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 have read Ann’s book and subscribe to both of your blogs. I know that God is using you both to speak to my heart! Thank you for being faithful to Him! I want to win this to give Ann’s book to my sister who wants to read it (my copy is on my e-reader and she lives in another state so I can’t loan it). And after I read Renee’s book I will give it to her too! :o)
Thanks so much for letting us join you on the porch… it was a nice treat, although even with my speakers at 100% I had to strain to hear!! I am just finishing Ann’s book, and want to share it with so many, but don’t want to give up my copy … I know I am gonna read it again! 🙂 I would love a copy to share, and I could definitely use a more Confident Heart in so many areas of my life!!
Just within the last week the last day or two actually, I have begun One Thousand Gifts, and now that has led me here to visit with you….I’m looking forward to learning, and have begun my own “Gift List”, and I look forward also to reading your book. Thank you for taking the time to share…
Faith
Thank you so much to both of you for writing your books and for blogging in such a way that continues to encourage us all day by day! Thank you for this – what a challenge – something that has been difficult for me – to face these things!
thanks so much for letting us share in your discussion . . . what fun. what a blessing!
joy,
shana
The bad thing about naming things is you find out you really don’t know yourself as well as you think you do. You think something should be named fear, but really it is self-doubt, or pride, or superiority issues, or over- competitiveness. This is one of those journeys I didn’t think I needed, as I always thought I was a pretty confident person, except in “those” areas. You know, the ones you tell yourself aren’t important.
I don’t really look forward to the process of your book, but the growth I hope to get from it will be worth it.
The verse in Romans that Ann referred to is one of my most loved . I speak it out loud whenever I need reminding of Christ’s amazing love and sovereignty in ALL THINGS! Thanks for the encouragement.
What a blessing to read your devotion and to hear you both talking. Perfect timing!! One Thousand Gifts has been on my “to read list” Heading now to sign up for “The 7-day Doubt Diet.”
Two women, being transparent about their fears and their love of Jesus. What a treasure. Thank you for letting us peek through the window into this sweet conversation 🙂
Just this evening, a friend named a strange weakness I’m experiencing in my hand. I know what it is it has a name. Reminds me of the ultimate power in His name. Perfect love casts out all fears. As the children and I continue on our summer journey of naming 1,000 gifts, I’m delighted to share a bit more about what God is teaching us through this powerfully simple exercise. Thank you for all that you do in the might name of Christ!
Bingo! I feel better already. I really felt like God used you to show so many people what they have never been able to name. God bless you!
Ann’s book is such a blessing.
Can so relate to needing a name for what’s holding you back. Seems too often I’m asking myself “what in the world is wrong with you?”
No matter what the issue, doubt, fear, anger, when you can name it you can claim it. And when you claim it you can confess it, pray about it, claim God’s promises and stand up to it. Naming it is so important. Thanks for this reminder
It’s such a relief to know that I’m not the only one who struggles daily with self doubt. The 7 day doubt diet is really great! Thank you! I can’t wait to read your book.
I am so delighted by both you Renee and Ann. I just finished reading One Thousand Gifts and plan to dive back in because it is so full of treasure. I plan to challenge myself to find one thousand gifts in my life, writing them in a journal as Ann did to see God’s love and mercy in my life. I just signed up to get the 7 day doubt diet emails and was so touched and excited by the first intro. I have always struggled with self doubt and have been in a marriage with emotional abuse which really sunk my self worth even lower. I can’t wait to read your book and see how the Lord is going to change me and turn me around to be used for His glory.
Thank you both for your open honesty and devotion to our amazing and loving Savior!!
Thank you both for listening to the Lord and letting him guide you to write these books so many of us need. I look firward to having the opportunity to someday read your books and let them help me through my struggles.
God bless,
Emily
Naming something makes it easier to claim or visualize.
I have been enjoying both of these books as e books, but would love to be able to hold a real copy. I will always prefer paper, but have been using the kindle more because they will be easier to take to the mission field. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us
Thank you to Renee and Ann for writing these books and all your encouraging words! Gods sweetest blessings to you both!
Hi Renee and Ann,
Renee I love the devotions or 7 day doubt diet. I have no confidenceat all I am a self doubter and worry a lot but what I have read so rar has mad an impact on me and how to gain confidecne and throw away self diet. I also like the am and the pm sheet.
I would love to read Anns book and learn how to name everything. My life has changed so much since I found proverbs 31. I thank you for letting me know that I am not alone on the selfdoubt adventure and that I can allow Jesus to change me. Thanks for all your help