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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

There is No One Like You!

Do you remember being in middle school? Those were the awkward years. I remember not really liking who I was or how I looked. I have a feeling a lot of us didn’t like ourselves at that age, but we all desperately wanted others to like us, right?

At that point, I think a lot of us secretly compared ourselves to those around us, observed who was liked most, and tried to be like the popular people.

In my Proverbs 31 devotion, “Becoming the Real Me,” I talk about having that same unhealthy habit in my adult life, too. And I know I’m not alone. For many women, it wasn’t just a phase when we were teenagers; it’s still a struggle now. Sometimes it’s because we don’t have the confidence to find out who we really are. Many of us are just more comfortable buried in busyness and hiding behind our self-doubts.

Lots of times it’s because we’re believe we don’t have anything special to offer anyway, so we just keep being who others want, need or expect us to be.

Well my friend, it’s time to do something about it. How? First we have to stop comparing ourselves to other women. Why would we compare how we feel inadequate on the inside with how someone else looks like they had it all together on the outside? We’ll always end up feeling less than.

Not only is comparison toxic for us personally, it’s also destructive relationally. Comparison makes us measure our worth against other women, and we end up competing with each other.

But God created us to complete one another, not compete with each other.

In my book, A Confident Heart, I share how we can do that by encouraging each others’ strengths, overlooking each others’ weaknesses and celebrating each other’ uniqueness.

The truth is, life is hard and we need each other! “But now God has placed the parts, each one of them in the body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

God gives all of us unique personalities, abilities, passions and experiences because we each play a leading role in the story He’s writing with our lives.

So, today when you are tempted to compare yourself to another woman and doubt starts whispering that you’re not as smart as she is, or gifted or pretty or godly…remember you are “God’s masterpiece…created anew in Christ so that [you] can do the good things He planned for [you] long ago.” Ephesians 2:10, (NLT)

In my upcoming book, A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God’s Promises, I have a whole chapter on this topic and other self-doubts that keep us from becoming the women God created us to be!

I’m giving away three copies today, but first I’d love for you to watch this 2-minute introduction video.

I’m praying for each of you today as you begin to discover and embrace the woman God created you to be! Remember, there is no one like you…and the world is missing someone special until you become her!

If you’d like to read A Confident Heart when it releases, and share it with friends, enter to win 3 copies (1 for yourself and 2 for friends) below:

  • To enter one time, click on the word “comments” below to share thoughts about today’s topic. (If you don’t have a blog it’s okay, click anonymous and type in the white box. But be sure to leave your first name to be part of a drawing).
  • To enter two times, leave a comment with your thoughts and leave another letting me know you’re sharing this post via Facebook and/or twitter with a link back to my twitter page @reneeswope or back to my Facebook page @A Confident Heart by Renee Swope FB page.(https://www.facebook.com/renee.swope?ref=name#!/pages/A-Confident-Heart-by-Renee-Swope/160376334023273)

A Confident Heart releases August 1st, but you can pre-order yours at P31 today and be the first to receive a signed copy in early August! (P31 is getting early copies in mid July.)


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Comments

  1. I have grown up hearing how God has made each one of us unique and can use each one of us but still have not figured out how God can use me. What are my gifts? what do I like to do? I don't even have dreams any more because I have given up trying to figure out what God can really do with me. I know fear of failure holds me back but I want to find out what God sees in me and what He created me to be. Your devotion has given me hope once again that I can dream. I want to dream and I want God to use me. I just don't know in which direction I should go

  2. I read the devotionals ready. this is important to me now as I retire from the full-time workforce after 30 years and enter on a new phase of my life. I plan to homeschool my daughter through her four years of HS and want to continue to be open to God's desires for my life.

  3. I shared the link for your blog/devotional on Facebook.

    Thanks! Becci

  4. I loved this post and devotional today! I'm still learning how to just be me. Thanks for the encouragement!

  8. Your article and blog really resonated with me this morning. I have been searching my heart and soul (with God's help) for several years now, trying to discover 'myself' in there somewhere. I am 55 years old and He has given me so many creative talents, which fill me with such joy when I can use them, but so far I have had very little time (or resources) to use them as more than just a hobby, or a distraction to retreat to when I am weary from work and the world. I desire so much more! I am praying that God would lead me to His purpose in giving me these gifts. I, too, used to compare myself to others (and still battle with that way more than I should) but I am struggling with trying to find the woman He wants me to become. And I feel so trapped where I am, so imprisoned by a business that demands all my time and energy, that I have so little left for what truly brings me joy, I find myself looking around and asking, what can I (should I) be doing differently to bring about change in my life? And so far, I am clueless. The answers are not coming. So I am 'waiting on the Lord' and trying my best not to burnout before He answers. Thank you and bless you, Renee, for the encouragement. Linda M.

  10. I love hearing from you! What you have to say matters to me. In fact, your words and stories encourage me to keep sharing mine.

  11. Off and on this has been my story through my life. There have been times I've had the confidence and that's when I'm living in the Spirit but in the flesh, I'm full of self doubt. I also have a husband that adds fuel to the fire making me doubt myself. When I stay connected with my sisters in Christ, they encourage me but too many times my life is still focused on performance. Need to get this book when it comes out.
    Thanks, Renee.

  12. This is a topic I have been dealing with for a few years now. I don't know "how" to put my needs, and God's plan for me, before my family and friends. It acutally scares me to even write the words. It makes me feel ashamed that I would put myself before others. This is a book I need to read, and know that God wanted me to see this today. Thank you!

  13. How wonderful it is that I found your blog! I have been praying lately that GOD guide me to the place HE wants me to go! What talents does he want me to utilize in order to fulfill his dreams and purpose for me AND for him? My mind gets discombobulated with all different thoughts and ideas and it's hard to decide exactly which path to take…and I end up running in circles! I need GOD to help me stay focused so I can begin the path he has planned for me! Thank you for your encouragement! I can't wait to read your book….maybe I will be picked to win!! God bless you!

  14. Your book sounds like just what I need to help me "move on" in my life. I have always struggled with poor self image and self doubt. I was married to a man (a pastor!) that encouraged that self doubt by telling me that I was really not adequate in most areas. He chose to divorce me about 7 years ago. Since then I helped and arranged for help for my aging Mother who went home to be with the Lord about a year ago. I just feel really lost at this time. No home church (divorced former pastor's wives aren't often welcomed with open arms!)and just trying to figure out what purpose God has for me. Thank you for listening.

  15. This devotion really hit home with me. my "real" mother wants nothing to do with me; from the age of birth I was sexual, mentally and emotionally abused. Then I got married; everyone said I was a blessing but he decided to divorce me in 2010. i have a boyfriend and i did work at their family business & the same things were said u r a blessing to this family but as of yesterday I have no job; no vehicle..woke up not feeling like a blessing to anyone. I'm lost & I don't know what to do….

  16. "I felt like you were talking about me when I read your post!! I am 27 and just now trying to figure out my "purpose." I have never felt like I am good enough or good at anything along with CONSTANTLY comparing myself to every woman that crosses my path. But what you have said opened my eyes and made me realize that I am a Masterpiece. Thank you."
    (Sorry, forgot to include my name, Jessica T.)

  17. I am at this place in my life now at 51 years old! I am excited to continue on this journey of learning who I am as God's girl!
    Many Thanks & Blessings,
    Peggy

  18. I felt like you were talking about me when I read your post!! I am 27 and just now trying to figure out my "purpose." I have never felt like I am good enough or good at anything along with CONSTANTLY comparing myself to every woman that crosses my path. But what you have said opened my eyes and made me realize that I am a Masterpiece. Thank you.

  19. I have never had the words for the way I have felt all of these years, but I sit here with tears inmy eyes because I realize that you have given me those words. Thank you! This has encouraged me to begin seeking and stop comparing.

  20. At 40, I feel overwhelmed with discovering my purpose – a task I should have accomplished many, many years ago! Looking forward to your book!
    -Nina