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 am ready to find confidence in who I am in the Lord and discover who he wants me to be! Looking forward to reading your book!
    Cindy

  2. Just in addition to my earlier comment. I have a friend who used to ask everytime he called – "what are your thoughts, feelings and needs or wants as a woman today"? I hated that question and would get furious with him – saying, "I DON'T KNOW! STOP ASKING ME THAT!". As a writer the one thing i don't do is journal. I can't seem to make myself sit down and just write about what i'm feeling even. What is wrong with me?!

  4. I won't be able to stop until I discover God's purpose for my life..it is a constant search right now. Beth Reed Adkins

  5. wow that is the very same question I ask myself all the time. I'm 48 and floundering with who am I and what is my purpose? What am I supposed to be doing with my life??? I've been married & divorced twice and am the mother of 5 but who am I…I DON'T KNOW!!! Wow did your words hit me smack in the face. I love the title: The journey of my heart, my personal journal is What is it all about? Who am I???…a search.
    Best regards,
    Ms J. Reeves

  7. I am putting your Facebook link on my FB page in hopes that it will also help someone else who is struggling.

  8. Wow, this is exactly what I needed to hear today. Just this morning, the words "I can't do this anymore" came out of my mouth. I need this book now! I am a 49 year old stay-at-home mom with 2 wonderful kids ages 6 & 9. My marriage has been struggling for years, lack of intimacy & communication. I lack the strength & patience to deal with every day life issues. I would never hurt myself or anyone else physically, but verbally or emotionally is different. I do tend to fly off the handle too much and I am very disappointed in myself almost on a daily basis. I know this has to stop and I have been praying & reading God's word everyday for about 125 days now but some days I just feel lost. I am trying to start an encouragement group at my church and this book would be great.

  9. Renee this sounds like exactly what i need. I remember when i was in HS, people would ask what do you want to do after graduation. I didn't have a clue and at 58 years old today i still don't have a clue. I think i'm afraid to have a dream or a goal in my life. I'm a writer and write poetry and even a play. I have had some poems published but, i seem to sit on what i do and never progress with this talent God has obviously given me. I think i need help and this book and your study may be just what the Lord is leading me too. Thank you for your openess and desire to help others.

  11. I sure needed this today! I have really been struggling trying to be who I think I should be for everyone, getting burned out and not knowing what God's plan for ME truly is. Thanks for helping me straighten out my path!

  13. Oh Renee,
    How this devo touched my heart! I sooo need help. This is an issue with me and you helped me to understand myself a little better. My mind is really messed up right now, I can't explain. just need to thank you and hope I can win a copy of your book. I can't believe you struggle with this. I think you are great.

    God Bless Ya!
    Dana

    [email protected]

  14. Single again, three teenage children, a failed business and a husband who simply walked away. I have found both solace and companionship reading P31. I have been praying for God to show me the road to my ultimate purpose. I recognize my passions but need to turn those into "profits". I am looking forward to your book. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself. Your words make a difference….

  15. Hello Renee,

    Today’s devotion was confirmation to me because I have been praying and asking God to make me the woman He has me to be. On time devotion! Thank you for sharing!

  16. Your blog today hit me right between the eyes…. I have been buried in caring for my husband who had a stroke at 57 eight months ago, juggling the healthcre of my 16 year old daughter with CF, and I really don't know who I am or what God even could possibly do to use me….I really am in a place of needing direction & purpose. Tammy

  18. Wow, Renee, this introduction to this book really hit me where I need it. Thank you for sharing your heart! My friend and I were just talking the other day how our insecurities get in the way of what God wants us to do.

  19. I want to be the person that God created me to be; however, I have a hard time figuring out who that person really is. Thank you for your encouragement today. I look forward to reading your book! I am also going to post this on my facebook page!
    Megan McCormick