I hated feeling this way…uneasy and so uncertain. If only I knew what what was making my emotions so wobbly. If only I could name it. Then I could figure out what to do about it.
One day He showed me. It was doubt. Not fear or worry, but self-doubt that made me question everything I thought, felt and said. I didn’t like it, but naming it helped me know how to pray. Naming it led me to confessions I needed to make and promises I could claim. Naming it made me feel like I could finally stand up to it.
Recently I spent some time with my friend, Ann Voskamp. Leah and I visited with her family on their farm in Ontario. While we were there, II was reading a chapter in Ann’s book, One Thousand Gifts, where she talks about the power of naming things. How essential it is to our healing and hope.
We spent time on the porch talking and Leah recorded our conversation so we’d be able to share it with you. It’s so good to know we’re not alone in our doubts and fears. As you’ll see, Ann and I had many that overshadowed our lives for so long, but we found healing and hope once we learned to them. Would you join us on the porch? Be sure to turn up the volume. A truck or tractor passes and it gets kind of loud. <Also, if you are reading this via email, just click on the post title to see the video on my website>
I love how Ann shared, “When you don’t have a name for something, you’re haunted by it’s shadows…But when you can name something… It loses it’s mask and you can find a strategy to deal with it.” (One Thousand Gifts)
Join us Friday…Ann and I kept talking, and we’d love for you to join us again on the porch. I could have talked with her all day! We’ll be back Friday to share more. If you’d like a reminder, simply put your email in the update box at the top of my website, and I’ll slip you a note in your inbox when it’s posted.
We have a few gifts… Would you leave us a little note by clicking “Share your thoughts” below this post. We’d love for you to be part of the conversation, too. And I’m giving away 3 signed copies of Ann’s book, so I”ll draw names from the notes you leave here.
One last thing… I wanted to share how Jesus has been working behind the scenes knowing the topic of today’s post. I’ve been receiving notes from many of you reading my Confident Heart devotions in The 7-day Doubt Diet. Just this week, here is what two of you wrote:
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“Renee, I just finished reading the Introduction and the first chapter of A Confident Heart . Thank you so much for writing a book like this and knowing exactly what it’s called that I’m going and have gone through all my life and didn’t know what it was called. ~ Sharon
“I’ve always doubted myself, but like you I called my different names. It felt so good to know and hear that I am not alone and that I can find my God-Confidence. ~ Megin
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I smiled, knowing it was all HIM!! You are on His heart and in His thoughts, my friends. And if you are curious, maybe now wanting to read Chapter 1 of my book, I’d love to share it with you.
Remember to “share your thoughts” below so I can choose the winners of the 3 signed copies of Ann Voskamp’s New York Times Best-Seller, One Thousand Gifts . I’ll announce the winners next Monday. And since we talked about overcoming self-doubts, I’ll tuck in a copy of my book with each of Ann’s for the three of you who win.
If you are reading this via email, please click on the post title to “share your thoughts” on my website and enter the drawing.
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I’m 48 years old now and still not able to answer the two questions you posed in Day 5 of the 7-day Doubt Diet. I’m taking the challenge to ask God what His dreams are for my life but most importantly, what I need to emotionally encourage my heart. My husband has always been a great encourager but it has never been enough and I’ve always had a hard time excepting his praise. I would love to know what resources you would recommend to help discover those passions, gifts and personality traits in me. Thanks for your ministry!!
Wow- I have been reading Ann’s blog, but thanks to her, I stumbled over here, too! I haven’t read Ann’s book, (it’s on hold at my local library) and it looks like I will be putting Renee’s book on hold also! I have been used to in the past to just going out any buying the books I would like to have, but there is no extra $ in the budget for a family of 6 on one income. I am eagerly anticipating reading both books, now. I have been on a journey for the last 2-3 years desperately trying to see myself how my heavenly Father sees me. . . and it seems that these books will encourage me in this journey. Thank you, Renee, for blessing the rest of us with what you have been blessed with!
God has used Ann’s book to radically change how I live out grace in my life- looking for Him in everything, naming these gifts, even the hard ones, has brought me much joy…I have passed this book on to many, and will continue to do so! So enjoyed this conversation, and would very much love to read A Confident Heart, as well!
So encouraged by this! Ann never cease to draw my attention to truths I would never had focused on =)
I have benefitted greatly from the Doubt diet:) I am naming my doubt now too for what it is and have been blessed by God’s promises and Renee’s encouragement. It was neat to hear from Ann via video as well. I haven’t bought the Confident Heart yet, but am anxious to read it and continue on my journey to a confident woman of God. I haven’t purchased Ann’s book either, but have heard of the title:) Thanks to all the ladies on the Proverbs 31 site as it has been such a blessing to me!!!
I thought that the video was very good.I would love to win a copy of the book,so pick me! :)Thanks!
I’m learning about *naming* my feelings and this is how I’m learning to “guard [my] heart” — this helps me to love others more faithfully and more purely versus placing my feelings onto them.
Also, I have found that naming His grace helps me to See and to live closer to His heart in many ways. This has helped me to capture my thoughts and focus on what is true and lovely, pure and right.
New to all this, first time reader…would love to win these books!! Thanks for letting the Holy Spirit use ya’ll as ‘tools’ to encourage and help others (me included) along the way!
A timely reminder of naming things so we can begin to deal with them. You women of God continue to bless in significant ways to so many. So thankful for knowing you all…
Over the past few months, reading from Ann’s blog posts, my perspective has changed. I want to be more like Jesus. I am using ideas she presents for family time, being grateful, taking the moment to look at what God is doing right now. I picked up the book, looked through it at the bookstore, and put it back because it was so expensive. My library doesn’t have a copy yet. But I’m praying that God provides!
Thank you for the beautiful encouragement. Through this process and another book I am reading I have come to see how someone close to me undermines my self worth and causes me to doubt myself. I need to find the way to tell this person how their words affect me, but I can see through my frustration now and not let those words cause me such harm. I plan to purchase the book as soon as I locate it!
Amazing is all I can say!! I love how God has once again spoken the perfect word into my life just when I needed it most!! I have so struggled for way too long now with my doubts, fears and insecurities and it’s so refreshing to hear that I’m not alone!! Plus, there IS victory in overcoming these doubts and insecurities…Praise God!!!
Thank you, thank you for opening yourself up to be used by God to reach out to so many women struggling with this and giving us that hope and victory that is found in our Lord Jesus Christ!
The topics both you and Ann discuss in your books are exactly what I’ve been yearning for as a mother, wife, and Christian trying to be more for God in this needy world. I’ve only just found out about your books and would love to read them–and I’m already loving your websites so much! I thank God he speaks through wonderful people like you!
I really love Ann’s book! I’ve given copies away to friends and plan to use it later this year at a fall retreat. I would really love to have a copy for the library at a women’s drug/alcohol recovery house where I volunteer as a Bible study leader and counselor. I believe the message in the book would speak life-giving words to these ladies who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Thanks!
http://facebook.com/brokenpeople
What a great prize!
Would sure like to win!
Enjoy the She Speaks Conference!!!!
I loved this. Thanks to you , Renee, for taking the time to share this with us, because I can imagine that in the moment this was not easy to do…having an intimate conversation while trying to ignore the video taping aspect. You guys made it feel like we were sitting right there with you. Thank you to God for bringing these two women together and allowing for others to be touched by it as well. Ann’s book really helped me to learn the concept behind naming that starts with Adam, and is continued through us. I know that anyone who has encountered a medical issue, like myself, knows all too well the importance of finding the name for the malady, no matter how “bad” it is. Knowing means you can equip yourself in Christ. Namin means you can call upon Christ for a specific purpose, and you can call upon other Christians to stand beside you in prayer. I am anxious to learn more about Rennee’s book and will add it to my reading list. Thank you again for this.
I happened on to your site via a Facebook friend’s (Grace in the Shadow of the Cross) post. I just recently found out about Ann’s book “One Thousand Gifts” also via a friends’ FB post. I added it to my wishlist of books to purchase. You see, I am in my 2nd season (within the last 2-1/2 years) of unemployment. From a practical standpoint, I need to win the prizes you’re offering.
Thanks for your site. I will visit often. Lord knows I need to learn to live confidently in Christ. Also signed up for your “The 7-Day Doubt Diet” devotions.
Blessings,
Susan
Renee, you will be speaking at our ladies retreat in October….just can’t wait to meet you! What is so wonderful is that our group will be using Ann’s book (1000 Gifts) as part of our study this year! That book has truely changed my life…and I would love to win a free copy to change someone elses life too! Blessings for a wonderful summer!
How wonderful to listen to you tow chat. I am up to #744 in my 1000 Gifts journal. I am looking forward to reading the 7 Day Doubt Diet. Have a lovely day!
Just want to say that I think it very fitting that the two of you are friends. And I’m certain I am not alone in thinking of you both as a gift from God to me for this present time. Prayers of thanksgiving for you both, and for blessings on your ministries, for they are powerful in the lives of many women. Life-changing.