I’m thrilled that my dear friend Kristine Brown made My Messy Desk a stop on her Blog-Hop Book Tour.
I just know you are going to enjoy her down to earth writing and grounded, full of wisdom, bible-based teaching, so much that I’d like to give away a copy of her brand new book, Over It: Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan.
Congratulations to Linda Stoll who won her very own copy of the book!
If you missed the drawing you can order your very own copy here: Over It.
By: Kristine Brown
The email left me frozen in my chair.
“I just wanted to let you know that your son received a detention slip in class today, so he will be staying in from recess.”
I was dumbfounded. How could this be?
This happened to be the same young man who worked overtime each year to please his teachers. We basked in one praise report after another, as teachers told us about his genuine kindness toward others and his even temperament. Now in the 6th grade, this report of bad behavior came as a total shock.
His father and I dropped our daily tasks and headed up to the school right then. We wanted him to know we would not take this type of thing lightly.
Talking to the teachers and principal began to calm our over-anxious thoughts. They explained that boys his age would assert their independence in new ways. They reassured us that it wasn’t the end of the world.
Still, looking around the school that day, I couldn’t help but notice all the other kids. Some walked in the hallways in a perfectly straight line. Others sat whispering quietly in the cafeteria, displaying polite manners at the table. Bulletin boards with student awards adorned the walls.
I wondered if any of those kids had ever gotten a detention.
Of course, the answer would be a resounding “yes,” but my thoughts of self-doubt consumed me. The voice of comparison wanted me to measure my son’s behavior next to others. It caused me to question my abilities as a mom.
This may sound silly. It was only one detention, after all. But even though we all survived the ordeal unscathed, God began to reveal a problem in my own life I needed to face - my ongoing battle with comparison.
Through the years, I realized I had let comparison be my constant companion. I knew God designed me for a unique purpose, but I allowed this voice to turn my attention away from my Creator. I wondered if there was a way to overcome my compulsion to compare once and for all. That’s how the Over It. book came to be.
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16 NIV).
God took me on a great journey to uncover the secret to conquering comparison. I discovered truths that helped me claim victory over it and find contentment in my God-given uniqueness. Through my research I also learned I’m not alone in this struggle.
Yes, many other women have listened to the voice of comparison. Maybe you have, too.
If the thoughts I’ve shared here resonate with you, then I’d like to invite you to join me on a journey as I share every struggle, discovery, and lesson-learned from God’s Word in my new book.
Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan is a study of three women in Scripture who faced this same battle. It contains practical steps we can implement in our lives - starting today.
Have you ever wondered whether it’s possible to silence the voice of comparison in your life? If so, I believe you will find life-changing truth in the pages of this book.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure. For more information about how to get started claiming victory over comparison in your own life, click here. I pray you will gain the tools to help you let go of comparing and live out the unique plan God created just for you.
Author bio:
Kristine Brown is a writer, dramatist, and teacher. She helps women and teen girls navigate the ups and downs of real-life. Kristine devotes her time to family, freelance writing, and her non-profit ministry, More Than Yourself, Inc. You can read more from her at www.morethanyourself.com. Connect with Kristine on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.
For more encouragement please join the discussions on these fabulous blog link ups - Suzanne Eller, Thought Provoking Thursday, Susan B. Mead, Faith Filled Friday, Grace and Truth, Faith and Fellowship Friday, Grace and Truth Friday, Still Saturday, Good Morning Monday, Soul Survival, Monday Musings, Rah Rah Link Up, Tell His Story, Woman to Woman Wednesday, Women With Intention Wednesday, Sitting Among Friends, Word of God Speak.
Instead of loving my body the way it is I’m always comparing it to others and wishing it looked different.
Me, too, Jessica! I’m asking God to work on my heart in this area!
I understand exactly what you mean Jessica. In fact, I open the introduction of the book with a story about my physical appearance. Thank you for your honest comment. It’s so freeing to know we are not alone in the comparison struggle!
Desiree says
I stuggle with comparison mainly with always wanting to look like someone else instead of apreciatinh God’s handiwork in me. I also struggle with Comparison in feelin like I di so little compared to what others are doing workwise.
Desiree, I’m right there with you! I love what you said about accepting God’s handiwork in you!
Oh my goodness Desiree, I can so relate! The first chapter of the book deals with work comparison:) I had it BAD. Thank you for joining the conversation today!
Laurie Moudy says
I know I have compared different parts of my life and even things about myself to those around me. At this point in my life I find myself comparing my skills as a homeschool mom trying to teach in a third world country as well as questioning and comparing my abilities to speak in Spanish here. I think to myself I should be further along like my neighbor and then I try to stuff those thoughts down in a tiny box.
That must be tough, Laurie! I bet you’re doing a great job!
Laurie, homeschooling is such a great accomplishment! There are tools from God’s Word and practical steps that can help us conquer comparison for good. When God revealed these to me, I just had to share them in the book:) Thank you for the comment!
Joni says
Like most women, I compare my body with others. But in addition to that, I also compare how I seem to fall short of others when I don’t volunteer as much as I’d like to. Then, as a mother, I feel like I am not as patient with my children as I should be and don’t set aside enough time to spend with them like other mothers do with their children. But I know that even when others seem to have it all together, we’re all struggling in different ways.
That is so true, Joni! We all struggle in different ways! xo
I totally agree Joni, and it does often seem like others have it all together. I appreciate your comment!
Good morning, Liz, from your next door neighbor over at Kelly’s place! So good to meet you at your place early on this Tuesday!
It sure is bright and beautiful here …
;-}
So great to have you stop by, Linda! Blessings, Liz
Thanks for dropping by, Linda!
The topic of this book, the seed of grace in your post, is so often a difficult topic for women, isn’t it? I have learned that comparison is always a thief of grace, and I am trying to be less of a willing participant to give that away.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Dawn
Comparison steals a lot from us, Dawn! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, Liz
Amen, Dawn! Kristine’s book is definitely a great resource for women who are ready to live out God’s plan for their lives!
This book looks like a great resource on an important topic. So many women struggle with it!
It is!!
Kristine, the more I read about your book, the more I”m convinced that it will be a source of healing and peace for many women! Blessings to you!
It really is such a fantastic resource!
I think comparison is a tool of the enemy to draw us away from God and leaving us feeling “less than.” as a homeschool mom, I know I have to constantly check myself from measuring my worth based on how well my kids are doing compared to others. we need to do the same as Paul and “learn the secret of contentment.” thanks!
Thanks for sharing Liz and Kristine! So excited for this book : )
I think most women can relate to comparing ourselves among ourselves far too often. How we look, our houses, to our homeschool curriculum choices and parenting styles. It is a viscous cycle that can be broken. This book looks like a great resource! Sharing with my readers!
Hard truth, but so important. I think getting rid of our comparative tendencies is a critical step toward building deeper, more authentic relationships with each other. We need our sisters in Christ, but our enemy would love nothing more than to see us divided. Thank you for your transparency, and for sharing this truth with us at Grace & Truth!
Comparison can definitely lead to competition and that destroys community! Thanks for visiting!