Top

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.)


**** Doubt Diet Sign-Ups ****
You can now sign up for my FREE “7-day Doubt Diet” in the right top sidebar!!

Discover more from Renee Swope

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

  1. I posted a link to your fb page and blog on my fb page. Lots of internet traffic coming your way! 🙂
    Thanks, Amy Pitman

  2. I definitely need help in this area. I play the comparison game and am very critical of myself. I want to live like I believe that I am accepted, that I am loved so deeply right now. I know God doesn't make mistakes, but I live like I believe I am a mess, that i'm not a good enough mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend.

  3. I have been struggling with this exact issue so much lately. I can't wait to read your book and to begin exploring these very issues now in prayer.
    Thank you.
    Neely

  4. I read this blog after reading P31 today. I need to read this book. Everything you said describes me to a tee. I am 35 years old and have no clue what God wants me to do in my life so I stay super busy thinking that is what I am suppose to do. Be everything to everyone and I stay exhausted and unsatified. I am at the point in my life where I am ready to make a change and discover what God has instore or me. Thank you so much for the P31 dovotion and this blog. I can't wait to get a copy of this book.
    Brandi

  6. I struggle with this because I don't understand how this meshes with dying to yourself, considering others more important than yourself…having the mind of Christ. He was God but became man to accomplish salvation for all. So if we sacrifice our desires doesn't that serve God's purpose in some way? I would love some positive feedback of clarification/ideas.

  7. I am 55 years old and still haven't a clue as to "who I was made to be" – I function as a wife, an empty nest mother, a part time nurse, a former caregiver to now-deceased parents but when it comes down to what are my dreams? I find I have none. Help!
    Pam

  8. This touched me right in the rut I have put myself lately! I do 'know' that when I compare myself to others, I always lose, but it is such an easy trap to fall into! Thanks for the encouragement first thing in the morning!

  9. Renee- So excited for you and the release of your new book. I am so excited to read it and put my doubts and insecurities down. I really realized reading your devotion today that I am hungry to find out what God desires me to do. I LOVE being a wife and mother but my hear longs to do more. I just am not sure what…..Thanks for sharing your story and saying yes to God. Kelly

  10. I have shared it, and posted on your facebook page.
    Boy do I need your book. One would think being mid 50's they should be able to answer the question. Life can deal you with things and turn another way. With me it did. As I always wanted to be a mom and wife, those jobs been done. Kids are grown with thier kids, husband was called home on April 18th, 09. Now I feel this void inside of me, who am I, what does GOD want me to do now. Survive I'm trying to do, but I feel GOD wants more from me, but what? GOD is taking care of me, Praise GOD! Now, I have some health problmes and can't work…
    I always doubted myself due to my upbringing. I need your book . It could help me.
    I know I'm a child OF GOD, but I know He put me here for a reason, but is that reason over with, I don't think so, but what is next?

  11. Can't wait to read this book. How i need it. I remember when the topic of dreams (not the ones we have at night but what we hope for) came up in a small group. I remember thinking…people have dreams?? I was so caught up in the day to day living that I totally forgot that one could hope for more…dreams!

    Thanks for the devotional and the post today!

  12. I like that each of us is constantly becoming. Even if we think we're fulfilling God's desires for our lives and using the gifts he gave us, He always ups the ante. He doesn't let us remain stagnant.

  13. Thank you, Rene, for allowing God to use you to speak much truth about women of all ages. Brought to mind today specifically are my 21 year old daughter and 62 year old sister-in-law, both of whom are struggling with "who am I" and are extraordinarily fearful of the process of finding the answers to that question. I am anxious to share your resources with them and pray that God will use them mightily to guide and bless them both as His beautiful women of faith.

  15. Throughout the past few years, with your help and the help of Proverbs 31 I am realizing exactly what you said in todays devotional about about never taking the time to think about "My" dreams and who I want to be! Maybe in the past I have been comparing myself to others and thinking there is no way I could ever be like them! Now I ask myself, why would I want to! God created me to be me and that is my journey. To be confident to be me! Can't wait for the book!!

  17. I know without a doubt that God is calling me to be more than I currently am. I know He has a mighty plan for me, but I do struggle with doubt and insecurities. Reading your blog today, I don't feel alone in this struggle and am looking forward to your new book coming out.

    Thanks! Amy Pitman

    P.S. This giveaway sound GREAT and if I win, I have a couple of ladies in mind for the other 2 books 🙂

  18. I'm still trying to figure out at 50 what my talents are and what I would really like to do with my life. I know if money wasn't an issue, exactly what it would be, but it is an issue so I am stuck. Thanks for your words today. I know God still has a plan for me. Nanci D

  19. i am a 55 year old widow. i just lost my dear husband 6 months ago by a work related accident. i fee i still am in shock.,but i know i want to be the woman GOD wants me to be. i am so glad i found this in my email this morning. i am that person who always compares myself to others. i will read your books and i know that i will become what GOD created me for. thank you so much. you r such a blessing. ,jackie

  20. This devotional really hit home! Thank you I truly want to be all God wants me to be. And to ive the life God created me to be. Thanks so much for your insight and looking forward to the book. Tina