly to be free from this struggle and to be the wife that he deserves. I say all of this today because I am SO thankful for you and your ability to communicate the Word of God in such a way that you actually put skin on it. For the first time, I believe that God will deliver me from the deplorable, crippling lies that insecurity has to offer. Now that I have discovered the blog, I'm going back into the book to work with the rest of our Siestas and I look forward to gaining even more insight.
Thank you for helping us deal with the issue of insecurity on all levels. Praise God, I'm going to be FREE!
Here are my assigment answers from March 3rd
1. What hit me most was "being insecure about our men". I can totally relate to each & every word in that paragraph. My husband's a Tug Boat captain & is away 8 mths a year. He's been aware of my insecurities since the day we met and has been such a Godsend for me. I quite frequently wonder is God brought him to me to deal with my insecurity specifically. I have to face it every month.
2. It's time because: A I know I matter; and I want to feel like it! B I want peace when faced with the many situations that trigger it. C I want to be a beacon of light for my three sons and hopefully one day, my grandchildren.
1) Ch. 7 hit home in many ways but I think the part about causing a mom to be overcontrolling or just generally out-of-control hit home the hardest. I have a son with an autism spectrum diagnosis and I am often consumed with what others will think…of him, our parenting, etc. I want to protect him but often feel I'm really trying hardest to protect myself. I wish I could just relax…
2)personal top 3 reasons to deal w/ my insecurity:
a) I'm in my mid 40's! It's time!
b) I love the way security feels…and I want THAT to be my normal.
c) My son and nieces and nephews are watching me…I want to show them what it looks like to be secure AND humble, kind, gracious, etc.
3)Recent trigger of insecurity: last night when I finally joined the Facebook community and wondered if anyone would be my "friend", what would people think of my photos/posts,would I be "popular"? AGH!!!! I quickly recognized it for what it was and forged ahead…because really – WHO CARES?!
4) Dignity to me means behaving in "the dark" as I would want to be seen behaving in "the light"…acting like a lady with honesty, integrity, humilty, and grace.
(This is my first post for the SLI discussion!!!! I LOVE this book, Beth. You are awesome! xo)
Shelly E
Portland, OR
40's
happily married
Cindy
53
Lake City, Florida
1. The part of Ch. 7 that hit home was Insecurity Can Make you Act like An Idiot in Female Friendships-Jealousy.
2. Top 3 reasons to deal with insecurity:
a. For myself
b. For my faith walk/ministry
c. Unhealthy for far too long
3. Triggers:
Overeating
Overreacting
Jealousy
4. Dignity means to be confident
and accepting myself. It means
Jesus loves ME. It means not
believing the lies of Satan.
1. too insecure and afraid to confront obvious addictive sin in a close family member – thus I have allowed Satan free reign in that person and me. I am convicted that by NOT dealing in love with this sin, the other person is not free, and I feel weak and mousy for believing the lies (even though I don't really).
2. Reasons to put insecurity away:
a> see above – so that I can trust God's strength, not be limited by my weakness and fear. To be more concerned with this person's eternity and freedom than my own fear of confrontation
b> To hide my feelings NO MORE – to stop being afraid of someone else's reaction to what I feel or think, that I have God-given thoughts, feelings and they are valuable and it's ok to share them
c> So I'm not a fool to insecurity and miss God's best, rather than just settling for "ho hum, it's ok"
4. I LOVED Chapter 8 – I want my dignity back, and I was so blown away by the Prov 31 verse 25. I have valor and dignity and strength because God gave it to me, and noone can take that away!
Blessings again to you Beth for being God's conduit and leading us on this journey!
Bridget Phoenix, AZ
30's Married
Chapter 7 – growing up I had so many people tell me that I was a snob and that I thought I was better than them…all because I was too insecure to talk! they had no idea!
My three reasons…
a) my beautiful 8 year old daughter.
b) I am tired of missing out on life's adventures.
c) I am sick of comparing myself to every other woman on the planet!
Insecurity triggers…
well first of all, I went to a book signing to meet Miss Beth Moore and I could not even speak!!! you even asked me if i had read it and what i thought and i couldn't get one stinkin word out of my mouth!!!!!
My definition of dignity:
humble worthiness
Candy
alabama
married
30's
Debbie
Single
30s
Norfolk, VA
1. The section of female friendships, in particular the story of the woman with two friends who hit it off and she felt left out. This really hit home with me because I do feel jealous and worried when I hear of my friends going out with other girlfriends who I may or may not know. I get jealous thinking that they won’t want to hang out with me because I’m not nearly as fun!
2. (A) I’m tired of feeling unworthy and unimportant. (B) I’m tired of being lonely and unconnected because I’m too afraid to share myself with others. (C) I’m tired of living in fear of what others will think of me.
3. Just last week I made a comment on facebook about going on vacation and a friend of mine commented that she sure would like to trade situations with me so she could go on vacation. This friend is married with two young children. When she said that all I could think was “seriously? You want to trade with me? I’d give anything to have a husband and children.” Not only did this trigger some insecurity based on what she said but it was also a reinforcement of the false positive that I’d be alright if I had a husband. The situation did get a little rise out of me, but as soon as it did I remembered what I’d been reading. I also remembered the suggestion of if there were things that triggered insecurity to try taking a break from those. This was in reference to celebrity magazines, but I felt that it applied here so I have to say that I’ve deactivated my facebook page for a while. It’s been hard these first couple of days, but I already feel like I’ve done something to make a change!
4. When I think of dignity I think of someone standing up straight, not ashamed or afraid. Chapter 8 discussed that we have dignity because, God gave it to us. Because He created us in His image. I can walk tall and straight because He gave me dignity. I don’t have to be ashamed or afraid anymore.
INSECURITY MORPHS – I was reading all of chapter 7 and realized that I could identify with most of the scenarios posted, but the one that struck home to me was sexual sin – As a young adult, before my current marriage of 23 years, I slept around. Because of my father's sexual abuse I figured i was ruined goods, men wanted sex, give it to them and get it out of the way. There were times when I got up the next day feeling so cheap. i have been faithfully married 23 years and am committed to my marriage but the scars of those memories are still there and i would take it back if I could, but that same driving force that caused me to sleep around now causes me to try so hard to please people, even at the expense of myself and to have a difficult time saying "no". I am improving in this, but I think it comes from the same root.
2. 3 reasons for wanting healing from insecurity.
God – I want to serve him Better
Marriage – I want to be a better wife and mother
Myself – one time I would like to feel normal, loved, and secure
3. You mentioned on page 151 that you were no longer reacting to insecurity the way the enemy wanted you to,, but not yet the way God wanted you to. I feel the same way, I thought I had "mastered" my insecurities and my past, yet some new facts about my past emerged from my sister-in-law. For a bit I was thrown for a loop, depressed, and starting a downward spiral even to the point of contemplating stopping my life – feeling cheap and unloved and seeing the world through the glasses of abuse. I had to put a stop to it, when i saw what the enemy was doing. I know i have to address the issues, but in my time and way – I will speak with my pastor about them. I touched base with my pastor and he said to me, "Ask yourself why this information is surfacing now." I thought about it and realized that the enemy wanted to stop the ministry work I was doing through the same old patterns. It is not going to happen, yet I want to heal completely so that I am not torn down like this again.
4. Dignity – being clothed in the love of Jesus, knowing that I am reflecting Hm to others, not my insecurity and failings. Knowing that instead of seeing in that mirror darkly, I walk away seeing Him reflected. Knowing who I am in Christ and not forgetting once how much He loves me.
Heather
50's
Married
Shokan, NY
Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it's time to deal with your insecurity.
A.To edify the body of Christ
B.To be a better wife/mother
C.To experience God’s best!
In regard to A, I have to share a story. Last spring/summer a friend and I were leading "Living Beyond Yourself" for the ladies in the church. We got to the section (I forget which week, but late in the study), when Beth shares how God had clearly told her to "Bow Down". We had a big discussion about that and I kept asking the group "what does that mean??" I wasn't sure I completely understood how that plays out literally in our lives. Well, I was praying all week that God would show me and did He ever! After having a royal pity party about something and venting to God on my walk, He spoke to me (in my mind) and said "Bow Down." I got back from the walk and took our border collie to round up the sheep. She went nuts and started running them like crazy. I was yelling "Come Back!", but forgot that "Back" means "go around" to a border collie. I couldn't remember what the command was. Later I asked my husband and guess what it was? "DOWN!" and you make a motion with your hand to show them to bow down. Here's the cool part: He told me he usually has her bow down three or four times before he takes her out with the sheep to make sure she is in submission and ready to work. Otherwise she goes crazy and runs them and they can break their legs or trample each other. God was yelling at me "You bow down to me before you work with MY sheep or you will cause damage!" I was so excited about my answer and couldn't wait to share it with the Bible Study. When I did, they all just stared at me blankly. Huge insecurity attack as I felt like they didn't get it at all. I was totally depressed! Then, about a week later, my mom calls to tell me that a lady she counsels who was in the study told her how that illustration completely changed her thinking! She had shared it with 15 people at her work and they were all resonating with it as well. I had almost allowed my insecurity to keep me from continuing to do what God has for me.
Well, now that I've had TWO of these, I felt compelled to share. I'm talking about dreams about Beth! The first one was in a Wal-Mart and I heard a gaggle of girlfriends having a great time. Sure enough, it was a Beth Moore book signing! The second dream was a few nights ago. Beth came to my house and gave me a So Long Insecurity puzzle! Weird, huh? Anyway, just wanted to share! Oh, and Beth, you are welcome to show your pretty little face at my house anytime. Bring the dogs, too!
Rachel
36, Married
Port Orchard, WA
Durant, OK
40's
Married
1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?
Insecurity can confine us.
I want to have real friendships and talk to people, but sometimes, when I try, I do say the wrong thing, so then I'm just always afraid I will, or just don't know how to make conversation.
2.
A. I want to live the abundant life that God planned for me.
B. I want to develop relationships with others.
C. I want to bring glory to God and to minister to others for Him.
4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?
Dignity means clothing yourself with the strength God gives you daily
married
50
1) "In order to avoid having to deal with the fact that we've been violated, sometimes we will reframe a situation, making ourselves out to be free agents who wanted it."
I was sexually abused by my dad since I was about 5 yo until I moved out of the house. People would always ask me why I didn't stop it when I got older. "I" would've stopped it from even happening if I could've. When it became known to family members what was happening, I was accused by my brothers that I wanted it. I was also raped two times when I moved out on my own. After the second rape, I convinced myself that it was my fault, that there was something wrong with me.
2) (a)I dont want to pass my insecurities and baggage on to my sons.(b) I want to be a whole person.(c) I don't want to be abused or feel abused because of my insecurities.
3) I'm not going to log in for obvious reasons on this one. My husband has times when he becomes angry and violent towards his wife and sons. We experienced a recent episode and we're having a hard time dealing with our emotions. I've always tried to speak positively about my husband to my sons. Now I'm wondering if I'm enabling my husband and hurting my sons. Am I causing them to gain insecurities? Am I insecure in who I am to not let people know about this? To tell you the truth I'm very confused right now. I am trying to trust God but in trusting does that mean that I shouldn't make plans to protect my family? God help me. And I mean that as a prayer. Please don't respond to this. I needed a safe place to write and express myself.
4) someone of royal birth and they carry themselves regally and with confidence. Oh to be like that!
I have really only one reason for wanting to deal with my insecurity. I know that Christ is my security; in him there is nothing to fear. When I live as if that's not true–when I reject the certainty of his promises and his indwelling, I reject him. I don't want to keep doing that.
Not sure that I did this right the first time, so I am trying again.
I am so touched by the stories that have popped up here and in chapter 7 on adoption. I weep with each of you, but from a different point of view. I am the mom of two adopted children. Although I may not be the birth mom, I am the "real" mom ordained by God to raise them. The psalmist says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, that He knit you together in your mothers womb. All the days ordained for you were written in God's book before one of them came to be. God knows who you are and what you can become before you even were. God knew that these children would be my children before they came into being. I realize you didn't all have mothers who love you, but I love you sisters and GOD LOVES YOU.
My precious daughter struggled with feeling rejected by her birth mother when she entered her teen years. She turned to anyone and everyone who would not reject her. The druggies did not reject her. Neither did most boys, and a few bad influencial girls befriended her.
But her father and I promised to never reject her and would not let go. We had to pluck her out of the life she was living, make huge changes and show her that GOD LOVES HER.
I may be insecure about many things, but one thing I know. I am a good mom. Satan tried to tell me that if only I had done things differently things would not have gone this way. Satan is the king of lies. As moms, and especially if you have adopted children, we cannot give in to the world. Don't ever stop. We need to do whatever it takes to save our kids and let them know that our God reigns!
1. I loved chapter 7. It is so very true…all of it. I saw myself in so much of it. How liberating just to know that I’m not the only one! The thing that hit home with me the most is where Beth said, “…insecurity also causes us to accept things as normal that aren’t.” That is my life’s story. I’m so insecure that it’s almost like I keep creating insecurities for myself because it just feels like home to me. It’s like I would rather stay there because it’s familiar, and anything else would be, well, insecure. Does that make sense? Sometimes living in insecurity is the only “secure” place we know. No more! I just know that God is breaking my chains!
2. (A) It’s time to deal with my insecurities, first and foremost, because I am a child of God, and He died so that I can be FREE. He wants me to walk in the light, and I’m going to do it if it kills me.
(B) It’s time to deal with my insecurities because I refuse to pass them on to my children.
(C) It’s time to deal with my insecurities because I have a lot of life left to live, and I just simply want to enjoy it (unlike the past 31 years).
Ali
Dublin, Ohio
30! (My birthday is today, and I couldn't be more thrilled about the transformation taking place as I enter a new decade.)
Married
1) "Insecurity can talk us into doing things we don't even want to do." I can't tell you how many times I've said, "YES," to something that I really didn't want to do. I wasn't secure enough to say NO. I didn't want to make someone feel bad, or worse yet, what would they think of me if I said, "No, I can't."
2) A. I'm a mom! I need to confront my insecurities so that I can better model security for my children.
B. I'm darn sick of caring so much about what others think of me.
C. Too often I look in the mirror and wish this looked different or wish that wasn't there. Blegh! It's time I look in the mirror and praise God for making me in HIS image!
1. The part of chapter 7 that hit me the most was that for so many of the categories I could write my own examples, past or present. I was overwhelmed with the deception of it all. As I was reading and writing and thinking through my own examples for the categories in the chapter, John 8:32 was spoken repeatedly and emphatically in my spirit;
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
2 A. It isn't working. The cycle of insecurity doesn't make me prettier, skinnier, smarter, more successful, a better mom/wife/friend…
B. I desire to love people deeply with God's love, not merely compete with them.
C. I don't believe that God wants me to live this way.
3. I was trying on clothes for a holiday we are going on…thinking who I would be on the holiday with (loving people whom I love and they love me, it really is my issue.) It was such a mental fight. It is so easy to say the verses in one breath and then indulge in self consciousness the next. It is a FIGHT to not budge; to turn away!! It will take determined practise, submission to the rule of God to refuse the lies and to believe the Truth.
4. Dignity is a gift God gave when He created each one of us in His image and for His purpose. It makes sense that if we would love God and love each other that we would respect and highly esteem each other; that we would see ourselves in this same splendour. Mark 9:24b, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
2. A) It's time — God says so.
B) I'm tired of living with the pain of thinking I need anyone's approval other than God's.
C) I want to help my kids live with the security of knowing who they are in Christ.
3. My husband decided (in Nov.) that in order to cure his mental illness, he is divorcing me. How does a person deal with an unwanted divorce with dignity?
4. Dignity is knowing who I am in Christ — because God says I am chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, accepted and (one more that I can't remember!) — all in His love.
Q2: The top 3 reasons why I need to give up insecurity! A) It causes me to be too self-focused and I do too much assessing of situations at times instead of just letting it go. B) I become too emotional and it destroys my peace. C) Pride takes me over.
Q3: My recent trigger: After I read the chapters for this week I prayed that God would show me my triggers. We were visiting the in-laws that day and before we went I still prayed that God would show me my triggers and did He ever! I left feeling insecure, weak, foolish, exposed, emotional and it started an issue with my husband and I on the way home. I was so much more emotionally charged than normal too, God was really making a point, I still have some praying and thinking to do to make sure I found the true source of the trigger. A brief description is that I have a deep need to be right, accepted, and always want people to have an accurate perception of me. So, I tend to defend myself by giving them the facts/information vs. just letting the other people think whatever they want. However, I was able to hear the words. Don’t over communicate and at times I did just say nothing back. It was very hard and at times it made it easier, but others harder.
Q4: To me, dignity means loving yourself enough to stand up for yourself when someone is doing something harmful to you, making good life choices so you do not compromise your values, integrity and character. Knowing that you deserve good things and holding yourself up/together appropriately in the context of the social situation.
Michelle
30’s, MI
I would like to thank the Siestas who pray and offer encouraging words. I have been overwhelmed by how my spirit has been lifted from releasing a thought here on the blog. I did not want to cause anyone else to stumble, but the question was overwhelming my thoughts. It was almost as if the release of the question opened my mind to receive from God.
The tears are pouring because someone shared with me these words from Beth: "One of the biggest and least addressed obstacles to truly loving God: Thinking I already do when, truth be told, I really don't." I immediately realized that my lack of love toward Him is what is robbing me of intimate conversation with Him, discernment, and the sheer enjoyment of the Christian life that I have seen in others. I know that I need to allow Him to fill my empty spaces and to freely love Him with more than just deeds. His Spirit will then help me to move past the sin that I have tried (and failed) to conquer with my mind. I have felt such an outpouring of His Spirit in the last few days. This is a turning point.. a real relationship and not just a series of tasks that mimic love.
Thank you, Siestas, for receiving comments with love and grace. We have a small leadership role in our church, and it is very difficult to share openly when I am faced with doubt. I am grateful for a “safe place”.
Shellie
Moscow, Idaho
30's
Married
(Sorry I forgot to do this part last time.)
1. So many things in this book hit home for me. It seems no one considers me their best friend or even barely a friend at all. They never call me when they want to talk or hang out. I'm the last person anyone talks to, so I think I tend to get a little too clingy when I do get close to someone. Not as much lately. I've just decided I don't need friends. I related to the one that talked about feeling like she couldn't raise her kids. I still feel like that. I'm pretty sure I've failed at everything I've ever done, including with my kids. I'm afraid to go to the gym even though working out at home isn't working for me, because I'm ashamed of the way I look and I know I'll look like an idiot trying to do any of the exercises with the machines or whatever. I hate raising daughters because I know all too well the struggles they're going to have to go through. I also went back to a boy who violated me at one time. Of course, it didn't help that when I told my mom what had happened she called me a liar, that I was just trying to get him in trouble. I always felt like my parents didn't really want me, because I was born blind in one eye, and had flat feet and all kinds of issues in school. They wanted me to be an athlete and I couldn't do it. I don't like drive throughs because of my poor driving skills. I always try to make sure I have enough time to go in. I've also turned down dates with nice guys. Not actually so much because I didn't think I deserved them (although I didn't) but because they weren't "cool" and I wanted so badly to be popular. I've kicked myself for it. The one guy I remember was probably the only guy I knew who wouldn't have been all over me all the time and actually treated me like a human being. I've pushed my husband away cause I wanted him to hate me as much as I hated myself. That guy I mentioned before? I dated him later in high school after I got over myself a little bit and when he broke up with me I saw him with another girl and I talked horrible about her and actually hoped he'd take me back. (He was really sweet, by the way.) I've lied to make myself look better than I am. The bathroom thing got me, too, but I won't go into that (too insecure). I also feel it's stopped me from doing things. I would have been the perfect cheerleader according to everyone who knew me, but I was too afraid of the whole tryout process. I've also not bothered applying for jobs that I know I would have enjoyed out of fear of failure.
2.A. Because when my kids went back to school I didn't try and get a part-time job even though, I could use the money, for fear that I'll mess up horribly or break down emotionally like I've done so many times before on the job.
B. Because I'm afraid to get close to people.
C. Because I just feel that there's something about my past I've not healed from, but I can't put my finger on how to go about it, and I'll try everything and I probablly will never find the answer, but oh, well. Such is life.
3. Um, how do I put this… my husband, um, pursuing me in that way…I avoided him. I'm not comfortable with that part of our relationship, which is why I have a feeling I'm not really over my past.
4. I'm not really sure, no matter how many ways people try to explain it to me, I don't get it. Maybe because I've never had any. I guess it means that I can be me, and relax and not worry and even if I mess up, I'm still okay.
I want to do the comments but I'm scared my enemies and frenemies will stumble on to this and delight in my shortcomings.
1. The two big things I took from Ch. 7 were: Insecurity in accepting things as normal, when they aren't (case in point – my 20s) and willing to lie for a few minutes of attention. Even though I am a very outgoing person, it seemed like through my early & mid 20's I went with the crowd, and accepted lifestyles that were not pleasing the Lord. I am not sure if it was the college lifestyle, but I compromised my values and truly surrounded myself with the world. And, even though I am stronger as I turned 30 this past year, I never once realized my actions were a result from insecurity. I love dealing with the roots of these issues…..freedom in placing this in the Light of Christ.
2) Based on Ch. 1-8, the three personal reasons why it is time for me to deal with insecurity:
A) Enough is enough. 'I don't want to live this anymore.' I am tired of avoiding life because of what someone would think of the way I look.
B) I am finally at a place in my life where I stop handing people the kind of power that only God should wield over me.
C) I NEED moderation in my life, it is truly begging to be a part of my life.
3)Based on Ch. 8 – my trigger to insecurity was found in so many examples given on page 146 and 147. However, it amazed me by how many things listed I could relate to things that trigger my weight insecurities. Seeing people I haven't seen in years always makes me dread what they 'may' think. I believe they are horrified after not seeing me in 10 years, and the weight that I have gained.
My reaction to almost all my insecurities – WITHDRAWAL.
4) Dignity means to me – I am worthy of honoring and respecting myself as the child the Lord made and formed.
Oh, what precious reading these two chapters were to me. I read and reread chapter 7, and even though some insecurities were tough to expose to myself, I am so thankful that as I rose from my knees after some time in prayer with the Lord, that I left those insecurities at His Feet. Giving the Holy Spirit power to overcome the temptations and to deal with the insecurities, only gives me hope that in time that I am SECURE in areas that have held me back for years.
Thank you for loving us enough to bring this book to life. This study is freeing me from the roots of the destruction. What a mighty God we serve, love, and worship.
-Kim
Knoxville, Tenn.
Married
30
1)The part of chapter seven that hit home the most for me was….Insecurity can make us give an entirely wrong impression. I can't count how many times people have decided that I was a snob when really I was just afraid of being rejected by them.
Insecurity can keep us from accepting compliments also hit home. When someone says something nice about me I'm pretty positive that they are lying!
2)My top 3 reasons to deal with my insecurities..
A) I don't want how others feel about me to control how I feel about myself anymore.
B) My insecurities take up way too much of my time. Time I could spend with the Lord, my husband, and my children.
C)I need to deal with my insecurities because they are painful! And I don't like pain!!
Liz
31
Atlanta, Ga.
married
Heidi
Midland, TX
40's
Single
1. The story of the pastor's wife was most familiar to me. I often retreat at social gatherings and leave people with an impression of who I am that bears little resemblence to my true self.
2. Three reasons to deal with insecurities now:
A. I am stuck…no paralyzed and have been for years. I do not allow myself to hope or desire or plan for a future and it has left me a shell. The anticipation of another heartbreak has me completely shutdown.
B. I am missing out on the life God has planned for me. I no longer trust myself to hear His will in my life so I do nothing.
C. I am tired of being miserable.
3. I feel that I am "less than" and my divorces have left me feeling not worth choosing. I used to retreat and try to hide and now I have this rage inside that errupts anytime I feel like someone I think should "choose" me doesn't. My boyfriend of 4 years has had a problem going on at work that has dominated our life together lately and he came over on Friday for date night in a bad mood because of something at work and I blew up at him because "everything in his life always comes ahead of me".
4. To me dignity is a picture of a head held high in spite of. A person to look up to in spite of. In spite of the difficulties they have faced. The embarrassing situations that other peoples choices have left them in.
Top three reasons I want to be done dealing with insecuities…
1) My daughter – I want her to be secure.
2) My perfectionism – If I am a secure person, I will be less likely to try be perfect in areas I am secure.
3) I want control of my life back!!
Dignity to me is holding your head up high and being proud of who you are and where you are going!! Amen:)
Sandy
40's
North Dakoota
1. I related to the lady who is insecure due to her husband's addiction. I'm so there! 16 of our 18 years mine has struggled with varying sorts of infidelities, truth be told it began before we met. My mom died at 11, my dad was rarely home b/c he was the hit of the local bar and came home late most nights. I was alone. All this is enough but then it all hit rock stinking bottom when the one place I felt secure and the person I felt the most secure with attacked me with a false accusation and some disturbing revelation into her. She is ill obviously and tormented. BUT what I saw here was the point where it was enough, no ENOUGH, and I had to know that I knew that CHRIST is MY SECURITY. I discovered even today that if I don't run into Him, THE STRONG TOWER, then I will run into myself -thereby making myself a tower, worst yet an IDOL. No.Thank.You, I won't buy that for a dollar. The Rock truly is the softest place to land when falling! I don't want to see rejection when I look into the mirror any more but to see the one with whom the King is enthralled!
2. My reasons:
A. God doesn't lie! It's time to live Ph. 3:16 and live up to what I have already attained in Christ.
B. Other people's insecurities do not define me or my calling in Christ.
C. This wall must fall if I am to be useful and thoroughly equipped for what Christ has compelled and called me to do for His name.
3. Recently, I have just come out of a long battle with depression amidst one of the most insecure times in my life. I felt like satan had asked to sift me like wheat because I have truly felt put through the mill if you know what I mean and it wasn't set for large granules! finely ground thank you very much. Anyway, a team of us had worked equally hard and only two people were recognized, I felt shoved around, bossed around, not listened to one iota, and plane flat-out disregarded YES I'm sanguine – see the pity party going on here? Anyway, I blurted out to this one lady who is an overcompensator in my opinion that she just needed to do it. She has this power over me that I can't put into words but her words sure send me spiraling down. I wasn't ugly but I did want to quit and never work with her again. Reality not likely but sure felt real. This was before #1 mind you and God has fully dealt with it after hearing Janet White talk about Elijah. Oh I have run from the broom tree to the cave and begged the Lord to send the ravens with my food b/c I wasn't going back no way no how not evah! But I digress, God is so good! I was kept from the public foolishness but I did feel it to the core.
4. Dignity for me would be that I could walk with my head held high in the Lord even if I am at my husband's side. Something just comes over me when I am with him. I feel no security at all not even "insecurity". God is working on it but it's a long time comin'!
Abiding Still.
Chel
Stephanie T
Macclenny, FL
30's
Married
In chapter 7, I related mostly to the mom who felt that she was pointless and should just go back to work because she wasnt doing a good job with her kids. I feel that way WAY too many days of my life in the last year. And, like her, I am slowly becoming what I do NOT want to be.
The top 3 reasons to deal with my insecurity is:
A. I just dont want to live like this anymore. To be in this kind of bondage is the OPPOSITE way that I should be living. Im tired of being suffocated by this invisible force. Im DONE!
B. My Children. They are preschoolers now, eventually going to want to DO and have FUN and live and play sports and be in plays, the thought of being a Soccer Mom scares me to death. I dont even take my kids to the park, Im worried about what complete strangers are going to think of me, and THEM!
C. I want to know what it is like to be and live completely free in Christ.
My most recent bout of insecurity happened today. I didnt want to go to the mall because it would be too crowded. Instead I sat on the couch and ate donuts adding weight to the reason why I wont go out, MY WEIGHT!
To me, dignity means freedom. It means not staring at the concrete when you walk. It means valuing yourself in the proper way. It means being beautiful and clean. It means living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. It means living without fear or trepidation, fully prepared for whatever life brings you, knowing that the One True God lives and breathes thru you and you are walking SOLELY in Him.
It is time for me to deal with my insecurity because:
A. my weight and handicaps cause me a lot of pain.
B. I need to let down the wall of hurt and forgive my family.
C.Be courageous enough to step out and serve the Lord in a higher capacity.
Dignity is walking tall, knowing that God created me and I will make the best of his creation.
When I am clothed with strength and dignity, I will face the challenges of life and this world with power and strength and not hide from them. The triggers of my husband flirting with blonds or my health defeating me will be in the past. I am more than just the wife of my husband, I am God's creation.
My husband is human and I will not fear that he will leave me, because I will always have the Lord. He clothed me in Strength and Dignity in the past and he will in the future. My health is something that is bound to trigger insecurity, but I realize that as I get old, I am that much closer to seeing Jesus and I look forward to being in his presence. Praise to all the Siestas that have posted the scripture to lift us up.
1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?
“Unchecked and unhealed, it (insecurity) makes an idiot out of us over and over.”
“…insecurity also causes us to accept things as normal that aren’t.”
Page 126 really described me where someone wrote:
As I write this, images of my foolish, disgusting, embarrassing, sinful behavior flood my mind, and my stomach turns. Thank you, Jesus, for rescuing me! And I can also say, with a hallelujah praise, that God restored our marriage – not to where it was before, but to a new marriage with His gloriousness at the center
Also page 134 where someone related a story and then made the comment:
And even now, very few people recognize my brokenness.
The last statement really made me realize how thick the front I put up to others must be. My friends are often surprised at how insecure I reveal I am because they have told me that they considered me to be one of the most confident women they know. Oh, but the brokenness and ugliness inside that my God has healed me from and is continuing to restore me through. Let’s keep on this path Lord! Like Beth says: Lord, Do YOUR thing!!!
2. Based on your journey so far in chapter 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it’s time to deal with your insecurity.
A. Like you Beth, I feel that all of my destructive behaviors and sinful choices are somehow rooted and tangled together in the web of insecurity. Until I get to the end and start coming up, I’ll never get off the cycle of defeat.
B. I have two daughters and don’t want them to repeat the behaviors I have nor give them any less than the best example I can of being a woman who is sold out to being clothed in strength and dignity.
C. I’m just plain tired. I mean tired and exhausted and worn out. I don’t want to live in a prison to these destructive thoughts and behaviors anymore!!!!!
4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?
Dignity to me means a deep down confidence that I am loved, accepted, and forgiven by God. It is not dependent on my past choices and cannot be removed unless I take it off. It is given to me by God.
Kendall
Simpsonville, SC
30's and Married 🙂
I am editing my answer to #2. I changed the 3 I had already submitted just a little, and I know I added one, but had to include it. It is very important!
A. I want to live the ABUNDANT life that God planned for me.
B. I want to BE a servant for God, giving Him glory and minister to others.
C. I want to CULTIVATE friendships.
D. I DON'T want to pass on insecurity to my children, students, children and youth at church, anyone!
Heather 36 married
2.a. my one and only reason-I am just down right sick of it. I am an adult and I feel like I need to get over it and act like one!
3.I was at my sisters 40th birthday party a few weeks ago and some people(my aunt, mom, her husband and kids) had shared letters they read to her aloud. How great she was and all her wonderful accomplishments. How she was such a great cook, a wonderful mother who runs her kids to this practice and that practice and is always there for everybody(of course it got a rise out of me)I don't work, I can't cook and my kids are pretty much home with me 24/7 since we homeschool and are basically too broke to be involed in extra activities-so I turned to my dad and asked him "I wonder what they'll say about me when I am 40" and he said "the question was, how many kids will I have when I am 40?" what did that mean?! grant it, I am not sure any of these people are saved, but it still hurts how much they reward success and materialism over Godliness and a house that is filled with joy and peace.
For years I suffered from arachnophobia. My fear paralyzed me to such a point that I couldn’t even touch a dead spider with a long broom while standing on top of a bed. No joke. But I’ve been free from the phobia for years now and it happened because of scripture. The pastor in our church did a multiple week focus on “fear”; both good and bad. One night after Bible study I came home and found a minion of Satan crawling around on eight legs in the bathtub I wanted to use. The lessons about how God doesn’t want me to be a slave to this unrealistic fear welled up in me until I found myself with a wad of toilet paper repeating over and over and over again “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I pinched that small house spider into that wad of Charmin (with my own fingers) and flushed him down the commode. THANK YOU BETH!! My plan is to attach my insecurities with this verse. GOD HAS CLOTHED ME WITH STRENGTH AND DIGNITY!! Amen.
Cheryl
Married
52
Texas
The reasons to get over insecurities are this:
A) i want to be the pure and spotless when the bride comes. Pulling up the "dross" is part of my refining journey.
B) We are starting a single mom's ministry in the church to the down and weary, we need to be strong, stable and secure to be able to impart what the Lord wants of this women and teach them who THEY are in Christ.
C) I am tired of compartmentalizing my wounds into my inner being, I want to be free of my self.
2)Triggers come every day but now I am trying to identify the exact moment or circumstance that brings the "walls to rising" and defeat them with scripture and light.
3) Dignity means ""robed with white" No matter where we have come from. I can read all of the ladies comments on dignity and say ,"here, here".
He has chosen us to be His, what more do we need to qualify us. Now, let's live it!!
Q1: Insecurity can confine us. I love turtles! Yet I am beginning not to like the turtle personality that I have! Listen, I spend more time in my shell fearing to tuck my head out! Mind you this is changing and everything in me wants nothing more that to tuck not only my head back in, but my legs as well! I am moving forward and it frightens me! I taught Sunday school for the first time in such a long time and I am dreading that I left in their hands the lesson, with added thoughts and insights of my own as God spoke to me. I was not in the safety of my shell I was upfront and personal…not behind a computer…but out for to see.
My thoughts and words were always down played, minimized and not even heard …and I spoke them before a group of women and printed my words out for them to have all week in their possession!
My insecurities are sticking to me like flies on flypaper!You know how many times I have wanted to reread my lesson to see if alls well and nothing can be accusative?
Q2: A. Top reason one…God has a message that only I can give through my journey and I can’t let the enemy keep me from telling it…for it may save/deliver some one else!
B. Top reason two “Sometimes people and situations make us feel insecure…we wrestle with insecurity because we wrestle with pride.” “Pride steers us away from risking. Pride cheats us of intimacy, because intimacy requires transparency.”
I hate the fact that I have two opposite desires “notice me and don’t notice me’! I saw destruction in being noticed…my childhood life was please notice me and hear me, but in that notice I was abused! I know it to be different now siesta’s I know it to be different now, yet the message is hidden in the deepest recesses of my being calling out to me when I take a risk and step out by faith…I hate being so delicate and I hate having such tough skin…I am a paradox!
C. The third top reason is I want a passion! I am tired of the mundane…I desire to passionately strive to fulfill my calling that is irrevocable! Yes, the gifts and calling of God on my life are irreconcilable and I am going to be found in them if I have anything to do about it! O that I hear his word with the ears of faith and move as his Spirit leads me! I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!“Confidence on the other had, is driven by the certainty of God-given identity and the conviction that nothing can take away that identity.”
3. Recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of me. The verses from saturday you wrote of strength and courage allowed me to put aside the normal pattern of behavior! I ate normally yesterday! Grant it, I hand knots and butterflies in the same stomach…but God is so good in that he provided an elder to suggest and pray over me before my class…and I love and thought of that verse in Matthew 18:19 “Again I say unto you, that if two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” And believe me I agreed with him on calmness and peace of mind and anointing of the Spirit and the ability to teach God’s Word.
4. Dignity means to me “He knows that only the person who really believes God will insist on having her dignity back.”!!!
Having my dignity back would be running to the cross instead of the croissant! In all seriousness, Dignity for me means to rest in my crowning, daily confess to God what he has placed upon me…completion in Christ…I am a dignitary, I am a daughter of the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the God of gods “Our possession of dignity is not always something we feel. It’s got to be something we know. Something we emphatically claim.”
I hope what I said made some sense, as I had to do some deleting as I must have written too much…I'll know along with the rest od you id the editing still got my intended thoughts across…
Deborah
50 soon to be
married
CT