Okay, so most of you know I’m in the process of writing a book. My first book! Just last week my publisher chose my suggested title, and I just about jumped out of my chair! I hope you like it as much as I do. You ready? Drum roll please…
I love those three words. They describe what I have always wanted. For so many years I lived with an insecure, fear-filled, doubting-myself kind of heart. But over the past several years, God has taken me on a journey of moving beyond simply believing in Him to really believing Him; to really putting my trust in the power of His promises and living like they are true!
Some days I do much better than others. But when I choose to believe and live what I know about who I am and Whose I am, I experience a wonderful thing – a confident heart!
Do women struggle with self doubt?
Last year I surveyed over 1200 women about their self doubts. Here is some of what they shared when I asked what doubt whispers and how doubt affects them:
92% hear doubt whisper: “You’re not good enough.”
85 – 90% hear doubt whisper: “You can’t balance your life.” “You’re not gifted enough.” “You worry too much.” “You’re not smart enough.” “You’ll never change.” You can’t follow God consistently.”“If people knew who you really are…”
95% say doubt makes them: feel like quitting or giving up; feel paralyzed or stuck; question how and what they are doing; feel uncertain about God’s plan for their lives; feel discouraged and defeated; distracted; or steals their focus.
I am praying, “A Confident Heart” will set women free from the trap of doubt and give them the God-fidence that is ours when we live in power of His promises.
How can you help?
I need a subtitle to summarize what will be inside the book. And that is where I’m getting stuck. So, I’ve decided to call upon some of the smartest people I know…YOU! Will you help me think through the subtitle?
This message will help a woman navigate through the causes and paralyzing effects of self-doubt and illustrate, through Biblical and real-life examples, how she can live confidently in the truth of who she is and who she can become in Christ. A Confident Heart will give voice to the questions, doubts, struggles, and hopes many women have but are afraid to admit. This book will set free the captive heart that lives in the darkness of insecurity and uncertainty, but longs for the illumination of God’s power, truth, and grace. This is not a cookie-cutter approach to forever eliminating doubt like one would a grass stain on a white T-shirt. It’s about learning how to identify, process, and even use doubt to get you to a place of secure dependence, by stepping out of doubt’s shadows and into the power of God’s promises.
How can you win a gift card?
Will you read over the following subtitles and let me know what you think about them? Would any of them grab your attention and prompt you to want to buy this book?
A Confident Heart
How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting God’s Promises
A Confident Heart
Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Believing God
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God’s Promises
Which one do you like best? Please vote for one, and if you think of another idea (after reading what the book is about), also give us your suggestion.
For everyone that comments between today and the weekend, I will enter you into a random drawing to win a $20 Starbucks or Target card. Bribery isn’t all bad right? I’ll announce the winner Monday morning! Feel free to comment as many times as you like as ideas come to you.
To leave a comment please click on the word “comments” below and type in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, click anonymous. If you are reading this via email or facebook, double click on the title and it should take you to my blog where you can leave a comment. Or email [email protected] and put “Subtitle” in the subject line. Then we’ll post it here.
Include your email or come back Monday so I can let you know you won.
Roll Call please. Tell me where you are from (state, country) and your age. Pleeeeaaaasee. It’s so helpful and interesting to know more about you who gather here.
More than ever before, I need your help and your opinion. And I know you have one. Please don’t doubt that what you think will be helpful!! My publisher and I want to hear your thoughts and we value your input. It’s you (and women like you) that I’m writing this book for!
My name is Jen. I'm 29 and live in Indiana.
Of the three given choices, I like:
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
If I were to choose a new one, I think I would choose:
A Confident Heart
Closing the Door to Doubt and Locking it with God's Promises
It has a visual attached to it that is inspiring!! 🙂
Jen Cavalcanti
My name is Sarah Gillaspie
I currently live in Maryland, and I am 31. For your subtitle I like simply:
believing and trusting God’s promises
Hi Renee,
I'm Amy-age 30-from WI. I LOVE 'A Confident Heart-How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Believing God!!!' That not only captures my attention but makes me yearn to truly do just that!
I'm on a journey to grow spiritually, and along with that to truly push aside my fears and insecurities and doubts and yes, start believing God. 🙂 I'd love to read your book.
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises. This is an awesome subtitle.
I am 61 yr old and live in Bentonville, Arkansas
Best wishes and Be Blessed!
Jane Graves
I like # 2, Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
Blessings from KY/62
Sweet Renee,
I like the first subtitle, but I would drop "How to" and just say Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting God.
It isn't about belief, it's about trust.
For me, anyway.
Suzi
Hi Renee, What a great book. Sounds like something I good really apply to my life.
I vote for A Confident Heart
How to stop doubting yourself and start trusting Gods promises.
Its a little long, but I think it really describes in more detail about the book. I want to TRUST, and I do DOUBT and the fact that you say God's promises, it tells me you will be using scripture, which I like.
Good luck!
[email protected]
Mother of 3,
Samantha Newton
You mentioned "doubt" a lot in your description of the book so maybe that should be reflected in the subtitle. I like the first one (Stop . . .Start).
Other ideas:
Defeat Doubt with the Power of God's Promises
Transforming Doubt into Trust through God's Promises
Stepping Out of Doubt's Shadow and Into God's Promises…
I love Lori's suggestion above
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises. What power we have when we trust God completely!
I also love " Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises" but maybe another option would be "Believing in the Power of God's Promises" I think sometimes we don't understand that God does not break His promise to us! We are in covenant with Him and it is more powerful than any other relationship we have. Can't wait to read this book!!
I really like "Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises". God has really been teaching me about his promises through a prayer Bible study and some other devotions I have been reading. It is just amazing how when God wants you to learn something, things just seem to fall into place, like life lessons, devotions, Bible studies, etc. God is faithful.
Well… mine aren't as good as what's here … but here is what I have come up with:
A Confident Heart
Building Self-esteem through God's Promises
… See More
A Confident Heart
Healing Lives with God's Word
A Confident Heart
Obtaining a better tomorrow today with God
A Confident Heart
God's Promises Breaking Life's Binding Chains
A Confident Heart
God's love brings a brighter future
A Confident Heart
Blasting Self-Doubt through God's Word
A Confident Heart
Living life the way God intented
A Confident Heart
A peace of mind in God's love
A Confident Heart
Trusing God's Promises for a Brighter Future
Robin – 41 … Ohio, USA
A Confident Heart
Trusting God and letting it go.
I also really like the one above that someone added on their own…."Letting Go of Doubts and Trusting God's Promises"
Over the past few years, God has been teaching me to trust and find rest in His promises. "Learning to Trust and Rest in God's Promises"
I like "How to stop doubting yourself and start believing God" because while I do struggle at times with completely trusting God, I feel like I struggle more with doubting myself, being sure of what God's will in a given situation, frequently questioning myself and wondering if I'm doing "it" right…whatever "it" may be at any given time.
Karen – 42, Minnesota
Hi Renee ~ My favorite is: "Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises". I pictured myself with a nice cup of hot chocolate on a Saturday afternoon reading your book with this title. It's REALLY catchy AND it seems to say a LOT but it is concise! I can't wait to read it, regardless of which subtitle you choose to go with! 🙂
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
I like "Learning To Live In the Power of God's Promises."
I like learning to live in the power of God's promises…but its also about trust too.
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Wisdom
The subtitles you have listed are awesome! I am making a slight twist on one.
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Love
… See More
I have typed and deleted a whole bunch of "stuff' about this. I can't get it to make sense tonight….lol.
I can't wait to read this book!
What about, "Letting Go of Doubts and Trusting Gods Promises"
I am from near San Antonio Texas and I just had my 50th bday. You are writing this book for me and I can't wait to read it. I like your second choice- How to stop doubting yourself and start believing God.
Mary Colleen Hoch Miller
Maybe, Casting off your doubt, Holding onto God's Word (or promises or truth or wisdom…)
I like Phil's too. He's the man, you know!
Ditto Dr Phil!! He knows best!!
Blessings Renee, God is good!!
I vote for How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting God's Promises!
I say …dumping the doubt so you can fly free!
🙂 good job, Renee. can't wait to read it and share it with our radio listeners.
Robin Robinson
Dr. Phil votes for "Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Believing God."
Love the theme and focus of this book and this great woman. You rock Renee. I'm confident about that.
Philip Rothschild
Thank you for sharing "The Journey of my Heart", it's truly a blessing to me.
I'm 40 & live in Coatesville, IN
I like the third subtitle you shared, "Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises."
I also like what you said in the description, "who you are and who you can become in Christ" & "setting the captive doubting heart free" would both, I think, be good subtitles.
Have a great day!
Michelle Skillern
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
I like this one because it's the most positive subtitle (The other two start with a negative "how to stop" or "doubt") It's comforting … and I can't wait to read it! You hit the nail on the head with addressing that need!
Looking forward to it!
Joy Dade
Houston, TX
Wonderful ideas and suggestions! I can't wait to get a copy of your new book. Maybe offer a signed copy as a prize as well. 🙂
A Confident Heart
How to become the Confident Woman God created you to be!
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
Be blessed
Sheri Sparks
Palatka Florida
A Confident Heart:
Stop Doubting yourself and Start Trusting God
Stacey
Age: 38
Home: Orlando, FL
So excited to read your book, Renee!
My vote is either for:
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
or
A Confident Heart
How to Step Out of the Shadows and Into God's Great Promise for Your Life
Warmly,
Kris
[email protected]
I hope that you received my email, and I would just like to say thank you for your courage and determination in writing this book for the rest of us in need!
My subtitle submission is:
"A Confident Heart, From the Shadows of Doubt, To the Light of God's Promises."
Brooks, age 29 South Carolina
[email protected]
I love this one. We all want to live with Power and Strength in our lives and I love the word Promise and we know that when we are resting in God's promises that they will come true. His word never returns void. Blessings on the book. I can't wait to read it.
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
I like the second one, Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Believing God. It seems to sum up all you want to convey in the book. This is what we need to do.
I myself don't really like Christian books that have the words "how to" in them. It sounds like you are trying to teach someone something like "How to fix a broken lamp" or "How to unclog your drain". It just hits me the wrong way.
I think a “how to” approach is better than just telling them to do it. People that have questions and that are not confident already know that they should feel different, and they want to know “how.”
Juanita Smith, born in '58.
Thanks,
Juanita
HI, I really like
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
Or
A Confident Heart
Learning to find God’s Amazing Grace within
Have a blessed day!
Loretta Gibbs
A Confident Heart
How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting God's Promises
This is the subtitle that made me feel interested in reading the book. The "how to" part made me feel like I was going to gain information on ways to stop doubting myself and trusting God's promises.
Thank you!
Missy Lewis
Learning to live in the power of God's promises.
~ Sean Kelley
The subtitle that spoke to me:
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
The reason I think this said more to me is because I sometimes forget that God doesn't need my help in doing his work. He has made promises to us and I need to trust in his almighty power to guide me. I need to lay a side what I think and have confidence in what God has promised and give control to God so he may accomplish his work through me. Renee, I look forward to reading this book. I pray that your ears, heart and soul continue to hear God speaking to you. I am so blessed to be able to call you my Sister in Christ. The words God gives you speak to my heart more than you could know. So thanks for helping me learn to listen to our Father!
2 Kings 6:17
" O Lord, open Renee's eyes so she may see."
Roll call:
Jeannine Kiley
Illinois, United States, 47
May God's love shine upon you always.
Jeannine
The subtitle "Learning To Live In The Power Of God's Promises" speaks to me. On days when I think I am in control this is a gentle reminder that God has his own plan for me. Looking forward to reading your book!
Linda B.
I like the third
Learning to live with the promises of God
A confident Heart
Learning to live in God's Promises
[email protected]
This one would make me buy the book.
A Confident Heart
How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting God's Promises
[email protected]
Congratulations Renee,
I would just like to say that you are a true Proverbs 31 Woman and I have greatly enjoyed being on this journey with you. You are totally awesome and through everything that you have been through over the past year and up to this point, I am amazed that you are right on track to complete this task of writing a book. Glory to God!!
The title I like is the third one
A Confident Heart
Learning to Live in the Power of God's Promises
I chose this one because that is all you have done over this past year. When things looked bleak, chaotic or scary, YOU made the choice to Believe and Live on the Promises of God!! And I thank you for doing that because dear sister it has given us all that assurance that we too can do the same!
First let me say, fantastic idea for a book. I don't know any woman who doesn't struggle with who they are in terms of being a good person, a good woman, a good wife, a good mother and a good daughter (myself included).
My suggestion would be:
A Confident Heart:
Let God Show You the Wonderful Woman You Are!
[email protected]
What a blessing your book will be to all women of all ages cause we all struggle with this at times. Love : A confident Heart
How to Stop doubting yourself and Start believing God.
I have a 21 year old daughter and this was a dicussion just last week.
Met you at She Speaks and loved seeing how God is working with you.