Hey, Sweet Things! I’m so happy to meet you over here on our new site! We really feel like we’ll be able to serve you more efficiently here on WordPress and appreciate you going to the extra trouble the transition takes. In no time at all, this will feel like home again to the community we call Siestaville: a spicy little respite in a chaotic world. We’ll have the benefit of more technical support and far fewer quirks (besides the 1300+ X 10 on last week’s post. A keeper forever. And don’t think I won’t tell on you. Speaking material for years to come).
I am writing your Thursday post from my back porch on this gorgeous Wednesday late afternoon. Houston has a reputation for a lot of things (good and bad) but few people accuse her of beauty. She gives it her best shot in the Spring, however. The azaleas are in full bloom and so are all my early roses. The lawn has turned green. The trees are budding. Staring across my small back yard I can count at least fourteen distinctive living colors. The temperature is perfect. The wind is blowing. I hear at least four different kinds of birds singing. Some of them are fussing because I’m out here and the feeders haven’t been filled since yesterday. They think this is IHOP.
Keith’s out and about. Star is dropping a yellow tennis ball at my feet and wearing a plaid bandana the color of Easter eggs. Curtis, Amanda, and the kids are on their way to Wednesday evening church where they’ll eat supper with friends there in our Fellowship Hall (do all churches have those?), then CJ will teach his class. Amanda will be his best student and biggest fan and Jackson and AB will go to their classes. Melissa is in Atlanta fighting with the clock on the countdown till the final form of her Thesis is due. By the time you’re reading this, it will be turned in. She will be exhausted but relieved. Colin will no doubt be ecstatic. God knew exactly what kind of man that young woman was going to need.
I have had my first real day off in several weeks. Hmmmmm. Maybe even three or more. That’s not the way we like to do it around here but it was largely unavoidable. The book tour (first time I’ve ever done one) pitched into the middle of the regular speaking/teaching calendar threw my schedule over the edge. I have said to the Lord several times, “If You’ll just get me till next Wednesday…” And He did. The tour is complete and I am getting to take a glorious deep breath. I did meet my LPM staff at Sweet Tomatoes on this day off, however, because, after all, they’re my best buddies. I’m so blessed to also like so many of the people I love. We’re all in town this weekend, of course, for Easter. I wouldn’t be away for anything. It would never be the same away from my home church of 25 years where I will worship with people precious to me, both family and friends, both young and not so young. Then my extended family will meet up at our house for a big roast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and an as-of-yet undetermined dessert. About the time we’re too full to bend over, we’ll bend over anyway and hide Easter eggs.
I dearly love this time of year.
OK, young ladies, we have a book to bring to finish so I better stop musing over Spring and start thinking So Long Insecurity. We’ve got only two more weeks to go in our discussions and five chapters left to read. That means we’re going to need to take three chapters this week so we can close up next week with only two. That works, though. It’s not hard reading and many of you have already finished the book anyway and are reviewing it for the sake of discussion. However it works for you is great with me! Your homework this week will include Chapters 14, 15, and 16 and the following three questions – one per chapter. Try to be as succinct as possible in each answer so we can read through many of the comments.
1) As you surely noticed, Chapter 14 is more of a testimony than a teaching but it concludes with a charge to deal with our female insecurities for the sake of young girls coming up behind us. Annabeth was my big inspiration for the journey. Briefly describe someone who is worth doing what it takes to you to live abundantly and effectively in Christ. Help us picture her so that she inspires us, too. Needless to say, don’t share more than she’d want you to.
2) I wish we could discuss all of Chapter 15 in person but this is the next best thing. Name a couple of ways pertinent to your sphere of life and influence that you could look out for your own gender in our battle with insecurities. In other words, how can you (not others but you in particular) start becoming part of the solution in your female relationships rather than default into part of the problem. No condemnation here. Goodness knows, we’ve all been both. Our challenge is to learn to be deliberate. How are you prepared to do that?
3) I can’t wait to see your answers to this one. Based on Chapter 16 and the challenge to look past ourselves, what is your passion? If you don’t have one presently, don’t feel pressured or unnerved. You might be too deep in toddlers or school work to think past the urgent. Those things are priority and need to be your passion right now. If, however, you long for something that makes you feel fully alive and part of something specific God is doing for the greater good, ask Him to nurture that vision in you. It will be ultimately be the key to life on the outskirts of self-absorption. Keep in mind, your passion may not be anything you’re currently engaged in. Maybe you don’t have the opportunity to participate right now. Maybe it’s just in dream-form. Or maybe it’s just a place God has tendered your heart. Try to give it a name. What is something outside of yourself that you feel passionate about?
I will look so forward to your answers, Sisters! I’m so honored to have you along on this journey. Try to enjoy it while you’re at it. Believe it or not, as much as it’s pried into our business, we might just miss it when it’s over.
May the Lord answer you when you are in trouble. May the God of Jacob make you secure! (Ps. 20:1 NET)
With much affection,
Beth
Tags: So Long Insecurity
I am so happy to read that you enjoyed a day off! I know you have to be exhausted.
You’re always in my prayers, but I’ve prayed very specific prayers lately that God would give you strength to do all that is on your busy schedule.
Thanks for doing the book signing. I was at the one in Southlake, TX and will always treasure this book and the fun weekend I had with two of my Bible study gals I traveled from Oklahoma with.
Happy Easter to you and your precious family.
Love,
Valerie
Im going to take the time to answer question #3 at this time. I feel a very deep need to be part of a plan somehow, someway to pull women away from go-go bars, porngraphy etc. I’ve been exposed to men who thrive on this and it has effected my marriage/divorce. I want to pull these women out of the darkness and into the light oh so very badly. Every time I drive past one of those bars I want to rush in and help those women. I want anone out there in Siestaville who reads this and feels the same way to contact me asap. Maybe we can do something together. Oh what joy that would be! I dont know if this is allowed or not but here is my email for thse who want to pull this off with me…lets together think of something and save these women for the sweet name of Jesus!!
Kathleen
NJ/divorced/age 53
[email protected]
There is a ministry called Jesus said love…just google it..there’s another one called, i believe, “the magdalena project” 🙂
My motivation for living in the security of sound faith are my two teen daughters. I want to influence them to be confident in Christ and in culture/circumstances. I am working hard in this season to encourage other women as they assume some leadership in ministry work. It’s full of risk and some criticism–but to answer the call with a humble joy, not fear or defensivness. Finally, my passion is to learn and teach. Learn and teach. Effective teachers are first enthusiastic students.
Well, I ended up not reading the book. 🙁 I had every good intention, but have been struggling with some health issues and, as a result, have a hard time focusing on much of anything. I’m reading the Word every day, but that’s about it. Luckily, with this forum, I can follow the SLI reading schedule and questions later. Love it!
Beth, I hope you enjoyed your day off. Sounds like you have more color in your backyard than I do. Here in Orlando, I feel like I live in the army- everything is either green or brown. I miss my tulips and crocus!! But, this is where God has called my hubby and I to pastor, so camoflauge scenery it is. I keep threatening to spray paint the leaves red and orange in the fall just to make myself feel better
Have a blessed Easter!
Jen
Michele
Liverpool, NY
40
single
1. This was a hard question, as it was hard to read ch 14. I am very happy for you and those who have people they love around them, but I don’t. I live alone and while I have friends, I rarely see them outside of church. Yes I have tried, but everyone is always so busy these days. I love being with my sweet dog, but sometimes it gets very lonely, especially around holidays.
2. I’m sure I’m overanalyzing, but I have no idea. No job, almost done with school, I have no clue what I am supposed to be doing next.
3. When I come up for air, I know my passion is teaching the Bible. I’ve taught some classes and totally love to show people amazing things in the Word, even while just informally chatting. The problem is that while God is doing so much and we’re making progress, sometimes I start to get excited about something and then I collapse back into depression. Back and forth.
I liked it when you talked about Galatians on p282 because next week I start my last seminary class – on Galatians.
I don’t know why I’m so depressed today – it is supposed to be in the 70’s this afternoon. I think I need to go soak in the passion narrative and see about a new attitude.
Loneliness can do that to you. I’ll lift up a prayer for you. 🙂
I’m praying for you, Michele from Romans 8:26-27.
Patti
Michele, I just wanted to encourage you today! Thank you for sharing your heart and being so vulnerable! I’m a 61-year old wife of an ex-pastor. My husband was an associate pastor at our church for 12 years. When we both knew that God was calling him to leave his position, I never knew what a tailspin it would send me into. Knowing something is God’s will doesn’t guarantee it will be a rose garden! We left our church, knowing (and receiving much counsel) that it’s hard to stay in a church you’ve pastored, even when you’re leaving on good terms, as we did. We left all our friends, our church “family,” my Bible study teaching role, everything familiar. We began to visit other churches, and I cried every Sunday! I was SO lonely! No one knew me or cared that I was there! No hugs! All strangers! I hit the bottom in deep depression. My poor husband was beside himself with guilt!
Now a year has passed, and I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. My husband and I both know exactly why God called us out. We trusted in our roles at the church, and service, and loved all that — which put God in second place. We never would have realized it was happening, until we were gone. I have learned that I cannot trust in ANYONE or ANYTHING except God!! Not even my husband! He was very busy and preoccupied with ministry during those 12 years, and I was missing him. Now I know Jesus must be my true love. There is no One else who can meet my needs!! No one. I encourage you to read “The God of All Comfort” by Hannah Whitall Smith. The resounding message of the book is “God is enough! God is enough! God is enough!”
Lord Jesus, give Michele a hug today! Let her feel Your strong arms around her! Let her know how much You love her and will never leave her or forsake her. I pray You will be her best friend forever! Amen.
Love from a fellow struggler,
Pat
Dear Pat,
I am amazed at your description of the past year for you because I have had a similar journey in the last year. It really helped me to hear your perspective.
I, too, was beginning to trust in my service and role in the church more than trusting in God alone. It was a painful thing to experience, but now I know it was necessary to keep God as my first love (Rev 2:4).
I am a new girl in the Siesta community, but I am finding friends I can relate to – where most of my friends and family have no clue what I am experiencing.
Thanks for encouraging me even as you were encouraging Michele.
Laura
Pat, this is so awesome. I just LOVE this site. That testimony is so great in many ways. When I read this amazing stuff, I carry it around with me for days and share it with other people. This site reaches many more than just those that log on. Michelle, you and all my sisters here, are in my constant prayers. Isn’t it so wonderful to KNOW that you are being prayed for! As Beth says, God loves us so lavishly.
Michele,
Take heart dear sister, Jesus is all you need, sometimes you can be all around family and still be lonely. I am 58 am married to an alcoholic, although we have been separated for 10 years, I spent 15 years of my married life being lonely and he was right next to me. My kids are around but distant. You can tell Jesus everything and he understands. I also cherish the time with other Christians and that helps, but they still have their families. For a long time I was jealous of them, then I start thinking of the awesome love of God and remember why we are here and what is ahead for us.
“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalm33:4
Michele you are so precious. Bouts of depression are normal, I struggle with lonlieness too. Just remember that you are not alone, Our Father has an awesome plan for you. Just do what Beth said, and ask HIM to reveal it to you…to instill in you a passion! I just saw so much of myself in you short post, I know how you feel siesta, but you will make it through this day!
Sheri
You are not alone, Friend. I am going to pray for you.
Oh, sweet siesta, Michelle
God has a plan for you, don’t be depressed, be patient, His plan is so much larger than ours. Keep seeking Him and he will reward.
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart man plans his course, but the Lord determines his step. Just be ready when He calls to make that leap!
Michelle,
I am a 40 year old single female minister with a seminary degree that just recently moved to a new place of ministry, away from all my family and friends. I know EXACTLY how you feel. It is hard to imagine why God would place such calling in our lives and then ask us to live them out in the midst of such loneliness and isolation. And it is SO frustrating to have times of excitement & positive outlook that eventually collapse back into depression. I often feel like David in Psalm 73–envious of those who “prosper” with family, friends, and a good attitude about everything. And then I am reminded that God really IS worth everything I have sacrificed to serve Him.
Just want you to know there is someone else out there that understands exactly what you are feeling.
Michele, thank you so much for your honesty. I can so relate to you and feel your pain. I’m also single, but with some added years! The single life is extremely hard and frustrating for those of us that desired the married life. But having said that, I had to come to a decision in my life: 1)was I going to believe a lie from the enemy and go down the road of “Why me” or 2) was I going to believe what God said about me (Rms. 8:37; I John 4:5; Ps. 139:14)and allow Him to use me.I’m not going to lie, there have been(many) days that I chose #1…I was miserable! God was quick to remind me, that it’s not about me. And yes,on a few occasions I would tell Him it was!!! It’s a terrible and hard way to live! I try to make a conscious decision to start my day,(#2) by yielding to God! If it means I have to wake up an hour earlier to spend quality time with Him…it’s worth it! I have had to change some things in my life, but experiencing victory of any size gives me hope and courage to press on. I’m determine (with His help)to live victorious! I know you can too, Michele! I pray that He will give you a love and hunger for Him and for His word that will surpass anything that you have every experienced. And that He will send wholesome, healthy and God fearing relationships your way. Relationships where you will be an encouragement to each other and will grow in the things of God. We can do this Michele…He so loves us! I love Him too! I will be praying for you.
Thank you Siestas, I appreciate the prayers and support
Michele,
Your post touched me so. I can’t tell you how many times I have used that same phrase, “come up for air.” Or sometimes I say when I surface again. I have struggled with depression most of my adult life, and sometimes I feel like I have been running hard to stay ahead of the loneliness that threatens to overwhelm me at times. I know what you mean when you speak of getting excited about something and then collapsing back into depression. I want so much to use the gifts God has given me but them I go down and I think “well here I am again.” But by God’s grace I have been experiencing longer and longer periods of doing well and staying free. I am so grateful that God understands and has new mercy and strength for me everyday. I am convinced He wants us free and more and more I see that relationship with Him is the answer for my life. I’ll say a prayer for you Siesta…God bless you.
Michelle,
I am a widow in her 60’s, so I know about loneliness. My husband of 25 years died after suffering from prostate cancer. It was hard watching his strong body go to skin and bone. It was even harder losing him and being alone. The day of the funeral my house was packed. The day after, it was empty;I had no family living in the city.
What I found to be true was the faithfulness of God. I’d ask Him for comfort, and found it in my little doggy’s. I had two Scotty’s to keep me company after my husband died. George Micheal would come lay next to me as I sat on the couch and Jessica Terrylynn would lay on my lap. I’d weep at their simple gesture of caring. They brought me much joy in a very dark period of my life.
They provided the security, and the physical warmth, but God provided the spiritual. I never wanted dogs, initially, because we had just moved into a new home, but my husband had insisted on getting George, and I couldn’t bear to leave Jessica, his sister, behind, so… God knows what the future holds for us. He knew I would need not one, but two doggy’s after John died. While I realize you are young, I want you to know that God is there for the lonely widow and the young woman too. I pray that you will find peace as you walk along this path of life.
Read Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…” I have found much comfort in those words. I pray you will too.
Love you my Siesta
Hello Michelle,
A week has passed since you blogged and I hope that you have rediscovered the joy that God has placed in you. That is what I will pray for you as I pray for myself who has battled depression on and off since childhood. Some of the cause of the depression has been due to things beyond my control and some of it has been of my own making. The depression and insecurity created chronic isolation and loneliness. Further, I have put walls of busy-ness and pre-occupation with other things around myself as a defense to avoid re-wounding. Just this morning, the thought of how lonely my life is despite having numerous friends and family and belonging to a fabulous church with caring individuals in it. Some of the wall building around myself has been as result of others who have outright rejected or mistreated me because they either felt superior or inferior to me. Sometimes I have done the very same thing. Sometimes I sized up others and rejected them before they rejected me just to have the upper hand. Its crazy! It has been painful to examining these aspects about my life and accepting this part of who I have been. Beth’s book has been a God-send since it gets the core of what has caused me to suffer all these years.
Michelle, I also wonder how much the loneliness that we suffer is also because of the time of life that we are in. Many of my friends are working women who are either married, married with young children, single with children or single with very demanding careers and all may have aging parents to support in some way. They may also be feeling lonely and isolated but we do not have time to discuss the loneliness. Sometimes our interests, preoccupations and focuses as well as those of friends have shifted and so we become out of sync with each other.
All of this is said to encourage you. You are not alone in your experience not just because others have gone or are going through it, but because – you know that God is always with you and I. I pray that you will be encouraged that in spite of your feelings (I am encouraging myself too) that God always thinks of you and does so with the best for you in mind, is with you, loves you and has chosen you for himself. He has chosen you and you are highly prized by him.
J. Hastings
I don’t know why I just saw your post today – but The King knows. Your post is sweet and real and that is the reason it touched so many hearts. I just asked a group of women last Friday, “Is your story important?” and then promptly followed-up, “You bet it is!” You being honest allowed other women to be honest and boldly share their stories. It is so important we share our stories so we can, through our honesty, let the world see who HE is! (“Come! Let me tell you what the Lord has done for me!” PS 66:16)And too, we overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony. Rev 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony.”I recently stepped out into ministry – a fitness ministry that calls women out of hiding and asks them to bravely step into their calling. The stories that you prompted were helpful to me because I can relate to the pain that is experienced by walking through the fire. (Can you smell the smoke?) The enemy came to kill, steal and destroy and he doesn’t like it when we get motivated to stand up, step out into our calling and begin to do Kingdom work. He would much prefer we remain lukewarm and take on the simple things like following the law and being comfortable as opposed to trusting HIM stepping out in faith and beginning to live under grace! You are into the book of Galatians by now, studying the difference between law and grace. Don’t let the enemy squash you with his lies as you study and meditate on living in grace! I want to encourage you as you step out into your calling. Be aware! Don’t be lukewarm! Be alert and oriented times three, put on your full armor and then step boldly onto the battlefield knowing the battle is the Lord’s. And as you stand for His name’s sake remember, you have sisters in Christ standing shoulder to shoulder with you, comforting you and knowing our Redeemer lives! Blessings to you! And now grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Beth, I have a request!!!
Please consider writing this book directed toward our tween and teen daughters!!
I do not want my daughter struggling with insecurity like I have, so with the help of this book and my God I am on a mission to teach my daughter Psalm 84:1.
Blessings,
Pam
40s
Florida
I second this!!! I would love to see this book geared toward the 12-16 age range. Of course, it can completely be used right now by a mother for her daughters, but I’m thinking of the differences between the books “Every Woman’s Battle” and “Every Young Woman’s Battle” by Shannon Ethridge.
My only child, my daughter Sophia, is my inspiration to live life securely and confidently. Born in China, we adopted her when she was just 11 months old. She was such a serious baby so the rare moments she smiled and giggled were totally awesome! Here we are 3 years later and those awesome moments grew into a perpetual state of being! She has such an incredible zest for life, a beaming smile, and an infectious laughter! She is such a precious gift full of pure joy. I don’t ever want to unintentionally squash her zest with my own insecurities. I want her to be ALL that God created her to be and that means I have to set the example. I am so glad this book came along while she is still little to set me on the right path to security and confidence in Christ… for her sake (and mine)! Thanks for writing it, at such a time as this, Beth!
Hello Beth, I live in Cape Town, South Africa & bought my copy of “So Long Insecurity” today. I see you are nearly finished with the discussions bit I found the old ones in the Archives. So, I am about to embark on my journey to security. Please pray for me. I know you are very busy but a little prayer now & then will do fine! Thank you.
May your Easter celebrations be very blessed!
Love
Colleen
Beth,
I just love this new website — easier to leave a response and much more user-friendly! I hope you enjoy your time off. You so deserve it! Thanks for sharing bits of your personal life with us!! Have a wonderful Easter with your family!!!
I love you so much!!
Wanda
Kristy
Married
35
Princeton ,NC
1 – Peyton…my 9 year old who is the spitting image of me. I wasted so many years before I truly started living for Christ and that alone has made me secure. I don’t want her to look back and regret time wasted as I sometimes do. I want her to be secure in Christ always.
2 – build others up and refuse to tolerate when someone tears another down.
3 – pursuing a “heart that breaks for the things that break the heart of God”!
Warmest Greetings Siesta Mama:):)
1)My baby girl is completely worth doing this;When she smiles, her whole little face smiles and it melts my heart:) She lets me hold her whenever I want and rest her little chubby cheeks on mine, breathing audibly while she sleeps when I burp her. She is precious, and worth it, so worth getting secure for!:)
2)Making sure I’m dressed modestly enough to not inadvertantly tempt her man; stop buying into the cultural definition of beauty, being happy in my own skin and a healthy body size for my frame; not talking negatively about other women, as my mom would say, “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all.” My pastor’s wife would say, “Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”
3)My passion is encouraging others. I think it is b/c I have wanted encouragement in my life. I don’t know what form that will take in ministering to my local Body of believers although I am mentoring a young girl in my church right now. I don’t know what else…maybe teaching? I don’t want to do anything outside of God’s will for me.
Blessings to you today, tried to keep it short!:) ((HUGS)), Love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
Love that quote “Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut”
-thanks for sharing
Lisa
Katie, your post resonates with me. I share your desires! and I too am mentoring a young girl (soon to be 18) in my church. Any wisdom you might like to share on mentoring would be most welcome!
Blessings!
caroline in WA
love the comment, “Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”
boy, that can sure keep us from having to eat our words later…
YES !!!!
Heflin, Alabama
40
married w/3 kids
It’s 82 in Bama today….The fruit trees have blossomed…the daffodils are making one last stand…the yellow belles are changing from yellow to green, and I look everyday expecting the red buds to bloom for Easter.
I think you should have strawberry cake for dessert….not the white icing kind but the kind you beat the strawberries in the icing with cream cheese.
#1-I am very thankful to have two polar opposite daughters that are worth whatever it takes for me to live abundantly for Christ….one blue jean and t shirt wearing, tree hugging introvert and one razzle dazzle bossy boots that never meets a stranger. I also want it for my future daughter in law and granddaughters and anyone else that I will have the privilege of leaving a legacy to.
#2-To become a solution…I think I must be a painfully honest encourager of women.
#3-I’m just not as passionate right now as I have been in the past…I’m praying to have that overflow back…I seem to be serving God out of habit instead of passion right now….I’m praying for a flooding of the Holy Spirit.
Michelle in Liverpool- Praying for God to give you divine connection…pray for me to have time for friends…I’m one of those with three kids and no girlfriend time…I miss it…I turned around one day and realized I didn’t have many.
I love the “painfully honest encourager of women”….when I first read the question- honesty was my first thought…I know I’d “guess” a lot less if I knew I’d get honest feedback or correction when needed. Also, I love that painful honesty is coupled with encouragement. As someone who believes my gift to be encouragement- I know I often can shy away in some circumstances- sharing honestly- thinking if it doesn’t sound “uplifting” its not encouragement. So untrue. We want to encourage others toward Christ and sometimes that will be pointing out a need to turn toward him- so thank you for that reminder- May God richly bless you as you minister to others, especially as you encourage- that they might not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb 3:13)
1. My biggest inspiration is my 4 sons, believe it or not! I want them to marry a secure woman, clothed with strength and dignity. If I model that(3 are teenagers, the other is 21) then my hope and prayer is that they will look for those qualities in their future mates. That would be my greatest joy for them right now, to seek a secure, Christian lady who boasts in the Lord unapologetically:)
2. One thing I can do and have already begun to do is truly analzye my current friendships. If my behaviour in them (ex.- gossip, complain, be a doormat,etc.)holds insecure roots, I need to weed them out of my circle OR cease these behaviors when with them.
3. My passion currently is a food pantry at my church called Manna House. I love shopping with the clients, but I also love going in when no one is there to stock, organize, clean, etc. God has given me a whole new level of compassion for the least, the last, and the lost through this as well as blessed me way more than I could imagine. I had so much insecurity when I started this about 4 years ago. He led me there, I obeyed, and He has given me security in Him like never before! It’s all about Him, not me.
Another passion, my poems. I have a gift, not much time right now, but I want to develop it. I believe He has purpose in MY poems and I love seeing where He is leading me with them.
Hey Beth,
1. My two daughters. One is 20, the other “16 going on 17″…They’ve watched their mother fall apart, pick herself back up, limp along in her own weakness, and finally allow the Lord to heal her, carry her, and set her up on her own two feet yoked to Him. They’ve seen the whole thing. Now I want them to live it. (hopefully without the “falling apart” thing)
2. I will start with “no more competition”. I’m officially withdrawing from this game…I don’t wanna play anymore. We aren’t competing against each other, we’re supposed to love each other! I want to support and encourage my sisters instead of trying to outdo them.
3.My passion in life is one, to serve the “least of these”…and two, to see other people around me fall head over heels in love with Jesus. I want them to know what He’s done for me and that He wants to do the same for them!
Love you all!
I’m trying to fix the picture! Let’s see if this one works.
Let’s see if it works THIS time……..
……*sigh*
Redeemed…what’s wrong with the picture?…love it! I have a chocolate lab who’s photogenic too, I have lots of “nose” pictures if you know what I mean 🙂
Valerie
Louisville KY
40s, Married
Hi Redeemed! I really like your response to # 2. I have done the same thing and it was soooo freeing!! Then I fell right back into the trap of competition once again. Thanks for the reminder. God showed me that competing w/ my sisters or other women is self exaltation…not God exaltation. Pride/insecurity is at my root. Thank You Jesus for Redeemed’s transparency this morning. and I love your dog photo!!
Yay! My dog picture came back! I think I figured out this gravatar thing! No more silly cat picture…
Katie
49
Single/Divorced
Dallas, TX
1. This would be my 16 year old daughter. This same girl who did the Daniel bible study with me when she was 14, accepted Jesus with me in week 9 of that study, has now given up on christianity. I’m praying and trying to be an example to her. I know she sees me. I showed her the picture of me with Beth at the Dallas book signing. Later she asked me “Is Beth Moore nice?” I said she was very nice. She hugged everyone and had a picture taken with everyone who wanted a picture. I know it this is such a small thing but it meant a lot to me that she even asked. Made me want to cry. I’m crying now. I miss that little innocent 14 year old. She is now a jaded and not so innocent 16 year old. I wanted more for her. But our God is a God of miracles and I will not give up.
Katie – My prayers are with you. My husband and I have been in youth ministry together for 8 years. Nothing breaks my heart more than to see a teenager go from committed to God to jaded. Every word that you speak is a seed…don’t lose hope! Your consistency and love speaks more than you realize, even if she says nothing. I’ve seen the miracles and yes, God truly is a God of miracles!
Thank you Chantel. That means a lot to me.
Go Mom Go!! I’ve been praying for my step-son for 8 years and my husband of 15 years for 8 years as well. I want to be there when God makes them outstanding men of God and praise Him for letting me be a part of the miracle. My pastor said that he prayed for every member of his family for years and years and they have finally all come to know Jesus as their Savior and walk with Him. Oh, ugh didn’t want to depress you with the number of years in here but I’m so happy to read that you do not intend to give up. Praise God!
Thank you Rene siesta friend!
Dear Katie,
I’ve been exactly where you are…watching your daughter change before your very eyes. I just want you to know that, although my daughter was once “off the deep end”, she CAME BACK. Keep fattening the calf for your prodigal, because Jesus looks hard for lost sheep. I’m praying for you.
Katie, I have been praying for my oldest son for almost 20 years. He will be 40 this year, made a committment as a child and then walked away as an adult. Just in the last few months I have seen a change in him and in his interest in spiritual things. Small steps but they make a mother’s heart sing:o) I understand how small things mean so much. Prayer changes things!
oh Katie…my heart aches for you. I have a 16 year old too. You’re last line is TRUTH, though Katie…our God is a God of miracles~ yes…do not give up~
You’re an awesome mom. ~Traci
Thank you Redeemed, Lynn and Traci!! Those are encourging words! Thanks for reading and caring.
Katie dont give up, press on toward the goal God has for you and your daughter!!! Keep being an example, shes watching =)
My message to women, especially younger women, is that we are created by God’s design. God chose our features, coloring, size, temperament, skills, talents, even directed our passions to make us a carefully crafted work of art. He wants to use us as we were created to be. We need to quit trying to change His design, quit rejecting His design, and focus on our strengths and inner beauty to serve Him. Be who you are! He even placed us in specific families and locations. Even though things may be much less than desirable in our current circumstances, He has a beautiful plan for redemption and deliverance from all that is harmful and evil. His plan may take time, but our mission is to trust Him, seek Him, surrender to Him, accept His design, and wait on Him in obedience.
1. My 17 month-old baby girl is my inspiration. That and a few of sweet young teens and 20-somethings that for some reason like to hang around me.
2. I REALLY need to stop the comparison game, and I don’t have to always try to out-do in the wardrobe/home decorating department. (And thank you, thank you for a new take on Psalm 84:1)
3. I have a passion to encourage people in their relationship with the Lord — to study for themselves and KNOW Him. I do that through leading a Bible study and through my blog, Sugar Tails. But I also have a passion for orphans. I want one. 🙂 I hope someday to convince my husband to let us get one, but for now, I just sponsor and pray. I have a passion for the unborn and for those caught in the sex trade industry. I don’t know quite what to do about those, but I’m trusting Isaiah 58:6 – 11 to lead the way!
1-Who did I take this as a role model? No one or everyone who might care to look. All of my chilren and grandchilren are are spiritual rather than natural.
2-I am a nice person but I need to learn to be relate better with some women. I literally don’t think like alot of women and it makes it hard to relate.Like my mother says ‘once you tell me I can see how you got that answer but I wouldn’t have done it that way.’
3-I have been thinking several things-about promoting home missions more. God loves all people but I live here. If we want this nation to be blessed we need to be extra concerned about the people who live here.I would like to go to Bible college-on campus or on-line.I really enjoy photogrphy and would like to be able to to it professionally. Right now I am a serious amatuer. It would be nice if I could combine all of these things with my love of books.
I meant to write photography. We have a preview button now and can check our messages before posting them. Thanks Amanda!
1) My inspiration for my life right now are my children – but more than my boys, my stepdaughter. I am challenged constantly to set the example for her and feel like I fail a lot. (I started Living Beyond Yourself last night – and came out all fired up – and I’m so amazed how God knows just what I need and when… and places a simple bible study in my life that I shakes me to my core!)
2) I think my reaction – I’m horrible at reacting before I think things through.. or just stop and pray. . . but I’m learning 🙂
3) My current passion are my children – but once my boys are older I look forward to hopefully doing missions with them (beyond the every day mission). I think it would be an amazing experience for us as individuals and as a family. (I’ve never even stepped foot outside of the US and would love to go to Belize or Romania!)
Michelle, I’m praying for you. I have a sister who is in pretty much the same boat you are and it breaks my heart to see her lonely. God is always faithful and will take care of you, but it can get awful lonely here on planet earth at times. Praying for close friends and new people to love for you!
Now to the questions…
1, We don’t have any children yet. Lord knows we’ve tried but I guess it’s just not our time yet. Still, I’d like to get to a place of security before we do and be a real example of a strong secure woman to my little ones.
2, I confess I tend to get impatient with insecurity in others. My mom and older sister in particular. Neither one thinks much of themselves and tend to be quite timid and negative and seem to need constant encouragement, yet never seem to change. I know I need to listen more and criticize less, and maybe give them a copy of this book 🙂
3, I have struggled with this question for what seems like years. People frequently ask me what my passion is, and I never know what to say. O love lots of things, and I dream of a few as well, but I’m not sure I would call them my passion. But I will certainly be praying that God would lead me in the direction of a true passion and that I would recognize it when I see it.
at the Beth Moore Simulcast last august I felt God inspiring me to use my gardening skills for ministry and grow vegetables in our ample space to help our those in need. But the garden is only just getting started, and won’t produce enough this year to help too many and we’re only here for a few more years, so I don’t know where to start! How do I find the people to help? Sigh. Again, struggles with fear surface, but I know God can and will prevail if this is truly his will.
My Father in Law plants 100 tomato plants each year and all summer distributes fresh tomatoes to shut-ins, friends, neighbors and new friends he meets along the way. It has been such a wonderful way for him to get to know others, interact with more people and a great excuse to be with people.
3) My passion is using my knowledge and skills as a nurse to take care of ohters. Not just taking care of my patients, but also my friends, and people I come into contact with on a daily basis.
Hey, I have been a psychiatric/detox nurse for 17 years now…it was always my passion. I’m telling you..looking into the eyes of a schizophrenic patient is so difficult..as they are just suffering(which I believe is straight from the enemy, by the way)…the demons they see and such is awful. I pray for them and ask God to help cast it all out. I am starting to get tired…I am working in a very chaotic environment now and its pretty dangerous. I know God always protects me…I am just feeling alittle burned out and Im feeling guilty about it. Do you think God ever changes a persons passion…or am I being too self absorbed? Christ is more real to me now since Beth’s book, than ever before…but it feels like everything in my world is changing…I just saw you were a nurse any wondered what you thought? 🙂 Happy Easter, Lisa from Madison.
Lisa–as a fellow nurse I know God can change your passion–or at least the focus of that passion. I too burned out–as a Pediatric nurse. Moved from that via God’s hand clearly into Quality Improvement and Administration and PTL he gave me an even stronger passion for that work.
Now through a variety of circumstances I needed to make a change and again God’s hand is so very clearly at work. He is developing a new area of passion for me! The link though is that my deepest passion is to help people and in each of these areas of work I have been able to fulfill that desire. I’m providing care to people–but in very different ways each time–all the while using my nursing knowledge.
Please allow yourself the freedom to explore other options for this next season of your life. God has HIS path for your life–sometimes we just need to be brave enough to explore the possibilities! Donna
Miss Beth, I had to share this with you since you just mentioned not knowing what your dessert will be for Easter. While getting my teeth cleaned yesterday, my darling dental hygenist shared a recipe that was easy, affordable and sounds downright DELICIOUS. I told her I couldn’t wait to try it, and it was the first thing that popped in my head when you mentioned dessert. So here’s the recipe 🙂
Ingredients:
One graham cracker pie crust
2 regular containers of Publix brand (or your favorite) “Fruit on the Bottom” Blueberry yogurt
1 container of Cool Whip
All you have to do is mix the blueberry yogurt with the container of Cool whip, pop it in the pie crust and voila~ you’ve got yourself one awesome, easy dessert! She said you can also decorate the top with additional whipped cream and blueberries if you want it to be pretty, but my little hygenist apparently has a hard time with getting to the decorating part (she’s eating it before it can even get pretty – HA!).
Have a wonderful Easter 🙂 🙂 🙂
Virginia
Waco, TX
26
Married
Beth,
I have to tell you I have the book, am reading it but am oh so far behind! I was feeling super guilty several weeks ago as I read the discussion posting and comments and then realized it’s ok that I’m not right on track. I’m reading, loving it and absorbing as much as I can. I have been priting off all of the SIL weekly posts and questions you submit with the intention of finishing the book in due time and saving my answers to the question to look back on in years to come. I will inevitably read this book many times in my life, at different stages, and I know my answers will change as life changes for me. But, I love the idea of having my prayer written in the front of the book, my answers saved and almost a journal so to speak of my insecurites and hopefully victories in overcoming them.
I just wanted to say thank you! At 26 I have many insecurites, (some of which I didn’t even realize were insecurities until I started reading SIL!) but my prayer is that they disappear so that my husband and hopefully someday children will have a wife and mother fully secure in the Lord and in the person He created, flaws and all! This book IS changing and HAS changed my life. Blessings to you!
Mornin’ Bethie!
At this time in my life, God has given me the opportunity to run a crisis pregnancy center. Day after day I see young women living in such bondage and insecurity. It’s so important to be transparent as I counsel these young women. I tell them that Jesus treasures them–that they were made in His image. I remind them that Jesus came that we might have life and have it ABUNDANTLY. I was so moved by your statement on Wednesdays with Beth about Melissa’s observation: that He knows how hard it is to BE us. I tell my clients that everyday now. And you are right on the money: it’s profound. The enemy wants nothing more than to see women beaten down by the culture, bad relationships, and poor choices. I loved your book 🙂 It has reminded me to live in the security of Christ and to help other women do the same.
Jan
Oh! Dear Beth,
Thank you for the living documentary on Spring in Houston! I woke up to snow in WY this morning. I live vicarioulsy through you sometimes, I LOVE spring, and miss it so much!
1. I want my two teenage boys to marry Godly, secure women. I better emulate that!
2. Not to be cliche, but to make choices based on my Jesus, not on my emotions. That one is super challenging to me.
3. Volunteering year round for Operation Christmas Child. It is my passion. Know me for 5 minutes and you will discover this about me. Give me 15 minutes and it will be your passion too!
Love Operation Christmas Child as well.
Hope everyone will join in this year and help.
OH snow, WY is my husbands favorite state, but he works hard outdoors at 55 so snow in April and May is one of the reasons that we live in Oregon on the coast… its raining cats and dogs here but a little warmer than you are!! Gotta love spring in the northern parts, but maybe this cool weather helps your heart stay true to your passion of Operation Christmas Child! Happy Easter Jillian
Jillian!
Both my girls participate in Operation Christmas Child every year at their school and we love it! It has become our favorite part of Christmas. We can’t wait to fill a box as full as we can with goodies and try to imagine what our little girl whom we’re sending it to looks like, and what her face looks like when she opens it. We actually got a magazine showing the boxes being delivered to some of the chidren (hundreds on top of hundreds of boxes were stacked up in the picture) but my sweet girls were so excited because they were convinved they saw “their boxes” in the stack. What a wonderful ministry and my family feels so fortunate to be apart of it.
1. My granddaughter and daughter are the two biggest reasons I want to live a secure life in Christ. I don’t want them to battle insecurity the way I have. Unfortunately, my daughter has had to face her own war with the monster, but I am hoping I can help equip her through the truth I have learned so it will be less of a struggle. My prayer is they would attain the victory much sooner then I did and will be a lot less gullible and susceptible to the devils lies.
2. I had a wonderful role model in my grandmother. I never saw her behave in an insecure manner. She was a prayer warrior and walked with the Lord daily. I intend to do the same. Through his Word and prayer, He has brought me so far and I intend to keep with the program. I struggled with insecurity for many years but His truth has been setting me free. I still have a way to go and I intend to take every step with Jesus.
3. I have a passion for working with youth. I was an active youth leader for several years but had to step back from the ministry when my granddaughter was born. I miss working with the girls on a regular basis but praise God for the little opportunities he allows me here and there to minister. I want to share the truth of his word with them and pray I will have another opportunity to work with that age group on a more regular basis.
Tammy
40’s
Married
Lusby, MD
1. Marliegh, is my beautiful lil’ angel, almost 3 month old granddaughter, I have a picture of her at 4 weeks old in which she is holding her head up and has her eyes and mouth wide open. I have captioned this picture with these words: “I want it! I want it! I want it!” and let me tell you, that is the perfect caption for this picture. Then there is my lil’ princess, 1 month old Elizabeth, now she looks just like her daddy who looks just like me. She was born with repertory distress, and had all kinds of tubes attached to her precious little body the day she graced the face of this Nana, so you really couldn’t tell what she looked like. The next time I saw her, which was a week and three days later, oh my, she took my breath away. Her daddy told me she looked just like me, but I could not believe it, then I saw her and I felt like I was looking at a tiny version of myself. God blessed me with these 2 precious cherubs, all because He loves me. I have 3 sons and wanted a girl sooo desperately with each one of them I couldn’t see straight. But God, KNEW what He was doing, when He did it this way! I am so grateful to Him for this!!!
2. I am going to start catching myself in the act of comparison and call myself out.
3. I have had a passion for the homosexual community for a long time now. It has especially become stronger since my deliverance from it. I have already taken some small steps which I believe God has directed me to take, in that I belong to this wonderful online Christian community call All About God, and I have posted my testimony there and also shared in discussions within the web site regarding what God has done for me. This passion began years ago when I found out my brother was gay, and then I with my insecurities and all jumped into it full speed ahead. I am so, so , so very thankful that the Holy Spirit wooed me back to Jesus. I know that with transparency comes freedom, and it is my hope that God uses mine to help others know that there is deliverance, restoration, and freedom which is only found in Him. No one needs to suffer in silence with this. Beth, I have your prayer book and I remember you saying that you may be sitting next to someone who struggles with this and you don’t even know it, because this topic is so taboo within our churches. But, the last time I checked the Bible says there is only ONE sin that God will not forgive and that is the blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. This tells me that EVERY OTHER sin God forgives no matter what that sin might be. All we have to do is repent and ask Him for forgiveness and it is done. I love the amplified version of John 8:36, which says: “So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.” There is no question about it, once the Son sets you free it is finished!!! Glory to God!!!
Beth, I also have to comment on some of the things you said in Chapter 14, because they rang so true with me. If my memory serves me correctly I was also six when the abuse began with me. The you said: “Honestly, I wished someone would just put me out of my misery.” I tried that myself 10 time in my life, with the first time being at age 13. But during all of that, and ALL of the sins, God never left my side, he was faithful to me. Just as He was to you. Glory to God!!! Sister, tha you so much for pouring your heart and life into all of us women. You are a tremendous asset and blessing to the entre body of Christ. I can’t wait to meet you face-to-face, either here on this soily sod, (hopefully), or in our Glorious Eternal home with Jesus there beside us.
Love always in Jesus,
Mischelle
I so LOVE spring in Houston! I currently work in an office that overlooks a pond of sorts. From my cubicle I can look out the window and see the trees, the blue sky and the water. LOVELY! So peaceful! I did put in my flower garden last weekend, despite being under the weather. I called it “dirt therapy”. And that it was! I enjoy looking out my back windows at home and seeing the flowers. 🙂 Very refreshing.
Oh I forgot my stats, sorry.
46
Madison, TN
Divorced
Nope. Didn’t work.
LOL! You are just so dang cute and we have a yellow lab too named “Maggie!” Hope you eventually get it to work although I will miss this picture of your lab! ♥♥
Waaaa! I can’t get my yellow lab (his name is Reagan, by the way) to come up! His picture is in the Gravatar thingy, but all I’m getting is this funny cat! I’m not too computer savvy.
So, if you see the cat, it’s still me….Redeemed!
Say hi to Maggie for us! 🙂
we see your yellow lab 🙂
Iforgot, but i wanted to say happy, blessed Easter to you!:) All of you at LPM and the Siestas:)
Instead of 3 different answers, I’m going to combine them. I have 2 young daughters that I love more than life itself and 25 “adopted” daughters at church that I love to pieces! When God called me to Girls Ministry, I immediately sat down with Him to go over my benefit package. If I’m going to reach these girls and become accepted by them, then I’m going to need a new house, new car, definitely a new wardrobe, AND some plastic surgery for sure. But God quickly reminded me that I was missing the point! He wants me to become so secure in Him that those girls will be inspired to dream big and reach for the stars because they see me, as imperfect as I am, trying to be all that He created me to be.. doing MY best.. not someone else’s! They don’t need a fake plastic Barbie girl to teach them how to be godly women!! They need a real woman who knows that her true value lies in Christ. (I’m still trying to negotiate the new wardrobe though!) Like I’ve said before, when it comes to insecurity, we have to learn to give it a name but REFUSE to play its game! I try to remember this in my own friendships when it threatens to rear its ugly head. That’s one of the ways I’m personally trying to become part of the solution. Each of these girls (esp. my adorable daughters) are unique, tallented, and SO precious! However, some of them are very troubled, and I’ve heard women at church criticize them. It breaks my heart AND makes me angry!! Why? Because I know how discouraging it is to feel like “damaged goods”. I really believe that God has allowed me to see them in a different light.. the way that He does. So, I would have to say that my passion is to get these girls to see themselves the way their Faither in Heaven does! Beautiful.. more valuable than diamonds and rubies (The real BLING factor!).. and strong, capable women who embrace femininity as a gift (and use it wisely). It’s time for the self-loathing to end!! I also have a passion to empower moms because our society has forced us to think that motherhood is a SERIOUS waste of time! How on earth could we fall for such lies? Because Satan will always attack those who threaten Him the most! By leaving our children to raise themselves, we are playing devil’s advocate.. we’re doing the dirty work for Him!! Motherhood is not a sign of weakness, girls. And it is certainly not for wimps.. It is for strong courageous women who, like Mama Beth has emphasized, are clothed in dignity and strength.. AND for women who know that Christ is our POWER SOURCE– so, it’s time to get plugged-in!!!
hannah
Southwest,OH
18
single
1. It’s such a God thing that this question was posted today, because God answered it last night. I went to pick up one of my dearest siestas from college and bring her home for the holiday weekend. Ya’ll you would absolutely die over this girl. She’s as cute as she could be. All 5’1, skinny as a rail with a heart so in love with her Savior its indescribable. She confessed to me that she’s been struggling with feeling pretty and has even gone so far to make excuses so she doesn’t have to go out with her friends because she doesn’t feel attractive enough. Let me tell you, she’s gorgeous. Her heart for the Lord only makes her more beautiful. As were sitting talking I realized that I need to be secure, to help her be secure. Our friendship started out as a discipleship relationship and now we are, please pardon what I’m about to say, bff’s. It broke my heart to see her pain. (Sorry this was so long!)
2. Chapter 15 hit me like a ton of bricks. The very first trip up I have is comparing myself to every other woman I meet. A dear friend told a phrase once that I will NEVER forget, “Comparison is the kiss of death.” Just because another woman is beautiful, doesn’t mean I’m not. I also need to make sure that when I feel insecure around someone, to not make them feel insecure as well. I’m ashamed to admit that I had to confess doing this.
3. My passion. I want the girls I know, both young and old, to know what its like to love Christ. The siesta I described in question 1. is someone who is fairly new to knowing how ridiculous it is to love her Savior. We were both in tears just talking about how lost this world is and how grateful we are that Christ set us free. I was everyone to know what it’s like to be loved by and to love Jesus Christ, but I’m starting with the few that I have been blessed enough to know personally.
1. My inspiration? My two girls… and I suppose I should include my son, too. I don’t want them bound the way I have been. Insecurity is mean! It robs you of much! Already I can see that they are such freer than I ever was. I love their confidence… I LOVE their confidence… which doesn’t come from me, but comes from our Lord!
2. Preach it, teach it, tell it, show it every time you get a chance to. Look for ways to build others up. Remind them of who they are because of Whose they are continually. Help those you come in contact with to realize the extent of God’s love for them, so that they can love Him with all of their hearts, minds, and souls, and so also learn to love themselves and thus also others despite what they’ve done.
3. I have a passion for those imprisoned…. whether physically, spiritually, or mentally. My fueled passion flaming inside me has me currently doing voluntary bible studies inside womens prisons. And I must say that I am benefiting every bit as much as they are. I LOVE those girls and their precious hearts!!! One of my greatest passions is to let them know that God still has a plan and purpose for them… I try to encourage them to live that out. He not only knows where we are, but He uses us wherever that is!
Elisabeth
Modesto, Ca
20s
single
The more I consider the three chapters & ?’s, the more I realize they all have the same answer. It all ties together. I have a passionate drive & compassion to see the freeing work of Jesus Christ get ahold on Jr. High & High School girls. The Lord placed me in High School ministry 6 yrs. ago & the passion has come and grown since. The longer I wk with them, the more intense my desire to see them become freed up becomes. I began while in much bondage- stumbling around. The Lord has broken me free of so much & I now publicly (against my will-it’s scary to get up & teach!) speak & teach the things Gods done & taught me through you on a weekly basis. I long to see younger ladies get freed up more and more. The drive just grows within me! I have to ask the spirit to be my guide each day, because of the influence I have. I ask for tight reins & control over my mouth & actions so that i don’t fall back into relational pits. It takes work. But the Lord has me in His grip. One day at a time. We’re doin the thang!
My two sons have chosen well, each blessing their father and me with a precious daughter-in-love. Andrew and Brittany will celebrate their 3rd anniversary on May 4th. Peter and Leslie will begin their life together in just 65 days on June 5th. Guess what I get to do today? Leslie invited me to go with her for her dress fitting. (Insert my excited squeal!) Brittany and Leslie are beautiful young women of God and worth every second of living an authentic, abundant life in Christ with Christ confidence.
To live the solution, rather than contributing to the problem of insecurity, I choose from this day forward to renounce all comparison – it is a soul stealer and I want no part of it. I resolve to speak the truth over it every time it comes up. Godliness with contentment are great gain.
My dream is to be a published author and right now I have two works in process, one of them being a novel which is way out of my comfort zone, but the audience to whom I’m writing don’t live anywhere close to where I hang out and do life. While my dream is to write, my passion is very much intwined with the non-fiction work I have in progress. For several years, the Holy Spirit has been giving me Scripture verse prayers to pray over my lost loved ones and the loved ones of my faith family. My vision and passion are for mobilizing the saints in prayer for the lost and I believe God is calling me to take it to the next level by writing this prayer tool and getting it out there for the body of Christ. It would take more space than allowed, especially since we were asked to be suscinct, for me to tell you how God has worked in my life and changed me as I’ve prayed His word over others, but it will be included in the book so you can read it when my dreams of publication become a reality. Until then, please pray for me to stay with it, to keep pressing on, and to do what a courageous person would do – keep writing. Think I’ll do that now. I’m not even going to take the time to check for any spelling or grammar errors.
Much love to all of you,
Patti Hayes
married, late 40’s
Hi there-
I hope it’s ok if I jump in here. I’ve been following your blog and reading the book but have never posted. Just been yearning to be a part of this!
This may be out of order but… Beth, I just love what you said about someone else’s talents/gifts not taking away from our own and since then I have been trying to be very deliberate about recognizing other womens gifts and trying to encourage my daughter’s in this as well. It feels wonderful to be able to say “so and so is just so talented or beautiful or… whatever!” and to be able to encourage that woman – without feeling it as a threat against myself (I am usually overly adept at comparing myself unfavorably…). We prayed 1Peter 4:10 for our chuildren in my MIT group this week. We ALL have gifts! there is no superiority or inferiority!
I am desperate to find security so that my daughters (ages 8 & 10)might come by it more easily and I do think sooooo much of it has to come from how we view other women! My mom always hated women – every woman was a threat (and, no wonder, since she was cheated on by my dad so many darn times!).
I am feeling more and more a desire to work with young women (teens) partially because that was such a difficult time for me – and we seem to carry those years our whole lives. I have a BA in social work and have been think about going back to school so that I could counsel in some capacity but, alas, God has suprised us and we are expecting baby #3 in the fall! I still have a lot to work out and work on in my own self, too…. so my passions (other than raising my two amazing daughters) are still working themselves out and I am just praying to stay focused on the Lord. because, after all, “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who l;ove Him.” (1 Cor 2:9) For now I’m just hanging on that verse and trusting He has a plan in all of this… Thanks for being a part of what God is speaking to me. I have been so thankful for your teaching and for this blog! Sorry this is so long!!!!
Dearest Beth,
How do you do that? I am so far away yet you speak to me like I am in your closest circle of friendship.
God bless you my sister, I know he has… I think of Joseph…I see the LORD’s hand on you… “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” Genesis 39:2-3
My heart aches to be in my part of the world what you are in yours. My heart aches to…sometimes I…I have dreams and aspirations bigger than I could ever pull off and I pray for the courage to be Deborah Ceclila Barrett Hipp…to take God at his Word over me. When I am before God in the wonder of Jesus I am full and desire…I don’t know if I am expressing with understanding…
Serving in the “little” things and that’s important also :),
Deborah
I totally get it Deborah, we’re true siestas here! I highlighted a quote about this in the book, page 187 (from a man, but still), “I sometimes feel insignificant-like I was born for something great but that I wasted it and I’ll never get there now.” I think we need to remember that God, who gave us our gifts, knows the desires of our hearts. While we have faith that He will work through us in those big dreams we have, we also know He’s with us in each “little” thing that we do. God needs all kinds of servants, and I’ve come to believe that there must also be those who serve in the little things that we might think are pretty insignificant but actually do make an impact. So let us do our little things with joy and security =)
God’s peace and blessings,
Sandy
Deborah Cecilia
50
Married
CT
Beth, I just want to thank you again for this whole process. I will answer the blog questions later. For now I’d just like to share with you an awesome experience I’ve had this past Sunday because of your book and the simulcast. I was asked to speak as a “promo” for the simulcast coming up on the 24th. Our pastor had been announcing it but I thought a more personal announcement should be made from someone who has been reading the book and following the blog. Well, that person was me. I stressed and prayed and practiced what I wanted to say so many times out loud, in my head, in front of a mirror, on the phone to a friend. If I was alone, I was going over my speech. As Sunday was approaching I was getting more and more nervous so I thought “I’ll bring up cue cards in case I draw a blank”. Well I’d been praying all week for God to just take over my body so that I could get through this without embarassment or tears (I’m a cry-er). As I was considering taking those cue cards I heard a little voice telling me “if you take those cue cards then you are not relying on me, you are relying on yourself.” So for the first time ever, I COMPLETELY relied on the Lord’s strength and left those cue cards at home. I went up there and spoke and it was awesome! I don’t even remember what I said or if I said all the things I wanted to say. But I figure, God was speaking, not me, so whatever came out of my mouth was what He wanted to say through me. I was told after the service that some women who were not planning on going to the simulcast had signed up. I’m so pleased because I’ve been helped tremendously through this book and blog and would love nothing more than to see other women helped as well. Thank you Lord for giving me the priviledge of relying on You and trusting You COMPLETELY. And thank You Lord for Beth because she is Your servant speaking Your truth through her gift of writing. AMEN!
Wendy, you’re awesome!!
Thanks for sharing your little story Wendy. That was a total uplifter. Good job SiestaFriend!
: )
Chris
1. I would have to say that this answer is two-fold for me. First, I know my outlook is displeasing to my God and that makes me sad. I long to please him, and this is motivation for me. I’m talking about feeling God’s pleasure in viewing myself as a child of the Most High God and honoring Him! (doesn’t that make ya’ll want to do a happy dance?!) Second, would be my two sweet girls and, equally, my two marvelous boys. I want my girls to be godly young women who see themselves in a healthy light, but I also want godly boys who recognize a healthy woman when he encounters her and also understands that his income isn’t a measure of his worth (not that there’s a thing wrong with making a little money, so everybody hear my heart there).
2. I am intentionally choosing to NOT mention a woman’s appearance when I compliment her. I’m really bad to mention how someone looks, what they’re wearing, their hair, etc… And yes, I just love me some shopping!! But, I’m starting to realize that I almost always notice their exterior and rarely compliment women who I know good and well have some seriously godly qualities. SOOOOO….I’m going to consciously say, “You are such a blessing in the pre-school department”, “You are so appreciated as part of the welcoming committee”, “Thank you for being so efficient”, “You’re patience is absolutely inspiring and I needed that today!”, etc… I just flat don’t do that enough and I don’t why?! It’s so much easier to tell someone I like her shirt! Hummmpf…that’s kinda pathetic typed out liked that, isn’t it?
3. My biggest passion is the Bible and youth. I want our youth to be skilled in apologetics. They don’t have to be Ravi (but it would ROCK if they were!!), but they so desperately need us to stand up and teach them what they are crying to hear! They need to be able to defend their faith as an absolute truth when they head out into the world, especially if they’re heading to secular colleges and Universities. The need to be fully grounded in the Word when the World, Satan and false religions come calling. They are being sent out virtually defenseless. It’s almost like we, as adults, have decided they can’t handle anything deeper than Winter Jam. Or we’ve checked out and we’re allowing the world to tell us what our kids should be instead of believing what God says they are. Does that ring with anyone other than me?? (it almost gives me a nose bleed!)
I love ya’ll, siesta’s. I pray for ya’ll and I think of you guys often. I’m lifting you ladies up Siesta Momma, Amanda, and Melissa. Press on… 🙂
Your answer to #2 was such an inspiration and challenge to me. It’s so easy to compliment people on what we can SEE. But I always feel so encouraged when people notice things about me that are deeper than the surface!
OH, #2 hit me too. I’m bad about that!
Ah, Beth. You are so clever. You knew what was going to happen to us or rather who we would have become by this time of your book. I will answer the questions next week but I absolutely must share this story with you and all the siestas. Michele’s comments resonated with me hard because even though I have family around me I still feel lonely a lot. Bad things happened at my house this week which included a missing 20 year old and a pistol. Monday was difficult. I wanted so badly to talk to someone but I just don’t have anyone I can talk to about stuff like that that won’t end up as gossip. So, like usual I turned to God. I spent the day in prayer as I got my five year old off to preschool and worked like the dickens to get payroll done etc etc. On Monday night when I found out he was safe in the hospital and not dead in a ditch I came a bit unglued and did “the ugly cry” as all the what-could-have-happened’s surrounded me. I cried out to my 18 year old daughter – “This is when it’s the hardest time to be a Christian!” Because of your book, believing in my strength and dignity in Christ I was able to go to God every time my mind went to another what-could-have-happened scenario. Beth, it was miraculous. God performed a miracle on me through you. This wonderful mixed-up 20 year old has put me (and his father) through several scares – never this intense though. And I handled it with strength and dignity so that when he came home on Wednesday I could love him like Jesus would love him and be thankful that we have another chance to show him Jesus’ love. My worldly self wanted to rip him apart. I was with him when he struggled when he was 12 and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. I believe in once saved always saved and God will continue to try and get his attention for as long as it takes. He will be a great man of God one day, of this I am sure – because he keeps coming back to the light. Just like I did Monday night. I realized insecurity has so many faces and one of them is the face of not believing God knows what He is doing. Beth, I crossed over this week – I believe God knows what He is doing. I honestly believe that I know this now. It happened when I felt so frightened and unsure and I called out – I can’t feel you God but I know you are carrying me right now! Oh, thank you so much.
Rene,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Patti
With tear-filled eyes I am rejoicing with you!
“courage is fear that has said its prayers!”
Blessings!
caroline
First,Thank you for all you do and I cannot wait for your next book or Bible Study.
I have read almost all your books on Paul, John, David, Jesus, Getting Out of the Pit,
and now So Along, Insecuries. I love your wonderful poem book On Things Pondered. Love your Bible Studies, too.
I like to share some of the things I learn with the ladies at my church, especially if I have a devotional to share or Sunday School class to teach. This is coming from someone who never like to read in school. You are so very special and a great teacher!
Now, for the questions:
1. Setting free from my insecurities is important to all my family members.
I am not sure where to start here. When I think of how God brought me a wonderful, Christian husband then later gave me twin boys it really is overwhelming.
Never would I expected twins! The first Sunday we took them to church my husband and I
had tears in our eyes. God had given us two precious, little boys to take care of.
I pray my boys will one day marry a girl that wants to live for God and they will also
live for God. They are Christians and go to college now. I have to be the right example, so they will make the right choices for God in life ahead.
My husband deserves a wife that is not selfish, self-centered and focused on myself, but on what God wants.
It is important to show my family who and what is more important. It is important they know where they can go to get the strength and help they need especially during the times that are hard. I like what Jennifer Rothchild said God is our treasure.
I will take me time in prayer, Bible study and God’s grace, to live abundantly and effectively for Christ.
2. Giving, pursing a life of purpose, helping others and trusting God is ways I would like to share my life with others. It is important that others see Jesus in us. One thing I am involved in Women’s ministry teaching Bible studies, sharing the gospel and helping those in need. (I will share a little story__this lady at work knows I am a Christian. She told me for whatever reason, she had two abortions. I immediately went into silent prayer mode, because this was very shocking, because I had never meet anyone like her before and I sure did not want to judge her. She told me she felt very guilty about what she had done. Gently, I told her there was someone who loved her and knew how to get rid of that guilt. I shared the gospel with her right there at work.)
These are the women who need Jesus.
3. My passion is to share the One who calms the sea and frees you from all our fear, the One who heals the broken-hearted,and who helps the blind to see and deaf to hear. I would like others to know that chains can be broken, they do not have to stay in the pit of despair or in the hole of depression. There is a way that seems right, but can lead to destruction. There is One who cries with us, who knows our every need,there is One who understands when we hurt, One who understands when we feel rejected and alone. There is One who can get rid of our guilt, our shame, our hopelessness and give us our freedom and give us purpose. There is One who sees and knows everything that we experience each day. There is One who has come and will be with us forever__and that One is Jesus Christ.
_This is what I feel in my heart. People need the Lord. `
Molly, 26
Northport, AL
Married to my best friend
I am slowly but surely making the journey with you ladies! I am just now beginning week 4 of the discussion {Ch 7&8}. I know I am behind, but I am determined to SHED this blanket of insecurity I’ve been dragging around and walk in the FREEDOM of who.I.am.in.Christ! Praise God! I thought I might be finished with the book & able to catch up with the online discussion by the time of the Simulcast, but even if not, I commit to finishing this journey! Thanks be to God!
1)My inspiration is my 18 month old daughter. She looks a little bit like the beloved AB. Liliani is my “pretty flower from Heaven”-meaning of her name. She has blue almond eyes, cute little nose, and small (trying to be big), sweet smile. Her hair is shoulder length and fine, half the time a bedhead mess and the other half in 2 low pigtails with a Big clip bow on top. She has just started climbing and getting into EVERYTHING, and I love her to pieces. I want her to know Jesus and the security He brings.
2)The biggest thing to me is to not try and get attention from other guys. To leave it to the Lord and my husband to give me the male attention I want. I don’t see it as a big problem for me, because I’m protective of my marriage and guard my heart much, but I do see that when I let me guard down, it’s one of the first things to tempt me. yikes.
3) My passion is for the persecuted church. I am heart broken over what they have to go through. I pray for them and will continue to. Much love to our bros and sisters around the world!
I have a 1 year old granddaughter I hope to be able to encourage.
My dream is to have a place someday that women could come for a weekend retreat perhaps at the beach or in the mountains. I would like to be able to offer a little pampering, alone time with God, and alot of his word to encourage ladies to keep on keeping on for the Lord, and to never give up on their marriages.
My passion is corporate worship. There’s just something about it. It makes me look at myself and surrender to His will.
Beth – thank you for this book, it really is opening my eyes about insecurity and how much it plagues each and every one of us.
I’m looking forward to the simulcast. I want to bring every woman with me….we all need it!
Thanks, again, for all you do….glad you finally got a day off. Blessings to you and the entire LPM staff. Happy Easter!
My kids heard, on KLOVE, that you were going to be on KLOVE tomorrow and got so excited for ME. Can’t wait to hear you.
P.S….♥ the pix of the 3 of you girls on the sidebar!
Hi Beth; I was one of those “sweet faces” who worshipped with the other 3300 girls back in Toronto last month. I wanted to share with you what transpired in the days immendiately following that beautiful time.
First of all, my sweet man knew I wanted to go to LPL so badly, but none of my girlfriends could make it. He knew I would go alone, but didn’t want me to make the 3 hour journey there, and then stay alone. So, bless his heart, he booked us a hotel-stay at a great place with indoor water-slide and pool for our boys, Mattias (8) and Micah (7), and was close to the event.
I went alone, happily, and just waited to let the LORD deal with me. He, of late, has shown me the level of giftedness in which He has entrusted me; but that I lack the mature character to move mightily through it. Don’t let this sound like Pride talking to you. My problem is that I keep getting in the way, if you know what I mean. It broke my heart that weekend and I wept bitterly as He tenderly dealt with this issue. I am HIS and I so want to worthy of HIM. I am learning to let Christ live in the areas that I let die in me.
And so Travis’ (and team) worship ended, and we all left the building. (Praise God for the saving of one of the Security Guys!) We all piled in the minivan and went on to my hubby’s parents for a visit. We hadn’t been there since Christmas. We had a wonderful time with the (huge Dutch) family, and made many fond memories. Several times that weekend the Lord called me to stop and take note of was really happening at that moment. I did and listened, but didn’t really want to see what was happening. “Old wine for old wine skins, and the new wine for the new wine skins” rolled over and over in my mind that long weekend. I won’t go into all the minute details of Gods’ indications to me, but we left our in-laws on the Tuesday morning in good shape to go up to the cottage, only to return back to our in-laws after a panic-ridden phone call that following Friday afternoon. Our family told us that our dear sweet father/father-in-law/Opa had suddenly been rushed to the hospital and was now on life support.
We made it to the hospital after a five hour car ride. Each of our boys whispered their prepared and personalized good-byes into their Opas’ ear; one chose to keep those final words a bittersweet secret between the two of them and the younger said he was sad to see him go, but to run to his already-passed mom and dad inside Heavens gates. And that very same large family gathered around him, in that ICU room, sang his favorite hymns, read his favorite Scriptures, and finally had the Pastor pray him Home. And then he was gone.
I am so greatful that I made it to hear you speak that weekend prior. It was a divine appointment. I think you already knew that. Your words helped to prepare me for this family event, and allowed me to provide succour to those around me.
I finally must say that I was astonished to find as you stood by my section (front and center) that you are a lionness of a woman in a little teeny tiny frame!
May The Lion of Judah continue to use you mightily for His glory and honour.
Until the next time,
(I am asking Him for a ‘Deeper Still’ one day!)
Karen VDL
Karen,
You’re story really reached my heart! What a blessing your trip to Toronto was for you AND your family! You met God at the LPL event and then as He gathered your husband’s family together on that Friday, you met Him there again! These are memories that will stay with you, your husband and your boys for a lifetime. You’re boys sound like wonderful young men in the making.
Although I live just outside of Houston, our ‘Siesta’community seems so small when our hearts reach across borders. Have a beautiful Easter and enjoy the memories of your father-in-law, especially with the boys. BTW, I love their names!
Easter Blessings, Bobbie (College Station, TX)
Hi Bobbie
thank you for this. I am just now re-reading the posting directed to my posting and am interested to know if you are part of the Houston Tuesday Bible study. If so, what is it like? Please don’t make it sound too good, or else you will cause me to sin!!! As for my guys names – both God-lead – Mattias after Mathias the 13th disciple – demonstrates God’s grace and Micah after the good ol’ Jewish prophet – and yeah, my Micah sures likes to talk too!
Esater Blessings to your family as well,
Karen (Ontario, Canada)
Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti
Karen,
I’m praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Karen,
I’m rejoicing with you about God’s timing. Thanks for telling of His goodness to you!
Tami
What a precious family to send your loved one through that door with favorite hymns and scriptures and prayer, what a peaceful transition for your father-in-law! Thank you for sharing!