All day today I have been bombarded with opportunities. Opportunities to witness grace, to share grace, to keep my mouth shut and let grace be assumed -LOL...but lots of opportunities. And now at the end of the day, I feel compelled obligated to share a couple of things. Before I begin, let me say that this post is largely not my own; in all actuality, I am regurgitating things that have been said or shown to me and I will try my best to give credit where due. Hence the title of the post...like a soaked sponge that is overflowing...I want to return some of what I have "soaked" up.
So here goes...
In my opinion, part of being or becoming a woman of grace, involves self confidence. Now keep in mind, I am not trying to be hypocritical here; I've got just as many issues (and maybe more) with my self-worth as most women do. But again, I am really feeling led to share some dots that have just been connected for me.
I found this wonderful post about a woman of grace and it includes a quote from Kristin Armstrong; check it out here.
Let me also say, that I LOVE Beth Moore! As a woman who takes a weekly Bible Study, I have just connected with and been extremely blessed by her studies, which is why I'm about to reference some of them. If you like Beth Moore, check out this link to see one of the studies I am quoting and gain access to tons more.
Back to the issue of self-confidence, though; a very powerful quote from Beth that I remembered and marked was during her Daniel study, which I took over two years ago.
"Constantly thinking little of ourselves is still thinking constantly of ourselves."
Wow! Soak that in!
Now I'll be the first to admit- that's a tough pill to swallow because I am GUILTY! I do this everyday! I self-talk myself right into the dumps! I mean, I just can't do anything right! Come on, self, get it together!
But that is not who God wants us to be; it's not who He created us to be.
To quote Max Lucado (Come Thirsty) :
Next time the arid desert winds blow, defining you by yesterday's struggles, reach for God's goblet of grace and drink. Grace defines who you are. The parent you can't seem to please is as mistaken as the doting uncle you can't disappoint. People hold no clout. Only God does. According to Him, you are His. Period. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Eph 2:10
And paraphrasing from a Beth Moore video sited above: when we will not accept God's grace and forgiveness and walk around with our heads hung in shame and under a cloud of self-condemnation, are we calling that humility? Because God calls it unbelief! Lack of faith!
Are you feeling that? It's not God coming down on you; it's God wrapping His arms around you. It's God lovingly whispering in your ear, "Please! See yourself as I see you! Show that self to others."
In John 1:14 and 17 we learn that Christ is Grace and Truth. He should be our standard; therefore, Grace and Truth should be our standard, even in our conversations with ourselves. If it isn't gracious, stop saying it to yourself! If it isn't truthful, stop saying it; stop thinking it! (paraphrased from Jennifer Rothschild's study, Me, Myself, and Lies)
I've shared some things that were on my heart as a result of things I read, saw, and heard about today.
It's a difficult subject to close on because there is really so much to be said.
But I'll close with this:
"By the Grace of God I am what I am." 1 Cor 15:10 (NKJV)
Remember that and say it to yourself until it sticks!
XOXOXOXO,
Leslie
So here goes...
In my opinion, part of being or becoming a woman of grace, involves self confidence. Now keep in mind, I am not trying to be hypocritical here; I've got just as many issues (and maybe more) with my self-worth as most women do. But again, I am really feeling led to share some dots that have just been connected for me.
I found this wonderful post about a woman of grace and it includes a quote from Kristin Armstrong; check it out here.
Let me also say, that I LOVE Beth Moore! As a woman who takes a weekly Bible Study, I have just connected with and been extremely blessed by her studies, which is why I'm about to reference some of them. If you like Beth Moore, check out this link to see one of the studies I am quoting and gain access to tons more.
Back to the issue of self-confidence, though; a very powerful quote from Beth that I remembered and marked was during her Daniel study, which I took over two years ago.
"Constantly thinking little of ourselves is still thinking constantly of ourselves."
Wow! Soak that in!
Now I'll be the first to admit- that's a tough pill to swallow because I am GUILTY! I do this everyday! I self-talk myself right into the dumps! I mean, I just can't do anything right! Come on, self, get it together!
But that is not who God wants us to be; it's not who He created us to be.
To quote Max Lucado (Come Thirsty) :
Next time the arid desert winds blow, defining you by yesterday's struggles, reach for God's goblet of grace and drink. Grace defines who you are. The parent you can't seem to please is as mistaken as the doting uncle you can't disappoint. People hold no clout. Only God does. According to Him, you are His. Period. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Eph 2:10
And paraphrasing from a Beth Moore video sited above: when we will not accept God's grace and forgiveness and walk around with our heads hung in shame and under a cloud of self-condemnation, are we calling that humility? Because God calls it unbelief! Lack of faith!
Are you feeling that? It's not God coming down on you; it's God wrapping His arms around you. It's God lovingly whispering in your ear, "Please! See yourself as I see you! Show that self to others."
In John 1:14 and 17 we learn that Christ is Grace and Truth. He should be our standard; therefore, Grace and Truth should be our standard, even in our conversations with ourselves. If it isn't gracious, stop saying it to yourself! If it isn't truthful, stop saying it; stop thinking it! (paraphrased from Jennifer Rothschild's study, Me, Myself, and Lies)
I've shared some things that were on my heart as a result of things I read, saw, and heard about today.
It's a difficult subject to close on because there is really so much to be said.
But I'll close with this:
"By the Grace of God I am what I am." 1 Cor 15:10 (NKJV)
Remember that and say it to yourself until it sticks!
XOXOXOXO,
Leslie
Wow, Leslie, very well written. Gives me lots to think about!!
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