A few weeks ago, I noticed that the two books I’m studying with two different small groups have way more in common than I had realized. You know what else? The women in those groups have way more in common that I’d realized, too.
Though the books are about two completely different topics, the themes are startlingly similar. And though the women in my small groups are from two separate churches, the hurts, struggles and experiences shared during our discussions echo each other in uncanny ways.
In both cases the women in my groups struggle with insecurity and fight a never-good-enough mentality. I’m not really surprised at the parallel natures of these groups of friends, because this is my challenge, too. It doesn’t take too much self analysis to figure out why I was attracted to both the studies and the women.
But what has struck me – and stuck with me – is that I’m not the only one fighting the demons of doubt. My friends are hurting, too.
No matter how many times, week after week, these women share their hearts and hurts with me, though, I’m surprised every time.
I can’t believe she struggles with that, too!
Doesn’t she know how incredible she is?
How can she doubt herself like that? She’s awesome!
All this time, I thought I was the only one . . .
No, I’m not the only one who has a hard time remembering that I am loved and wonderfully made, just as I am. It turns out the amazing women in my life sometimes forget it, too.
Thinking about this universal struggle while reading Holley’s book (You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be) and shopping the beautiful line of products that go with it – all this has made me want to run up to each of these incredible women, grab their arms and shout, “You are amazing! No, really! You ARE!”
You are wonderful, a beautiful creation from God!
You are enough, just as you are!
You don’t need to do anything. I love who you ARE, not what you DO.
You. Are. Amazing!
I could list all the ways, all the tangible things that make each of the women in my small groups amazing. It would be a long, beautiful list. But the truth is – the truth that I need to remember myself – we are unique, amazing creations made and loved by God. No need to add “who does this” or “who always says that.” We are amazing. The end.
Who do you know who needs to hear that she’s already amazing?
If you are reviewing items from Holley’s Collection OR You’re Already Amazing in part of the Revell Blog Tour, link up your review below!
P.S. Stephanie wrote about this same thing on Holley’s blog this week. If you’ve written about an amazing woman in your life, link up over there and share it with us here, too!
This is a good thing to remember, the Bible told us to encourage one another. God knew the battles we would have because so much in society comes against us in so many ways. We doubt our abilities because as the Word of God tells us the world hated Christ so it will hate us. I once read 90% of all communication is non-verbal. Meaning looks do hurt sometimes and say more than words do. So in fellowship it is so wonderful to know we can build each other up and encourage each other for a new day.
Eileen, that’s so true about nonverbal communication. And yes, in a world where even a glance can cut our hearts, it’s more important than ever to build each other up!
Believe it or not an amazing woman who ha been encouraging me, yet I don’t know her face to face, is Beth Moore. I am doing my first from the heart bible study via her Seeking A Heart Like His, and I love it how God has used her to spread his message. I even love more that through everything one of her essential messages is “you ARE Amazing!”.
I absolutely believe that! I’ve been encouraged by Beth Moore studies, too!
My daughter’s 8th grade English teacher had each student write something positive about each person in the class. It was a very good exercise and my daughter came home with a list of at least 25 things that people see in her. She is kind, she is thoughtful, she is honest, she is athletic. It is nice to hear these positive thoughts that others have about you. She has saved the list, and I think what a great thing to look at when she is feeling down on herself.
THAT is a great teacher!
I loved this post! I constantly need to be reminded that I’m amazing–made in the image of God Almighty. It doesn’t matter what I do, how I act, or anything. I am truly loved by Him who made me!
Amen! Constant reminders are necessary for me, too!
September 9,2010 my husband, 80 years had to taken to a nursing home. He had had liver cancer surgery and his needs were more than I could handle myself. IN about two week’s my neighbor started to bring me dinner, and it was enough for two dinner’s. she’d look for my car at night and the door bell would ring and there she was. MY husband died Nov.26,2011. She still brought me dinner. I told her I did not expect her to keep on doing that. With a smile I want to, fixing a meal for one more is nothing. What a blessing this has been. I am eating better than if I had to fix a meal just for me. I am so very grateful. Angel’s do walk among us.
Elizabeth, that is amazing. What a blessing to have a neighbor, a FRIEND, like yours! Thank you for sharing with us!
I so enjoy reading the email and devotionals here because I too feel unworthy and unlovable and to know that a lot of people suffer with this has really helped me. I have struggled with mild depression but debilitating for the last almost 3 years and reading the devotions and emails and posts have helped me tremendously and gradually I am able do more and be the person I was before.
Heather, I’m so glad you are part of the (in)courage family! I pray that God would use the words here – and the words and actions of those in your life at home – to encourage you and build your confidence in God’s love for you. He created you uniquely and wonderfully and looks at you, his creation, and says, “It is good.” YOU are good.
It was such an absolute thrill and privilege to read and review Holley Gerth’s latest book! There were wonderful truths mixed with humor and vulnerability and it is already dog-eared from use! 🙂 Thanks for letting me link up my review here~
Vanessa
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I loved reading Holley’s book; it was really the missing puzzle pieces connecting my skills, strengths, and passions for the overall picture of God’s plan for my life. I’m supposed to link up my review, but I see that the linky had a server crash and isn’t working right now. I’ll try back later, but for now, here’s my review: http://www.scribblesfromemily.com/2012/03/youre-already-amazing-by-holley-gerth.html
Thanks incourage!