 |
A funny thing happens when you write a post about rejection for all the world to see. Other women come out of hiding and find the courage to admit that they too know that feeling all too well. In addition, it seems that every message God has been sending my way have been to expose the lies I’ve believed and offer healing in his truth.
You see, rejection isn’t the problem. No, it doesn’t feel too great, but the real problem is the lies we accept as truth because of rejection.
I’m not enough.
I’m not pretty enough.
I’m not talented enough.
I’m not 3 enough.
I don’t wear the right clothes.
The list goes on and on. . .
This weekend, my family made a stop at LifeWay as my husband wanted to purchase a Bible study. The girls and I did a little browsing as well, though I didn’t have any intentions of buying anything, I was just curious what was available. Then I saw a book written by a woman named Holley Gerth who I had recently met at Blissdom. I was a little excited since I haven’t met too many authors. I picked it up and read the title: You’re Already Amazing. (Hmm.) Then I read the back cover:
Psst . . . pull up a chair and I’ll tell you a secret. You’d better lean in close for this one.
Ready?
You don’t have to do more, be more, have more.
I’m sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over.
But it’s true.
It’s the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that’s what it did for me. . . .
So watch out, sister. If you keep reading you just might be next.
Oh boy. This book was coming home with me.
If God had been nudging me towards truth, this was a whiffle-ball bat up side the head full of truth that is speaking directly to my heart. And she’s saying some pretty outlandish things — true things, but wild by what I currently, and incorrectly, believe. One thing that she writes that is sticking out to me is this passage:
. . . God finished the sentence: “You are not enough . . . in me you are so much more.”
- We are much more than pretty . . .we are wonderfully made.
- We are much more than likeable . . . we are deeply loved.
- We are much more than okay . . .we are daughters of the King.
I think the enemy tricks us into believing we are not enough because he knows if we discover the truth, we’ll be unstoppable.
I wish I could put everything she says here in this post as succinctly and convincingly as she does. But there’s an reason I don’t know many authors. I am not one. And I’m just grasping these truths for myself. However, if you struggle with that little voice in your head telling you that you are not enough, I strongly encourage you to pick up Holley’s book.
I’m so excited about what I’m reading, and desperately want each of you to cease believing those lies that have been in our life for so long, that I’m going to go out and buy another copy of You’re Already Amazing just so I can give it to one of you. I wish I could give a copy to each of you, but I may be enough, but unfortunately, I’m not rich. . .
To enter, please just leave a comment below and a way for me to contact you. For extra entries, tweet about the giveaway with a link back here. Just make sure you leave another comment telling me you did so! I’ll announce the winner on Friday.
I’m serious when I say I wish I could buy a book for each and every one of you. With each comment that has come in, either on this blog, on Facebook, or directly to my email inbox, I’ve been both relieved to know that I’m not alone, but heartbroken that anyone else feels the pain of never feeling like they are enough or fit in. So regardless of whether you win or not, know that I’m praying for you. As Holley also says in the very first chapter, this life isn’t a competition. We’re sisters. Sisters who complement and complete each other. Perhaps that doesn’t resonate with you the way it does me, but to me that means that we’re in this together! So let’s see what happens when we start believing, really believing, that “you’re daughter of God, a holy princess, a woman created with strengths you’ve yet to fully grasp and a story that’s still being written by the divine Author himself.”
|
This post came up in my reader this morning and I just sat there staring at he screen after I read it. I think this is really what I needed this morning. I have been struggling a lot lately with appearance. I am bigger than I was before I had my daughter. I am not overweight, just bigger, and it bothers me. I find myself constantly comparing myself to others and all that does is make me feel horrible about myself. I have been trying lately to know that that leftover stomach flab is like a trophy for a beautiful and wonderful little girl that is my daughter. I think I need to read this book as it would help me get to that place of place I am trying to reach.
Lori, you are amazing and a great writer. Your talents never seem to end. The things in the book you write about are things I already know but need to be reminded of them often. Thank you. I just may buy it. God Bless.
I would love to win this book for my young teenage daughter. These days, young girls are faced with so much pressure to look a certain way and be a certain way. I want to teach her that she is perfect just the way God made her.
Lori, I’ve known you since you were a baby. I didn’t see you very often because the the distance but when I did I saw you as that cute little thing so full of energy, you became a beautiful teenager, I thought maybe a little ditzy?
AND then when we attended your wedding I was so amazed at the beautiful Godly young woman you grew up to be.
NOW I am blowen away by the depth of your charcter, your willingness to open your heart so others can heal from the hurts of their past. Your insights truely are an inspiration and a blessing.
Oh, and BTW, you have no idea how ‘rich’ you really are!
I just ordered 2 of these books!!!!
I feel the same way. This book is amazing. I didn’t write directly in my book because I KNEW I’d be loaning it out. I’d love another copy to give away to a friend.
Why don’t I know about this book yet? Thanks for posting this…
it sounds amazing. count me in for the giveaway… and keep on healing, and sharing
Had to smile at this – not the part where we believers let the devil whisper lies in the hopes of diminishing God’s perfect truth. No, I’m smiling at the witness Holley is to her readers. Reading her blog, her posts on (in)courage and the proud owner of her book “God’s Heart for You,” I know all too well the comfort & assurance she so eloquently gives us sisters in Christ!
Thanks for sharing how her words touched you – amazing the truths God will “hand us” in our moments of need!
I also tweeted – again, thanks for sharing!
I would love to win a copy of this book! It sounds as amazing as the title itself. Ever since I started following Holley’s blog, I’ve wanted this book, but don’t have the money to buy it.
And I actually already tweeted about this
Great post Lori! Sounds like an amazing book! I’m thrilled what an impact it’s had on you. I love to see sparks light people up! That’s when awesome things happen. I think I should read it too! Sending you and yours lots of good thoughts and hugs. Love! -R