I just finished reading “So-Long Insecurity” by Beth Moore with my summer book club. What a blessing it has been to read the book (for a second time) and be honest with other women about insecurities. Before opening the pages of this challenging book, it was surprising to find each other sitting in the same room about to admit: “I am Insecure.” Beth, Terri, Theresa, Brandy, and I all looked at each other thinking: “What are YOU insecure about? You are so GORGEOUS! And You—You have a wonderful husband! And what about you!? You have such a great personality! Not to mention, your successful career and 17 letters after your name, earned by exciting degrees!”

We quickly realized that judging each other through the lens of our own insecurity is not always an accurate measure of another person’s happiness. It is unrealistic, and even unfair, to assume that someone should be happy or satisfied because they are: (rich, successful, healthy, funny, liked, beautiful, etc). Insecurity stems from the same simple reason for everyone; no matter what situation he/she is in. We don’t believe that we are who God says we are. We forget the amazing qualities, talents, and blessings that he has showered over us with the grace of Jesus.

Here are some things we learned: 1. Have compassion toward EVERYONE—you never know what they are struggling with. 2. Always identify sin in your life or other people’s lives with insecurity. There is a reason this person needs to act/speak/think this way. What insecurity is he/she trying to heal? 3. Be aware of what creates or sparks insecurities that take over your thoughts. (An experience in your childhood, a friend, a parent, your own failures?) Overcome those insecurities with the promises of God. 4. Realize that the battle with insecurity is always going to creep up on you BUT be prepared to refuse those lies about who you are and what you are worth with scripture. Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

After leaving, I popped in a Cd that Beth made us all. The CD was a compilation of security’s best hits of 2011! haha. Here is a song by Addison Road that touched my heart.

There’s a little flame inside us all
Some shine bright
Some shine small
The rains will come
And the waters rise
But don’t you ever lose your light

In this life you will know
Love and pain
Joy and sorrow
So when it hurts
When times get hard
Don’t forget who’s child you are

This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m Gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine

May you live each day
With no regret
Make the most of every chance you get
And your eyes get wide
When you look at the stars
With the same sense of wonder as a child’s heart

With the ones you love
Treasure the time
And for those who are gone
Keep the memories alive

Hold on to your dreams
Don’t ever let go
There’s a fire inside you
Burning with hope
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine

There will be days when you wanna give up
When clouds settle in
But after the rain comes the sun
Don’t you ever forget

One day there will be no more pain
And we will finally see Jesus’ face
So until then I’m gonna try
To brave the dark
And let my little light shine

There’s a little light inside us all