I have something really important to tell you today. Lean in close. Really let this get past your self-doubts and into those assurance-seeking places in your heart…
Yes you. The beautiful one sitting there looking at the screen.
I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but it’s true. You fill God’s heart with absolute joy and every day you take His breath away with your smile.
Just a slight glance in His direction makes Him pause. He loves the unique way you do things. He really enjoys watching others love on you and bring out His best in you. And He’s not critical of your mistakes like you sometimes think, or waiting for you to do something productive. He simply delights in you because you are His. And that is enough.
It took me 20 years to understand and 10 more years to truly believe this was the reality of God’s love for me. The same was true for my friend Sheri Rose Shepherd who I’ve asked to be a girlfriend guest blogger with us today. Like many of you, I’ve been blessed by God’s words written through her, so today I’m giving away a copy of her book, “His Princess.“ More about that in a minute.
Sheri Rose is a woman who can relate to almost any woman’s battle. A former Mrs. United States, she grew up in a dysfunctional home and was severely overweight as a teen. As a young woman, she battled depression and an eating disorder. In spite of an English teacher telling her she was “born to lose” and a learning disorder—Dyslexia—Sheri Rose has (in God’s strength) become a Best Selling and award-winning author. Sheri Rose is also an internationally known speaker and Bible life coach.
Today, in my devotion on P31 and Crosswalk, I shared about God’s lavish love for us and how He wants us to live “loved” because we are. Then I asked Sheri Rose to share with us what she believes is the most important thing for women to know, so we can grasp the depth of God’s love for us. Here is what she said:
People often ask me, “How did you break free from your painful past and the lies and learn to embrace truth.” To be honest, I still have to fight the lies I’ve believed about myself. It seems to be the battle each woman I have met faces.
Many of us have experienced what I call “Spiritual Identity Theft.” We’ve somehow lost our confidence in who we are in Christ, and we feel worthless or wounded by someone’s words.Others of us hold in our hearts a false identity. We believe a lie about ourselves and we have allowed that lie to define us.
I understand what it is like to feel worthless and walk with a wounded heart from hurtful words. Perhaps you’re just recognizing the root of the lie you have been living in.Maybe it was hurtful words spoken to you by a father or mother, brother or sister, teacher, boyfriend or husband. Maybe it was an employer who thoughtlessly felt like dumping lies on you.
I don’t think those hurtful words are easily forgotten but I do know healing and wholeness can become reality in our lives when we learn how to embrace God’s truth.You do not have to let others’ hurtful words define you anymore. They did not give their life, as Jesus did, to prove your worth. We are Daughters of the King of Kings whether we feel like it or not.
Let me be a spiritual mentor and give you the three keys to unlocking lies and finding your true identity, I call it “a truth makeover.”
1. Know the Truth. You Are…
- Chosen By God (John 15:16)
- A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Holy and Pure (1 Peter 2:9)
- A Trophy of His Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
- His Princess Warrior (2 Timothy 4:7)
- His Beloved Bride (Psalm 45:11)
2. Speak The Truth…
Whenever a lie is spoken to you or a lie enters your mind, speak this Truth out loud…
“That is a lie. My worth is not in what anyone else says about me or what I feel at the moment.”
3. Fast Off Speaking Lies
Try a seven-day fast by not speaking anything negative about yourself or repeating any lies that have been spoken over you or about you. If possible, ask a friend to hold you accountable to speak only truth.
4. Read this Love Letterfrom God:
My Chosen Daughter,You are royalty even when you don’t feel like a princess. How you feel about yourself will never change the truth of who you are in Me. You are My treasure, and I have chosen you. If you ever begin to doubt your significance, just look to the cross and remember I gave my life to prove your worth. I see your heart and I know you fight to find truth. So start by recognizing who I am: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and your Daddy in heaven. Saturate yourself in My truth and you will discover how loved and treasured you are.
Love, Your Lord who is Truth
Living Loved Give-away
- 2 Free BibleLife coaching sessions(One winner)
30 days of spiritual mentoring with Sheri Rose
You keep one session and give one away!
- Rest Assured message on CD by Renee Swope
How to Stop Worrying & Start Resting in God’s Promises
2 copies of this message on CD (one winner). You keep one and give one away!
- His Princess: Love Letters from Your King
One book by Sheri Rose Shepherd
***********************
To enter to win, click on the word “comments” below this post, and type in the white box. Sheri Rose and I would love to know your first name, your age, where you are from, who you will invite to do the Bible life-coaching sessions with you or who you’d give the extra of my message on CD to. Please be sure to sign up for email updates in my right sidebar (so you will know if you win), or leave your email in your comment so we can notify you. I’ll announce the winner next Monday, March 7th.
My name is Marla and I'm 48. I live in Montana. I would love to give the extra CD to a young lady that I am caregiver of. I believe it would really touch her heart. The extra coaching session would go to my dear friend Teresa. Thank you for the chance to win.
[email protected]
I'm 54 years old and have been walking with the Lord for most of my life. I know God loves me, but I know my problem is sometimes that I don't love myself. Thank you, thank you for sharing these truths.
I live in Peru, IN, and would share the coaching or the CD's with my daughter. She is a college student and struggles with her self-confidence and worth.
My e-mail adress is [email protected].
May the Lord continue to bless your ministry as you speak His truth.
Grace
Hi Renee and Sheri,
I am Robyn from Millington Tn. I battled for years with the feeling that I was no good and that God wanted nothing to do with me. It is amazing that His love is unconditional and that He loves women so much. That He loves me so much. I am very thankful to you Renee that you reminded me of how important I am to the Lord.
Blessings to both of you,
Robyn
Karla (25) from WI…. would love to get this and share with my closet friend who moved far away from me or for my mother-in-law…we want to do a bible study but live up here where there arent tons of people. This is so inspiring! thank you!
Dear Friends,
I am 44 and I live in KS. I would give one gift to a friend I work with and the other my sisters and I would share between us! Thank you Sheri for your words. God is truly speaking thru you.
God Bless You Both
natalie
Hello Ladies,
My name is Juanita. I am 29. I live in South Louisiana. And I would share both with a good friend of mine. I have only known her for just a few months but it seems that our past are very similar and we have become great friends encouraging one another in the Lord.
Thank you for the giveawya.
[email protected]
My name is Jimena, I'm 29 and live in south Florida. Today's devotional and blog post was truth spoken directly to my heart. The prayer brought me to tears. If I win I would share the coaching with my best friend and the CD with.another close friend. If I don't win I will definitely be buying the book. Thanks for such a beautiful message ladies. God bless 🙂
[email protected]
Hello Renee and Sheri,
Ladies, you both are a blessing!
My name is Sylvia and I recently turned 50! I live in sunny Florida.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and reminder of Father's love for us. Sometimes I forget how crazy God is about me! Zephaniah 3:17 is one of my favorite scriptures. I share it often, but only recently did I truly receive it for myself.
Renee, I printed out the scriptures you shared and gave them to my daughter. One of the hardest things for me will be…Fast speaking lies. How powerful are our words and sometimes they just slip out.
Shari, I had your book and recently gave it away to my Mother-in-Law for her birthday, after reading one of God's love letters to her on the phone. It made her cry and she hardly ever cries. I know that particular letter was meant for my mother, who suffers with bi-polar disorder and Father God ordained the perfect time to share it.
I also wanted to share, I felt led to give my two sisters, who recently lost their father (my step-father) your book instead of a symphathy card. We live in three separate states. I know these beautiful letters are ministering healing to them.
I would share the book and your CD with my precious 16 year old daughter(who also has a learning disability),as she is walking through a time of healing and truly needs to know how much her King loves her and the beautiful Princess she is. I would invite and share the the Bible life-coaching CD with hopefully more than one friend in my home. I would give away a CD to a friend who walks the journey with a special needs child. My son is autistic and our whole family is walking through a time of healing. Father God is faithful!
Abundant Blessings!
i'm cheryl soon to be 49. i would love to share the cd with my daugh
ter or my friend jeri. i ever feel good enough.
What a message! I find myself believing the lies Satan whispers in my ear. I am a daughter of the King of Kings but sometimes forget that fact! Thank you again for this reminder that I can choose to believe that Christ walks with me to help me moment by moment. If I won giveaway I'd share with my friend Nancy who also has a hard time believing she should live the good life with self esteem.
Thank you so much. Your submission to Encouragement for Today's Woman sincerely touched me and reminded that God is so close to me anwants the best for me. I am not worthy of His love but everyday He tells me that I am. I am striving to be better for Him, to be the woman that He wants me to be. Please pray for me, sending my prayers for you and your family.
Renee,
I read your posting on Jill Savage's site and it so spoke to my heart today. I am a stay-at-home Mom with four kids – a 5-year old son and 19-month triplet girls. Most days are joy-filled, but this week I had one of those days. I had to apologize to my son several times and explain that today Mama needed the attitude adjustment.
So, your posting lifted my spirits and reminded me of all the reasons I love to be at home, even when I don't do the job I want to do.
Thanks for sharing your heart:)
In His service,
Barb
[email protected]
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tonight I so needed to read this.
If I received the coaching or cd's, I would share them with my wonderful mother in law. She has been such a blessing in my life. She deserves to be reminded again how loved she is.
I'm going to do the fast. It will be so hard for me but it is just the thing I need to do.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Hi I'm Karen, age 45, from central Illinois! I would share the gifts with my beautiful sister Deb. Thanks so much for your wonderful words of encouragement! God bless!
I'm Amy, and I'm 32. If I were to win, I'd share either one with my friend Susan. She's been like my mentor for the past few years, and this year has been hard for her. I know that she likes Sheri's book and that she'd love to hear more from her.
Thanks!
Amy
My name is Beverly. I just turned 31 in January and I live in Grand Rapids, MI. I am a single mom of a 6 year old little lady. I would share this with my friend who is going through some tough times.
A friend sent me to your website and this is the first time I have looked through it. How inspiring, comforting, and just what I need. Wish I would have known about it sooner!
Thank you!
My name is Jaymie, I am 40 and I live in Indiana. I would share the coaching or CD with my SIL. She has had SO much stress this year already and I am worried about how she is holding up with everything.
Thanks!
I'm Jane, 49 and live in NC. I would share the life coaching and/or CDs with my neighbor who has faced many difficulties this year.
Can I just say I am sobbing right now! I just left a leadership conference and I so needed to here this today. I have really been struggling with discerning God's voice within ministry lately and because of my past, allowing satan to get in those jabs. I have come a long way in my journey but find myself at yet another crossroad. I would share the gift of coaching with a friend who is having difficulty in her marriage and who is also burdened with a dysfunctional upbringing. The Cd's I would share with another gal within this group who is also struggling with realizing who she is in Chrst.(the heart – not head knowledge!) Thank you so much for your words and sharing your journey with us! You have both blessed me this day.
Monica Turley (40 yrs in 2 weeks!)
[email protected]
Thank you, thank you , thank you for this huge and much needed encouragement and reassurance. I hadn't heard of Sheri Rose's books but will investigate. And Leebird, first to post here…I could also have written that first paragraph! I'll be turning 42 this year and very disappointed in my responses to God in the past two years. I don't want to waste any more time or go round in circles and would like to get right past all my fears, resistance and hang-up's!
Hi! I'm Adrienne, 36, and from California. I'd love to share the coaching with my friend, Jennifer, who has a hard time accepting God's abundant grace and love.
Thanks for offering such a great blessing!
[email protected]
Dear Renee, Thank you so much for your loving message today, I believe it was God's reminder to me at this time when my heart was painful from repeated blows on already open wound!
I was holding my sleeping baby while reading halfway into your message, tears blurred my eyes forcing me to close and pray and thank Him who loved me so dearly.
Hi,
My name is Christina. I am 37 years old, and I live in Ohio. It was so encouraging to read your messages today; I've battled self-esteem issues since I was a girl and want desperately to break free from those chains.
If I received the gift pack, I would share the coaching with my friend Teresa. She has had two brain surgeries, which have left her with some visible deficits. She is an amazing woman who loves God with all of her heart and always seeks to be closer to Him.
I would share the CD with my mom (is worrying genetic??!).
Thank you for sharing yourselves with others to build up God's Kingdom!!
[email protected]
My heart about just jumped out of my skin when I read this introduction. Reading this today has encouraged me in a mighty way.
Dyslexia—Sheri Rose has (in God’s strength) become a Best Selling and award-winning author. Sheri Rose is also an internationally known speaker and Bible life coach.
I also struggled with dyslexia when I was a child. I grew up thinking that something was wrong with me.
I am forty five years old now and I am fighting hard to overcome this lie. The lie screams at me day and night, "you are dumb and your writing is awful."
Fear that something is wrong with me, I have a hard time stepping out and taking risks.
I want to write for the Lord and daily I have to work through the mental block of doubt and fear.
If I were to win I would share with my friend who is struggeling in her marriage. She is broken hearted, a mother of two, and she is standing strong to fight for her marriage. Her husband had an affair and he is overcoming a sexual addiction as well.
Hi-
I'm Amy, 31, and live in WI. My husband and I have 2 wonderful children-the youngest our first boy who is 5 weeks old. I would share the coaching w/ my twin sister. We could grow and learn together.
Amy V.
My name is Jennifer and I am going to be 50 this year. I have spent hours upon hours over 14 years time trying to learn and believe truth, and have once again found myself battling depression. The training you spoke of would truly be a gift. I know many of us need it.
The letter from our Father was very meaningful to me b/c it said "I see you fight for truth." The timing of this encouragement was truly miraculous.
The Lord has allowed me to minister, even in this place, to a friend named Lou Ann who grew up with a similar "religious" background and family. I would share any learning materials with her.
I would be more than grateful for any part of these offers. Thank you so much for confiding that it has taken you so long to learn and unlearn things. I have truly believed for a very long time that I am alone in being so slow to learn. Thank you for your ministry and your consideration.
Hi,
I am new to your blog (three days). A friend shared it with me and I am so needing the encouragment. I have been out of work since August due to downsizing of the company I loved working for. Looking for work has been difficult especially at the age of 58.
I would share the coaching or CDs with my friend Babs, she has had a lot to deal with in her life and has done so remarkably well. She is loving, caring and the best of friends.
Cathy (Burnsville, MN)
What an awesome blessing this post is and how wonderful it would be to win the giveaway! If I won, I would give the other gift to my sweet friend Mary, who is a daily encourager to me and those who know her. She is in the midst of a lot right now and I know this would encourage her the way she does for others.
Thank you so much!
Sarah
[email protected]
The fb post from Proverbs 31 is what led me to your site and today's post. Oh my, I began to cry when I read your words. I asked Jesus into my heart around the age of 6 and I've been involved in church all my life. But it hasn't been until recently that I am beginning to understand his love for me. It isn't based on what I do or what I don't do. He loves me no matter what. I feel like I'm on the 20-year plan, too. I'm trying to grasp it and I'm so thankful for his mercy and grace in continuing to show me just how much with posts like yours, songs on Christian radio, and devotions that continue to drill it in. HE LOVES ME! I have read His Princess through once and am in the process of reading it through again. Such beautiful words Sheri has written. I'm so thankful how God has used her book to speak to this heart that struggles to accept HIS unconditional love. I'm 40, live in the heart of NC, and if I should win would share these gifts with my friend, Missi.
Again, thank you for letting God speak his love through you to me today.
Sweet Blessings,
Pam
[email protected]
Thank you so much for your post. I needed that today! I have battled this my whole life and as I have been teaching 5th and 6th grade girls I am aware they are already battling the lies.
The stress of raising two kids with an unbelieving spouse are hard but when hurtful words are used, it is hard not to let the lies replaces the truth. I struggle so much to stay sane and grow up in my faith despite all the times I've let God down with my anger, attitudes and actions just because it hurts so much.
I would give the copies to my sister, my friend.
Hi, the stress of raising kids and on top of that, raising kids with an unbelieving husband who chips away me and our two kids' self esteem with hurtful words can be overwhelming when we lose sight of how much God loves us. It's a battle and I have to give the Lord my mind to in order to be sane. Too mnay times I just wan to lose it all by giving in to the lies.
I would give the copies to my or sister or friend.
Hi Renee and Sheri, I'm Mary Logan, 40, from Greenville SC.
I would share the life coaching sessions or the CD with my friend Kimberly Robinson. Kim and I encourage each other through email daily, we enjoy sharing and discussing the Proverbs 31 blogs. Our friendship is priceless, we don’t see each other a lot but I can always count on her to encourage me when I am down on myself.
Thanks for sharing your gift.
Mary L
Hi, my name is Leah and I'm 54. I love the topic today. It perfectly fits me – the friendly, out-going person with a gift of hospitality, but who secretly lives with such insecurity that without the love of Christ, would threaten to become frozen by fear of rejection and past regrets. I am so thankful that God snatched me as a little girl up into His arms and held my heart through nearly a lifetime of verbal abuse, oppression and even self-condemnation. And even now has delivered me and is raising me up to fully become the woman He planned for me to be!
I would love to share this with a couple of dear women who, like me, need to be reminded daily of God's loving hand in their lives and how valuable they are to Him. I will pray for God to reveal which one.
I am loved by God , though I'm not as good as some people's standards. And more than that , I love people for who they are and do not dislike them for not meeting my standards .
Oh Renee, I loved your devo and this post! Sheri's words about identity theft hit home and go along with what God's been putting on my heart! Thanks so much for sharing!
As for me, I'm Jill from Iowa and on Friday I'll be 35. I'd share the coaching with my dear friend and mentor trusting it would bless us both as God is putting new adventures on our heart. I'd pass one of the CD's to my good friend, Allison who is a little nervous about adding her 4th child later this month.
Blessings,
Jill
I'm 51 and live in Hawaii. I would share this with my daughter in Oregon who misses me and whom I miss greatly.
Pam
Thanks so much for your P31 devo today! I needed it! I'm Jill from Indiana and I'm 42. I would probably share with a friend who has had been a support for mee through some difficult struggles and has is going through her own trials right now. Thanks.
Hello my name is Jennifer and I live in Texas. Reading your blog today hit me straight in the heart. I've been dealing and working on myself for about a month now. I suffered severe emotional abuse as a child and now at 32 I didn't even feel worthy of Gods love. I'm building a relationship now with God and realizing different. If I were to receive the package I'd share it with my daughter. Thank you and God bless u!
I'm Melissa, 26, from Mississippi. I would love to have any of these prizes to share with my mom. We are just alike and even struggle with similar things sometimes. My current struggle is learning to live loved! This post spoke directly to my heart. My goal this year is to learn to live loved, and really believe how much God loves me. I know it in my head, but I REALLY want to know it deep in my soul.
Dear Renee and Sherri,
My name is Peggy and I just turned 54 yrs. old. I have been married for 32 yrs. and have never been respected by my husband or loved the way a wife should be. Most of the problem stems from my husband's alcohol addiction. I have been physically and emotionally abused by this person, but because I don't believe in divorce, have stayed in the married. My self-esteem, well I'll be honest, what self esteem! I have none. I have isolated myself from almost everyone. My best friend, my mother, passed away 1 yr. ago today.
If I were to receive the 2 bible life coaching sessions I would share one with a friend, Mary Ruth. I would give the CD to my daughter.
Thank you both for your generosity and may God bless you.
Peggy
I'm Jane, 61, living in central Iowa and I have facilitated His Princess 6-week study last year at our church and have given Sheri's books as gifts…..they are so encouraging for women. I would share any giveaway with my friend, Tamera, the mother of four boys
I was thrilled to read your P31 devotion today and associated blog. As usual, the Lord sent His words right on time – when I needed most to hear this reminder. Although I am going thru many trials, I try to remember daily to thank my Father in Heaven before my feet hit the floor in the morning.
I will be 44 in April. I would share the additional copy with my cousin Brenda who is at a difficult spot in her life and just coming to Christ.
Hello Ms. Renee & Ms. Sheri,
My name is Selena and I'm 33 y/o, mother of a 6 y/o boy that I love and adore and a wife to my amazing husband of 14 years. We are currently in Sierra Vista, AZ. I am in a womens bible study that just finished up the book of Jonah with Priscilla Shirer. Image always worrying about things that are out of my control and I have found great comfort in knowing that God will always take care of me even when it is in a different way than I had planned. I would share Living "Loved" with my womens group as well as my sister that is "lost" and trying to find her way. Thank you for this opportunity.
God bless,
Selena
Hi – My name is Kim and I am 49 years old. I live outside of Clayton, NC, in the Cleveland School area.
I would chose my niece Brook and my friend Danielle to share in the bible-coaching and the CDs. They are both single moms, smart, beautiful. But, they struggle with their self-worth, ability as parents, and with feeling overwhelmed. I pray for them a lot.
Thanks for an awesome blog….I too, have fought the lies all my life that I heard growing up in a violent, drunken broken home. God is GREAT–I am loved, and I am worthy!
Thanks, Ladies,
Kim
I just saw Sheri's book not too long ago. I must have it!! I'm adding it to my Amazon cart and buying it with my next order. 🙂
Your words are soothing to my soul today sweet sisters.
I'm Lisa from Texas and I'm forty. Y'all have a great day 😀
Thank you for this message today. I really need to find a way for this to settle in my heart and soul and change my outlook on myself and my life. I have "head knowledge" of God's love but it's hard for that to work it's way into "heart knowledge."
I am forty years old and looking to find God's will for me in this next decade. I live in Missouri and I am a professional with three children and a passion for adoption. I am currently reading "Made to Crave" and I have just discovered your blog and Proverbs 31 Ministries. You are all a blessing to me.
If I win, I will share this gift with my sister. She is just starting her journey as a wife and mother and I think she would love to participate with me.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Lori
Hi there! My name is Rebecca and I'm 36 years old. I live in MS and would love to share the coaching or cds with my sister!
Thanks for sharing some important truth today!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Hi, my name is Stacey from Georgia, I would love to win the gift pack. If I won I would take one of my great friends who has been a wonderful blessing to me. I would also give her and her husband the extra CD. They have struggled with having a child for a couple of years and needs to know that they are still loved and that God has a great plan for them. My email is [email protected]
Hi there,
My name is Tracy and I am 35. I am a new mom and my heart's desire is to strengthen myself and my self image in the Lord so that the little lady who is watching me so closely will have a Godly rolemodel to follow. I would share this with my mother who has been given a lot to handle in her life and who struggles with feeling loved and a woman to be cherished. She deserately needs a message like this. Thank you for shining God's love and truth in your lives!
Tracy