Suzie is offering to one randomly chosen commenter a print or ebook edition of her novel NO SUBSTITUE. The winner will be announced here on Friday, July 5th, between 4-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!
You’re Beautiful by Suzie Johnson
There’s someone I know who is hurting in almost
every area of her life. She’s so deep in the pit of poor self-esteem, that my
heart is deeply troubled for her. God puts her on my heart almost daily and I
pray for her. I think about her often and I’ve tried to be a mentor to her.
I’ve never met her in person, but I’ve talked with her and texted with her and
I see her Facebook posts.
Those posts trouble me.
All she’s ever wanted during her young life is love;
the freedom to be herself and be loved unconditionally
for who she really is. But does she really know who she is? I think she’s still
finding her way.
And now she’s dealing with her broken heart.
My own heart breaks every time I encounter someone
experiencing self-doubt, low self-esteem, self-dislike, heartbreak. I’m shy,
and I have a tendency toward social anxiety, but dear friends and my faith in
Jesus have combined to help me through the worst of it. Sadly, not everyone is
as blessed as I have been in the friend department. But everyone can be blessed with Jesus and the promises he brings.
Sometimes I struggle with sharing God and the love
of Christ with people like my young friend who are so troubled. My struggle
isn’t that I’m ashamed to own my Lord, my struggle is that they won’t want to
hear it. That they’ll think I’m offering them pat answers and spouting
platitudes.
How then can we reach out to those who are hurting?
The first step, of course, is prayer. And I think it’s okay to let them know
that we’re praying for them. I think if we speak with a genuine heart, they’ll
know we’re sincere.
To everyone struggling with self-doubt and
self-esteem issues, you’re beautiful. He loves you.
“For
everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received
with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” ~~
1 Timothy 4:4
This is you. This is me. This is all of us. We
are created by God. We are good. We are consecrated by Him.
When you feel alone, like no one cares, don’t lose
hope.
“He was
despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”
~~ Isaiah 53: 3
“Surely
he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.” ~~ Isaiah 53:4
I’m praying that each of you who are suffering will
remember these truths and take them into your heart.
Meet author Susan Diane
Johnson on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet
This)
Win Susan Diane Johnson’s
novel, NO SUBSTITUTE. (Tweet This)
Susan Diane Johnson: you too can be blessed with
Jesus and the promises he brings. (Tweet
This)
Author Bio:
True North is Suzie Johnson’s second novel. Her first novel, No Substitute, a contemporary
inspirational novel, is out now from White Rose Press of The Pelican Book
Group. She is a regular contributor to the Inkwell Inspirations blog,
a member of ACFW, RWA, and is the cancer registrar at her local hospital. Suzie
and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest with their naughty little cat on
an island that is definitely not tropical. Together, they are the parents of a
wonderful grown son who makes them proud every day – even though he lives way
too far away.
You can visit Suzie at the
following places:
It can be so frustrating trying to reach out to someone who has low self-esteem. I have a couple of friend who cannot handle success because they don't feel they deserve it. I've learned that I can't change them or convince them of their worth, but I do encourage them to trust in God's unconditional love. And I pray for them. Great post. Would love to win your book.
ReplyDeletePat, you brighten my mornings when I awake to see that you've commented the evening before ♡
DeleteI used to suffer (and by this, I mean truly had limiting consequences) with self-esteem issues. When I committed my heart to Jesus in my early 20s I began to see the beginning of change, feeling loved, unconditionally as Suzie speaks about. He has made so many positive changes in my life... yet I know I have many more lessons to learn.
Thank you, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the hardest thing, - you're so right - recognizing that you can't convince them. Encouraging them and just being like Jesus to them - loving them unconditionally, and of course praying. These, I believe, are the best things we can do. I hope your friends will eventually discover that they are loved and have value.
What a lovely reminder, Suzie. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, DeAnna!
ReplyDeleteDeAnna, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story. I'm glad Suzie gave you a smile.
DeleteMy mother was an incredible self-esteem builder and she did it with small compliments, those little things you think but never say. Once she told me that I have a lovely arch on my feet. Silly? Well, probably, but I think of that small compliment often. My sister-in-law told me that Mom once compliment her on her hairline, and that that compliment is something she remembers often. So small, so seemingly insignificant, but from the heart.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win your book, Suzie. I'm sue@sueharrison.com.
Sue, thanks for your visit today. Wow--what a blessing your mom has been in your life. She sounds like a lovely, thoughtful person. Often, it's the "little" things that go a long way. This reminds me of a little something that happened at work last week: I went home saying to my husband that my General Manager surprised me with something. Husband asked if it were a pay raise. Although that would have been surely welcomed, instead, my GM pulled me aside to thank me for working so hard despite looking exhausted. It truly lifted my spirits.
DeleteHi Sue,
DeleteYour mother sounds like a very loving and special woman. The things she said are so sweet. I like that. Those small special things really are the ones you remember. Thank you for sharing that.
Elaine, I'm glad you have an affirming boss. I do, too, and it really makes it a joy to go to work.
DeleteSuzie, those with low self-esteem do face such a struggle, and helping them is so difficult because no matter what we say about their worth, they don't believe it. The only way to overcome self-loathing, in my opinion, is through Christ. The change has to come from the inside out. In the meantime, encouraging them, affirming them, and more importantly praying for them is so very important!
ReplyDeleteLisa, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story today. I hope to see you again :)
DeleteYou're so spot-on right!
Hi Lisa,
DeleteYou, my friend, are so incredibly wise, and I agree with you 100%.
Suzie, Lisa nails it on the head. Lacking self-esteem goes so deep, it's a natural response. Those who suffer with it know no other way. Yes, we hear God's words in the Bible but it's allowing them to transform us that is the challenge. But with God's spirit and continually pressing into Him, our hearts and minds can be renewed as those wonderful words in Romans 12:1-2 outline.
ReplyDeleteIt's a journey of renewal and believing that He can and will.
Wonderful post Suzie. Elaine, you bring such an eclectic mix of authors to Everyone's Story. Thank you for your continued commitment to unearthing hidden treasures and glorifying the Lord in the process.
Ian, it's always wonderful to see you here. Thanks for the strong, kind words. I'm fascinated by everyone's individual stories and how we can use our backgrounds to unite and honor God.
DeleteYou phrased it well, my friend, about a journey of (renewal and) believing He can and will. I became a Christian in my early 20s but it wasn't until many life lessons and years later that I learned the difference that offers peace: believing He loves us so much that He will oversee all of our needs.
Oh, Ian, you brought tears to my eyes. It is so true that those with no self-esteem know no other way. It's such a long process even once the sufferer starts to believe their life has value, that it doesn't take much for them to slip back into the self-doubt. Thank you for your thoughtful response and kind words.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book, one I'd love to read. Unfortunately, sometimes people with these issues overcompensate for their negative feelings about themselves by coming across as arrogant and critical, which in turn pushes people away. Only in the Lord, can the sufferer overcome, and only in the Lord will people reach out to those who need to be encouraged.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Pat :) Sadly, I've known/met quite a few people like you've described. And because I have insight as one who felt insecure as a child, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and get to know them a bit to see if it's truly this matter that causes their difficult behavior. I usually end up praying for them... for many folks.
DeleteGood morning, Pat. Happy Sunday, and thank you for dropping by. You're right. Like Elaine, I've come across people who over compensate like that. Although I'd never really realized until now that that's what they were, ARE, doing. Yes, that means there are people in my life doing just that. But now I can look at their actions in a different light. Thank you, Pat, for opening my eyes to that.
ReplyDeleteI must clarify that my book doesn't deal with self-esteem. Just in case anyone is under that impression. I wouldn't want them to be disappointed. Although, if I wrote about it, they might be. Only because, I think to resolve in in a novel would be a quick fix since, as Ian and Lisa mentioned, it is so ingrained that it's a life-long process.
Suzie, don't short-change yourself :) I bet there's a creative way to construct a great character & plot centered around a self-esteem issue that would make for great reading. Give it a try!
DeleteBeautiful post, and so true. I often wonder why girls especially suffer from low self-esteem. With my own daughter, I think I tried extra hard to give her lots of positive feedback and compliments. But she did go through a period of very low self esteem. Thankfully as she matured she has gained confidence in herself. Hope it continues.
ReplyDeleteThe cover of your book is breath-taking! I'd love to win a copy!
Cheers,
sue
sbmason at sympatico dot ca
Welcome to Everyone's Story, Sue. I'm so glad for your visit today!
DeleteI agree with you about girls having it tougher with self-esteem/self-respect. In my opinion, despite women coming a long way in independence, especially in the past century, I wonder sometimes if this low self-image still stems from societal pressures and viewpoints.
I'm glad you excited about Suzie's novel. Good luck!
Hi, Sue,
ReplyDeleteIt's only my opinion, but I think even with a strong sense of self, girls can just be decimated when the gi to junior high or middle school. Thank goodness for mothers like you who nurture their girls with positive affirmations and encouragement. That's probably what helped your daughter regain her confidence. That and a lot of prayers from you, I'm sure. :)
What a beautiful post, Suzie.
ReplyDeleteGirls (and boys) do have it rough in this area. Societal pressures certainly can contribute to self-esteem issues. It's so important as parents to build up our kids, to tell them how much we appreciate their attributes. We also need to model healthy self-esteem to them and make sure our sense of worth is rooted in Christ.
So excited for your new novel, Suzie!
Welcome to Everyone's Story, Susanne. I appreciate your visit!
DeleteIt's not easy being either a child or adult in today's cut-throat times. Even on the work site I try to say something nice, some word of encouragement. However, children are so blessed when this esteem booster can come from a parent!
Thank you, Susie. And you summed it up so well. Not only that, but I do know you practice this with your own children and they are growing into beautiful people.
DeleteI was once that girl. I had anxiety, panic and depression. I was farthest in the self-doubt pit during break ups. Those times were living torture to me.
ReplyDeleteGod reached out to me though to tell me that I'm beautiful when I thought I was the most wretched.
Check out my blog post for the story of how he used a child to send me light on my darkest day.
http://flyingongrace.com/2013/04/26/god-sent-an-angel-on-my-darkest-day/
Ah, Kristy, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But I'm praising God that you were able to make your way out of it. I know it's so hard. Thank you for the link to your article. I'll read it tonight. Thank you for sharing your story.
DeleteKristy, I am so thankful for your visit today. You sharing your story of God working in your life is a blessing. You are truly beautiful.
DeleteSuzie, heartfelt thanks for being my guest this past week. We've seen some very touching comments exchanged/shared here, helping me to give thanks once again for this blog and its gift of helping me to connect with so many beautiful people. And, as you've blessed us with this week, everyone is truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for the offer of your BookGiveaway of NO SUBSTITUTE. And the winner is...
Pat. Happy reading, Pat. Both Suzie and I will be in contact with you shortly via email.