Post No. 5, Chapters 8 and 9

Chapter 8, A Beautiful Prize Called Dignity

"We have dignity precisely because God himself gave it to us, His prized creation." (page 159) and "Insecurity is about losing our God-given identity." (page 148) So God has given us an identity but we allow insecurity to take it from us. What can we do about it? Start by identifying the triggers that lead to destructive habits.

For me, one of my triggers is exhaustion. I've learned that when I am exhausted, I am more likely to give in to insecurity by acting poorly. Now I can't always control how tired I get, but I can control how I respond when I am tired. I've always thought that I was doing good when I stopped reacting to insecurity the way the enemy wanted me to. But that wasn't enough because I had not begun to react the way that God wanted me to. (page 151) I love how Beth walked us through Scripture to claim dignity (and other promises)
that are rightfully ours. That is the response Christ wants to see in us. "Scriptural covering" is key, which is why it is so important to have Bible verses memorized.

This chapter made me think about what I clothe myself with on a daily basis. Am I choosing the things of Christ or the things of this world? Do my words and actions show that the love of Christ is my adornment? I loved the reminder that Christ is the beauty of my life and that I have a covering in Scripture.

Chapter 8 is written by Cristina Wright, a wife, mother of two, card designer, and a dear friend of mine (Karla Steele) since we met, I can't believe, 13 years ago! She lives in Colorado Springs, CO.

Chapter 9, A Time and Place to Heal

I am much more a do-er than a say-er. I like to see action and not all talk, so I was quite excited about this chapter. I have loved all the insight so far, but I was getting a little anxious about application!

A large portion of this chapter is prayer, so I thought I would share with you all the prayer I re-wrote for myself with the help of the one she gave us.

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for all you've blessed me with. You know what I need when I need it. Only You can provide the things that I need to become the person you made me to be. You know when I've went to the wrong places and people for things that only you can give me. I am willing to do whatever I need to fully rely on You.

You know what motivates me and what shuts me down. You know that I have fears deep down. I am afraid that I will someday lose everyone and I sulk in that fear so much that I lose the joy of living now. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a stable mind. Your desire is for me to be free of those fears and to live a healthy, joyful life. I am in awe of your love, thoughtfulness, and all knowing power.

You know me better than I know myself. What makes me worry, what makes me sad, angry, excited, happy. You know every ugly thought that I've ever had or ridiculous thing that I've ever done. I wish I could know myself as you know me. Why am I happy one minute and stressed out the next? Lord, you've given me my emotions. Help me to manage them and use them for your service.

Forgive me for being selfish and not loving purely and without strings. Forgive me for not forgiving and forgetting as You have shown me to forgive.

Help me to be aware of people and situations that make me insecure. Help me to not put my belief in man, but in You. You are always with me. I have too many expectations of people. Help me not to be wounded by these let downs.

When my life changes, help me to cling to You. No panicking or fighting for control. Just trusting in You.

I thank you for the way you made me and the home I was brought up in. I thank you for a God fearing husband and a wonderful family. I thank you for strong Christian women that have stepped into my life. Help me to minister to them as they have to me.

Clothe me today with strength and dignity. Transform me. Make me courageous in a scary confusing world.

Give me discernment and wisdom. Make me a woman that Alyssa and Amaya will follow to become women of security. I make this vow, this day to deliberately receive and keep receiving Your will for my life.

In Your Name,

Amen.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he ears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. I John 5:14-15

(Chapter 9 is written by Angie Thompson, a wife, mother, Pastor's wife, and friend from Sonrise Bible Study. Angie lives in Kearney, NE.)