Doubt and insecurity...........
These are just a couple of things I have wrestled with in my life as a young girl, daughter, college student, wife, mom, friend, and teacher.
Renee Swope, author of A Confident Heart and dear friend of mine, would say the same thing to you about her life if she were writing this blog post.
I think that's why I loved her book so much! She made me realize I am normal! As I read each chapter of her book and highlighted Scriptures and spiritual truths, I was reminded that I am not alone in my highs and lows. I realized very quickly that living in this world qualifies each of us for episodes of second-guessing ourselves.
Riding to the airport with Renee late this summer, I got so tickled as I realized that (even as an author) Renee drives a mini-van which is happily overflowing with kid's toys, sandwich wrappers, and other reminders that her life is made up of more than moments of speaking at women's events and writing books! More important things!
She does not lose her confidence in the midst of the ordinary, though, and continues to humbly walk a life much like yours and mine.
Throughout her book, A Confident Heart, Renee talks about what we should do when doubt whispers haunting words like,
"I'm not good enough!"
"I'm such a failure!"
"I don't have anything special to offer."
"I can't stop worrying."
"I can't follow God consistently."
As I have faced a new full-time job this year, a son heading to college, a son moving across the United States to live 34 hours away from home, a daughter going through all sorts of things in middle school, and the list goes on an on, I have referred back to Renee's book many times for reminders that God is with me. When I remember Renee's story about learning to stop living in the shadow of doubt, I am able to live life in the light of God's promises and I am able to walk confidently!
If you want to learn more about Renee and her book, please visit her webiste by clicking on the word blog! She would love to hear from you!!! You can also meet Renee on Facebook!
You can order her book from Amazon by clicking here.
I have one copy of her book that I want to share!
Please post a comment (even if it's just a "hello!") by Sunday evening at 7 p.m., and you will be entered for the drawing!
Thank you for sharing life with me!
In His Grip,
27 Comments:
HI Tammy! I think of you often and hold out hope that someday I will make it to KCU and Grayson to say hello. Love you and your sweet family!
Jesse
Ah, living in the shadow of doubt... I can relate to that
* sigh *
Bless your heart, Tammy. Thanks for sharing all that you do.
* wondering how to get to Renee's blog site*
Patti, I changed the wording so it makes better sense....just click on the word "blog" and it takes you to her website! :)
Love you!
Love you, too, Jesse!
I so enjoyed Renee's book, or rather a taste of it on the net. One of the best things I have found about growing older is looking so many insecurities and the things that used to bother me.
They no longer seem to be important. There is one thought that bothers me and it is that there is no longer time to do something "big" with my life. So I guess the "I don't have anything special to offer." sort of applies to me.
so it's not just me huh? ;-)
sounds like a book I want to read...
Sounds like a wonderful book and author....
Sounds like a book I can retate to.
Thanks for the give away!
Sounds like a book I can relate to. Thanks for the give away.
Lisa Franke
lfranke@spencerian.edu
I feel so bad for women at this time. We go through so much and we hold onto so much. We need to think less, truly hand it over to God, and let Him guide us. Problem is we continuously take it back. God doesn't want us to doubt, he wants us to have faith. Why can't we do that all the time. I sure would like to win Renee's book. Another entry to ponder today. Hugs, Sandy
Tammy, you are such a strong woman, who I look up to very much. Even though your heart is broken through all the trials in life you have been through, you are still willing to share things with others to help them through rough times in life. God bless you. Love you.
Hi Tammy I miss you ... I would like to be entered in your drawing. I miss being able to be in Sunday School every week with work I sometimes am working away on sundays.
love you
Christine Adams
Tammy~Thank you for sharing about this book and an author who is realistic...and revived by her Lord each day! I am sure the book will be a blessing to everyone who reads it. I will definitely keep it in mind! God bless you, my dear friend! Love you always!
Terri H. Lorenz
Tammy, I love reading your blog and miss you so much at school. Think of you often. I need to read this book and share with Lincoln. Life seems to be overwhelming sometimes for all ages.
Love you,
Donna
Hello Tammy....
I have read your blog and cant imagine how you get through each day....and I realize the ONLY way you do is through your faith in Jesus Christ. Your words are an inspiration to me....as I am struggeling with my own faith and "baggage" that I cant seem to put down. Keep up the good work and please add me to your list of those who wish to win this book.....even if I dont win, I am sure I will buy it one day as it seems it is really speaking to me at this point of my life...
Thank you again
In HIS presious name,
Jana Brown
Tammy, you're an inspiration to me! What an instrument for God. Thanks for being willing to share of yourself and for your willingness to cheer us all on. Love yoU!
I think we all deal with insecurities in one way or another. If only we all could see ourselves as God sees us!
Thanks Tammy for opening your life to others...giving encouragement, inspiring and just loving on others as you do so well! I KNOW God will one day tell you, "well done my faithful servant!" Love you much!
Love you!!!!
Dana
Hi my friend. I miss you. Count me in on book drawing
Shannon
Hello, Tammy! I love reading your blogs! Thanks so much for sharing your life and encouraging words with us! Each day it seems like it is just meant for me!
I love you all so much! Honestly, your prayers and words of love keep me moving forward in my faith! I noticed, though, that some entries do not have names, and it occurred to me that I didn't specifically explain how to enter the drawing for Renee's book. YIKES!
So if you posted a comment to enter the drawing, please either post again and include your email address or email me at tammynischan@yahoo.com!
Hi Tammy. I love reading your blog...it always brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. You are such an inspiration to us all.
Love you, Sheila Bowen
lobowen@blueone.net
I need to read this book then pass it on to my daughters. So many times we think we aren't good enough or we don't measure up! Thanks be to God for His loving mercy and grace, He can make us good enough! Thanks for sharing!
I could use a book like that! It is always nice to know that we are not alone in our trials of life and that we do matter. Thank you Tammy! Your heart and His words help me go on every day :)
Hi Tammy,
I teach highschool and college age girls on Wed. night. It always breaks my heart when I see these young girls buying into the world's message that they arn't enough. This book seems like it would be wonderful reinforcement that I could share with them. To know they arn't alone in their doubts.
Thank You for your inspiration!
In Christ's Service, Kelly Davis
Hey, Tammy. Still consistently reading your blogs...thank you for always being an encouragement!
Holly Hannum
I thank God that our paths crossed at the Elkhorn Valley Women's Retreat. I enjoy reading your blog .. You are such an inspiaration!
I love you all so, so much!! :)
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