Is she still there?
Have you ever felt lost in the middle of your own life? I have. More than once I might add. In fact, this feeling is a common one amongst us girls. We aim to live abundantly but struggle to find the overflow in a sea of overwhelm.
But in the midst of our wondering about the girls we are meant to be, God continually calls to us and offers abundant filled life. So do we access it? How do we honor who we are, where we’ve been, and who the Father wants us to become?
I’ve learned a thing of two about what it means to honor your life even in the midst of a life you didn’t plan on living. And because I put many of my stories and lessons learned into words and decided to share them — today is a special day.
Today is my book’s birthday…
You may have found your way to my blog after reading my devotional post from Proverbs 31 ministries. Or maybe you subscribe to my email newsletter and consider yourself to be a friend.
In either case, I’d love to share some beautiful artwork with you to commemorate the release of She’s Still There and also give away some She’s Still There “Swag” to someone who leaves a comment in the post below.
Why not? Today is my book’s birthday!
It’s the day that my thoughts, hopes, tears, and even some laughter are set free into the world for all who see. It’s a day I might just feel a little naked.
When you write, you hope that your labor of love is well received. You share a part of your personhood when you share your words and you wonder — did you aim your message in way that it will make its mark?
Birthing a book is a lot like birthing a baby. You go through all of the effort, the discomfort, and the drama because you believe that the baby is worth the effort. You believe in bringing forth life.
But book birth like baby birth is often messy. It’s not pretty. There are moments where you just don’t want to feel the ache, the pressure, or even the pain.
But you press on because the life inside is worth the work.
No matter where you are today or where you’ve been — your life is worth the work of the rescue.
In today’s devotion over at Proverbs 31, I shared a little of my story. I wrote about the circumstances surrounding my life during a time when things were hard. A bit messy in fact. There was plenty of ache, pressure, and pain.
I know what it is to feel lost, forgotten and alone.
But I also know that choosing life is an option. It’s a choice that you and I get everyday. Life is a gift. Your life is a gift.
The good news is that it doesn’t matter so much what choice you’ve made before this very moment. What matters is what you choose to believe now and what you then choose to do based on your belief.
It is my heartfelt desire that you choose to believe that your life is a gift and that the best of the girl in you is still there for you to discover. I hope that the book I’ve written, She’s Still There, can help you to believe this truth and to fight for the life within.
You my friend are loved. You are accepted. You are valuable. That is the truth.
What’s your story?
Do you believe this truth?
I’d love to hear from you. Be sure to leave a comment sharing either why you believe or why you struggle to do so. I love honesty and I’d love to hear more from you about your story. We girls need more of that when we chat with each other.
And what’s a birthday celebration without gifts?
I’ve got some She’s Still There “Swag” that I’d like to give to someone who comments. Feel free to leave your thoughts and I’ll choose a winner at random.
The giveaway will remain open until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
The SST Swag consists of two T-shirts, one six week She’s Still There Bible study pack (DVD and study guide), letter pressed artwork, and “Black Woman” fragrance (that’s a story for another day 😉 Be sure to comment to enter to win!
The beautiful artwork above is my gift to you. Download it. Print it out. And put it where you will always be reminded of the truth. Your life is worth the work of the rescue.
Simply enter your first name and email in the signup form below. You will receive the download (without the watermark) after confirming your email!
I hope the devotional you read over at Proverbs 31 Ministries was a blessing to you and that you were encouraged. It’s my hope that the free printable that I had designed for you encourages you too.
I’m glad you decided to pop over to my blog. Be sure and comment to enter the win the She’s Still There swag then enter your name and email to download your artwork.
Thanks for stopping by to celebrate my book birthday today 🙂
Great post!!! I believe and have been saved for a long time now. I sent this post to a sister who struggles.
I am currently going through a struggle I choose to be in relationship with my children father, we brought a home together and are not married. That was seven year ago and we are still not married. My desires is to be married and I know his is too, but he keep putting it off. I feel I chose sin so now god is upset with me and will not bless us as living together out of marriage. I have stop going to church fearing I was be a hypocrite. I know god is forgive, but feel lost and not sure where to go from here.
You have a kindred soul here. I have been living with a man for quite a while and have felt nothing but frustration lately at how he says he wants to spend his life with me but won’t propose. Lately, I have been keeping a close eye out for my own place because I feel like he’ll never take that step. I have lost a lot of me over the years living with him and part of that is feeling like God is disappointed and has written me off. It is a hard place to be.
You ladies are not alone, but you know a great God, but you might have forgotten above all that is that he is a loving Father. His heart for you is wholeness, and he loves you no matter what. This book is all about reminding yourself that if you are still breathing dear sister then you are worth the work. We have all been in our own “stuck” places, but our Father is there still ready to lovingly guide us back to ourselves. Ladies, can I encourage you to invest in yourselves, pick up a copy of the book, go through the process. Maybe even pick a couple girlfriends to join you- proverbs 31 has an online bible study for this book starting soon and you can join us! It won’t be easy, but my dear loves you are both worth it. I hope to see you on line. Praying for your strength where you are now, and the courage to follow the heart of the woman you truly wan to be.
Repeating this for you Natasha because it’s true! Your life is worth the work of the rescue. It won’t be easy and it may not be simple but it is worth it. Don’t settle for less than you are worth.
Your life is worth the work of the rescue. It won’t be easy and it may not be simple but it is worth it. Don’t settle for less than you are worth.
I went through a very similar start as you. Pregnant at 17. I quit school. Kept the baby, but struggled financially and emotionally. By the grace of God, I went on to a teaching career and. Another son and consider my life a “success” story. Praise God. To him be the glory!
Awesome story!
She’s Still There caught my eye on the Proverbs31 page. This book is the encouragement I need for this particular time in my life. Aging parents and beautiful children and grandchildren are all a blessing, but I have been stuck in the what about me stage for too long!
God has always been right beside me. I am the one who has forgotten how much He loves and sustains me every day. I am looking forward to the online study and to never forget His presence and love beat out everything else in my life! Excited to be on this journey to rediscover His opinion is what I need most. Thank you for your story?❤️
You are welcome. Thank you for sharing your story too!
There are times I know that I know I’m loved and valued by God but, there are those hard times when things aren’t going well (divorce after 30 yrs) where I feel like an utter failure. I try and stop the lies (Me, Myself, and Lies) as soon as I realize they are invading my thought closet. Unfortunately this is a problem every woman has. We question our value, whether or not we’re loved, adored, cherished, wanted…it’s satans best attack. Our God is Greater though and He will never stop loving us.
Wow Cindy. I’m so sorry to hear that but you aren’t a failure. Keep fighting the lies of Satan with God’s truth!
Confirmation from Christ. He still loves me!
It is hard to believe that I can be a child of God after yelling and arguing with my wonderful husband. He is truly patient and understanding but I don’t know why I can’t be a submissive loving calm wife. The enemy tells me that I don’t deserve the love of god or even read his word but I know that God loved me so much that he died for me. Thank you for sharing your story and the reminder of Gods love
None of us is perfect Adriana. It’s good you know what you can work on but believe that God can change you. Continue to thank God for your loving patient husband. I have one of those too 😉
Wow, I just happen upon this post and I am so glad I did. Although I have a beautiful personal relationship with God, I still struggle at times and have to remind my self to whom I belong. Sometimes, when I make mistake, I tend to be too hard on myself in which God has personally brought to my attention. I’m still discovering who I am in Him. I look forward to not only reading your book but rediscovering that the woman He calls me to be IS STILL THERE! Thank You for sharing your Labor of Love and may God continue to manifest His Grace, Beauty, Wisdom, and Love through you.
I came to this page through your Proverbs 31 devotional and now so looking forward to read your book, “She Still There” and the online Bible study! I am intrigued to learn about it because I feel it may come to impact some hidden parts of me that I am still struggling to show, share or to remember as my life goes…with God’s Mercy and Love.
Many things came to surface after my mom passed away, 3 years ago… and still hurt me deeply. To the point I still feel it as bad jokes or ironic facts that are just hard to confront. I feel little and invisible. Left in the darkness all alone. Not really “there” as people see me. But God held me. Strong hands that never left me fall.
And put some amazing people around me to remind me that I am not alone at all and I can be strong in Him.
Thank you for sharing your story and thanks in advance for the effort of putting this book together. I haven’t read it yet but am already inspired by it, being”still there”!
I pray that you are encouraged as you read. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Thank you for your story in proverbs 31. I have struggled recently with my past being brought up by a mutual friend. It has been 39 years since that time but the devil sure likes to be that roaring lion bringing up your past to make you feel bad. I know that what I did was wrong and my Heavenly Father has forgiven me and cast that ugly sin into the sea of forgetfulness. Thanks so much for letting God use you to touch others.
Yes. Forgiveness of self is hard. You just keep telling yourself that you are forgiven and that God the Father doesn’t see your sin when He looks at you but sees His perfect son.
For an old lady, it’s nice to still be learning new things about myself. The Proverbs 31 studies have helped me see things in many new perspectives. You are never too old to learn new things. Excited to see what this one teaches me.
Even though I’ve reached a time in my life I feel I should have it all “together” I struggle with the concept of looking for God to see if He still loves me. Intellectually I know the answers but emotionally I have conflict. I am hoping that by doing the Bible Study with you it will help me to bolster my faith and to put it in to perspective that God “Still” loves me no matter what. .
Yes He does 🙂 We just have to rehearse until we believe it.
16 yrs ago after going thru several abortions God moved me to have a baby my situation hadn’t changed but I decided to keep this one I kept the baby’s father out of the picture for many years. But I was always trying to walk on Gods way and slowly tried to bring my son and his Dad together. Even though there still a long road to go I praise the Lord because they have a father-son relationship now. For me I am still working on forgiving myself for my previous choices. Please pray for me, so that I can see that God loves me no matter what my choices were.
Eileen, calling you name out to the Lord right now. Keep learning to live in the light of His forgiveness.
I found my way here after reading the P31 devo. It wasn’t just the swag that drew my attention to check out your blog, it was your real testimony. Often I feel I don’t know how or who I can be open and raw with about what I’ve faced and how I’ve struggled to move forward. I practice discernment and keep quiet. But when I read, “it’s never too late for you to seek His Word, His face, His heart and His hopes for the life of the girl in you.” It was like, “click”, light bulb. I trust in my Heavenly Father and His plans for me but believed that the girl inside of me died a long time ago. I felt…That part of me died with my mistakes and regrets. Thank you for encouraging me – “regardless of where life has led me…it’s never too late to choose to live her life … the life of the girl who feels lost. Or forgotten. The girl who’s made mistakes.” Very powerful words for me to read this morning- because now I know the girl inside me, the girl I felt who failed- she is alive and has been ready to move forward. Wow, thank you for keeping it real Chrystal. Thank you for helping me get to the root of something that has been a 14+ year struggle. I am hopeful of being able to stop wasting time and start moving forward!
Yes Jocelyn, you can move forward. It is never too late.
Sometimes I feel like I fail my Lord and my family. I have to remind myself that I am loved and I am worthy of His love. Thank you for that reminder. I am going to print the downloadable and carry it with me. Thank you!
This devotion couldn’t have come at any better time! As women we struggle with alot, (teenagers) I had my first child at sixteen, and I thought my life was over even before it got started. It’s very easy to slip into a dark place, and we do forget that God really does love us unconditional. I’m blessed to have received this message this morning, a reminder that our Heavenly Father does love us, because after all He first loved us! Thank you Jesus!!!! Amen.
I am 62 yrs old and at times I am still trying to find me. I am a wife of 42 yrs and mother of two adult sons and a grandmother of one grandson. Yes, my life has been up and down, some messes along the way but I have always been the one giving and caring and losing myself. I was trying to commit suicide one time but I was too broke to buy what it took to do it. I was so disgusted that day that I did sit in a storm in the rain so noone would know that I was crying. But God spoke thru the storm and wiped my tears in the rain and I am still here. I wrote my first book several years ago, Hush God is Calling. I know God has something for me to do, but I often wonder am I worthy? Thanks for being an inspiration to me
God Bless
Yes Arline! You are worthy!
Since childhood, I thought I had to “perform” well to be loved by parents, my husband, and friends. Subconsciously, this carried over to my relationship with God. Over the past two years, a series of events in my career and marriage made me aware on a conscious level that I don’t feel like God loves me when I don’t “perform” well. I am now trying to “live loved” as Lysa TerKeurst encourages us to do in her book titled Uninvited. I hope someday this isn’t something I have to try to do and it becomes as natural as breathing. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey to “live loved” through Chrystal’s new book and the accompanying Proverbs 31 Bible study.
Awesome post! I have been a Christian since I was 12 but my live has been through some tough times. A divorce, a heart attack at age 44. and many disappointments. I know God has gotten me through them all but believe me I did question were was he when I was going through these things. Thank you for your post and encouragement.
Michelle Young
Thank you – I loved how you said “Consequences ebb and flow with my choices, but His everlasting love does not.” I have always struggled with God’s love. This sentence is now forever in my journal.
Thanks for reading Jen. I wrote those words but need to put that particular line in my journal as well!
I’ve been reading Proverbs 31 devotional off and on for a few years. Every time I read one, Gods truth speaks into my life wherever I am in my faith journey. This particular one has come at such a needed time, where I feel lonely and lost. I hadn’t realized, but I’d been feeling unloved too. What an awesome reminder that even in times I feel unlovable, I feel lost and don’t know where or what to do, the truth of Gods love remains constant wherever I am.
Thanks for sharing! Sounds alot like my story, except i was 18 and my daughter is 19 years old now. She truly is a blessing. God has made me a stronger person and i have learned to rely on him through everything. He has and always will be there for me no matter what. My trust and faith in him has never been stronger.
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As a teen mom I’ve known the struggles of a tough journey but I’ve also known great love and grit to be the best mom for my baby girl! She is now 27 and a joy to the Lord and all who know her! She is successful in her career, her spiritual walk is beautiful and she will be a stunning bride in 2 1/2 months as she marries the man she & I both prayed for! God is good and brings beautiful from broken! All glory to His amazing ways!
Yes. Grit can be good and single parenting certainly can serve to develop that!
Great devotional on Proverbs 31! I needed it today and can’t wait to read your book!
My daughter would benefit so much from this devotional as she is entering her Jr yr in college and is struggling to find her direction and worth in life.
I always seem to struggle with finding His purpose for my life. His plan. And when I cant clearly see the next step, I begin to believe lies that God has no plan or purpose for me. I am just a number in a sea of people. It makes me doubt His love for me as an individual. I know He died to save the world. I know the Father loves US. But, I struggle with knowing personally that He loves me and has a specific place for me in this world.
Life seems to be filled with challenges. Your are either going through challenge, getting ready to go through a challenge or just finished one. It is easy to try to rely on our own understanding and forget God loves us unconditionally. It would be easier if we saw God in others but that is not the case. I am looking forward to your book the title speaks to me.
I feel like a lot of times I am the “good girl ” who just floats along in life. I am excited to see what God is going to do with me and my life through out this book.
I came upon this from my devotional. I have been struggling with feeling invisible and unwanted and unloved. Thank you for sharing!
You are never invisible Terri Ann to the One who sees all, knows all, and knows YOU 😉
I need to find the girl that is still there. I was saved at 19 years old and was a Jesus girl. As life has happened and not in the order that my type A personality had planned, instead of drawing close to God, I became angry and ran from God. I have rededicated my life to God and know his forgiveness, grace, and love are mine; however I continue to carry regret. I want to find the woman that is still there.
You can Tonya. You will.
I believe because God has never let me down. I myself write down scripture in a little notebook as reminders when I am not feeling worthy. This helps me and keeps things in perspective. He loves us unconditionally and I’m so thankful for that!!
I write down Scriptures too. Love hiding God’s Word in my heart!
Such a timely reminder! Would love to receive the She’s Still There “swag” for me and my young adult daughters. Believing my own self- worth is one of my greatest struggles and I know I have passed that on in some ways to my children. I pray to truly believe everyday (and share that belief with others) that God loves me unconditionally and I am worth more than silver and gold to Him . Thank you!
No matter what season of life we’re in, we as women fall sometimes for the devils lie how unloving and unworthy we are. Thank you for the great reminder.
Thank you for writing the devotional. We all make mistakes in life, some bigger than others. For me, after my husband left me and my four children, I felt I had made a huge mistake in trusting and marrying this man who would do this to us. I thought to myself, how could I have chosen this man to be the father of my children? He so obviously didn’t care about anyone but himself. I felt guilty, hurt, rejected, unloved. So that was two years ago. God has proved His love for me over and over again in very small ways and in very large ways too. He has never let me down, and He’s always there when I talk to Him…listening. I have learned how to trust God over these couple of years. It’s freeing to know there is Someone whom I can always trust. Having said that, I am always looking for ways to learn more about God’s love for me, and I’m looking forward to reading your new book and joining in the study.
I really struggle with this. I believe it in my head because it says so in the bible, but I don’t feel it in my heart. I’ve struggled for most of my life feeling that I’m not good enough, and I beat myself up constantly because I feel I should be better. I am overweight and have battled with that since I was a child, and I dont think I’m very attractive either, however many times people tell me things to the contrary! But then I beat myself up even more because I know it shouldn’t matter what people think of me, and I myself don’t judge people on their appearance! I’ve done things in my past which I’m deeply ashamed of and these things give me such overwhelming guilt that even though I know in my head God has forgiven me, it doesn’t feel like it in my heart. I don’t usually share like this but I felt compelled to do so here!
I’m so glad you shared Kara! You have learned the pattern of negative self-talk. The good news is that is a habit that you can replace. Because it’s been a life long struggle, it will take time and patience but it is possible. I can’t wait until you read the book and get to the Part 5. I wrote it with you in mind… or at least every girl like you (and me) who struggles with feeling we aren’t good enough.
Thank you for your devotion and part of your story!! I also was a teen mom but I didn’t know the Lord until many years later. Life was very difficult but our daughter was a blessing from the Lord! God brought her to me to save my life. I was going down a very dark road in many ways. Destruction was everywhere I went. Later in my life I’ve come to realize that God was at work even when I didn’t know him!! He loves his children so much he fights for them (including me) every day!!! God is so good and yes his love is unconditional even when we don’t deserve it!!! I look forward to your book and bible study!!!
I have believed all of my life. I am struggling to be the girl God wants me to be. There are so many obstacles in my life right now. I know God talks to me, or at least gives me the signs I so desperately need to know I am on the right path. I pray every day for His guidance, strength and courage to get me where He wants me to be and who He wants me to be.I know “she’s still there”. I just need to find “her” with God’s help.
You can Nita. You will.
Between medical specialists right now, waiting for a diagnosis and needing reminders that God has a plan….
Hi Jean. I’m in the same place too. Hard place but we can learn to wait on the Lord and trust in His power and care. Keep holding on.
Last night I realized the devil has made it his mission to shut me up. My kindergarten report card says I loved to share stories but eventually, I stopped. Fear of man and feeling stupid shut me down. Flash forward thirty years and God awakened a dream within. I wanted to share stories again… mine but more importantly His. God’s word was like a fire shut up in my bones. Alas, somehow I’ve allowed the fire to fizzle and fear has crept back in. I feel shut up. The little girl in me who loves to share has been silenced. I know she’s still in there and ready to open her mouth but it will be a fight. I’m really excited to read your book and do the OBS through P31. To my soul, I believe it will equip me for the battle. And it’ll remind me. She’s still there. I’m still there and I still want to share. God help me to mot fear man. Oh, and I really want to douse myself with some Black Woman!! ☺️
I can identify with your starting out one way in life and then shifting gears as time passes. You are not alone. And… I’ll have the black woman on my site in a week or so! lol
My journey was different but full of struggle but through it I knew God loved me no matter what. I am older now and so thankful for my relationship with my Lord. I am also thankful that I continue to grow in my faith.
I’m in a season of transition right now. Starting a new job, working out new availabilities & schedules, learning to have balance & steward my home & family well in the midst. Sometimes I can get so caught up in the “doing” that I forget about just “being” who I was created to be. Thankful my Jesus never lets me stay there. His love always pursues & rescues me. This message is right on time & I’m excited to read your book! 🙂
Yup! Doing vs being. There may be a little of something regarding that topic in my book. Hope to see you join the P31 OBS!
Choices Choices Choices…
I’ve made some not-so-good self-justifiable choices. The consequences hurt people and my mind has been riddled with self-inflicted guilt every day for many years. Today, when I think about my past, I am deeply grateful for my God and for His mercy and grace in my life.
Twenty years later, I look back and wonder what life would have brought me had I not made selfish decisions; would I know of Jesus’ sacrificial love for mankind and for me personally? I do not have that answer nor do I need to have that answer. All I need to know is that today, I am loved, I am forgiven, I am His daughter and God has a plan for my life. I believe that plan is active today. It is where I am at right now, right here this day. Thank You Lord of my life for Your love, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Let’s go and embrace this day and allow me to sprinkle the same to those around me. Amen and Amen!
A new chapter in my book of life is about to begin this fall and I am going to include in my day the bible study offered this September and my book arrives this week. Looking forward to it!
During my daily reading of the Proverbs 31 devotional, I came to this page. I am now looking forward to reading your book, “She Still There” and complete the online Bible study! I’m also looking forward to the potential of putting some amazing people around me to remind me that I am not alone in the struggles in every day life and I need to be strong in Him, which I question often who he is.
Loved hearing your Black Woman scent story at She Speaks & can’t wait to dive into She’s Still There with P31OBS!
Enjoyed your devotion. I struggle with knowing that God loves me. How could he? I’ve done some horrible things when I was younger. Thankfully, his love does not hinge on me but on Him. I have to work to renew my mind and fill it with promises and truths that God made me, loves me and has a purpose for me. Can’t wait to read the book. Heard you speak at She Speaks 2017. Always a treat.
Love your statement… “Thankfully, his love does not hinge on me but on Him…”
Having grown up as a believer in a legalistic church where I thought more about not “breaking the rules” than about relationship with Christ, I set myself up for not personally knowing Christ’s love. And as a child it was easier being a rule follower because life was easier. As a young adult facing new & difficult challenges and very appealing temptations, I didn’t have the relationship with God I needed to deal with all of that. Did feel self-condemnation at having broken some “rules” because I was a Christian and knew better. And that self-condemnation turned me further away, into deeper struggles. I could really use this study to find the lost girl from 1980 who still hasn’t grasped Christ’s love for me.
Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and authentic! May today bring you joy, and lots of fun, as you celebrate the birthday of your book!
Thanks Laura!
Your post on proverbs 31 touched me. I found myself in the same situation at the age of 19 only I did not make the right decision. Although I repented and have since sought Jesus and his grace, sometimes guilt sinks in I still find myself feeling regret, remorse, and embarrassment. Thanks for sharing your story. I am looking forward to doing this study.
Thanks for sharing your story Brittany!
I was a pregnant teen, twice, but did not make the right choice. God has healed me and used me to heal others. He is so good! He makes our broken paths straight!
So many women struggle with guilt over the choice they made after finding out they were pregnant. When you say God healed you, what do you mean? How did that happen for you?
Loved the honesty & transparency of your Proverbs 31 devotion. It is giving me courage to share my own story that I keep very close & don’t often share. So refreshing to know that we ALL have our ‘herstory’ (history) with the Lord & He uses all of it to draw us closer! Looking forward to your book & sharing it with others.
Love that! #herstory
Thank you so much for posting this devotion on Proverbs31s site. My heart has been heavy recently feeling as if I lost the girl I once was and wondering where He has been in the midst of the trials our family is walking through. Thank you for your encouragement and pointing me back to what I know is true. In the end, no matter what, He loves me.
Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing your story.
Thanks for this much needed reminder that God loves me no matter what. We walked through a season of an unplanned pregnancy with our daughter several years ago. It was not an easy road, but God told us to love her through it….and we did. We are now experiencing the joy of the journey. Thank you for such an honest, authentic devotion. Keep it real!!! God bless you!!
I loved your post and have found comfort in your story. My past was one that I tried to run from but now I realize that Jesus has loved me regardless of my sins.
Having lived a life full of heartaches and disappointments, I questioned my validity for years, looking for approval from outside sources. I was never truly happy, yearning for attention, and having an unsatiated appetite for sex. I abused myself for over thirty of forty+ years with drugs and alcohol, and sexual addiction. I knew that God was there and that He loved me, but it was never enough. I would pray and ask for God’s forgiveness, confessed my darkest sins in front of congregations, and made many promises that I would never again do this and that, only to turn around and break them.
I still had faith in my Heavenly Father, just never much faith in myself. It amazes me how I managed to get out of situations that could have easily ended very wrong. I began thinking of my children, who had no choice but to stand on the sidelines watching me self-sabotage over and over again. Then I began having fears that something traumatic would happen to one of them due to my ignorance. Or perhaps one time my luck would run out; they had already lost their father.
I prayed fervently, asking God to take the worldly desires away and to guide me in order to turn my life around. He was faithful, as He has always been, and I began letting loose of the atrocities that made me a slave to this world. A most freeing feeling came upon me when I no longer craved the approval of others, when I no longer needed to get high, and when I decided to break the chains of addiction. I am free now; no more shackles, no more chains! Now I seek only God’s approval and love, and that is a I’ll ever need!
Thank you for sharing your story!
My whole life I’ve been a believer, even during the worst times in my life. Only in the past year have I questioned Gods love and existence. The amazing part is that God has given me signs in so many ways to show me He loves me and does exist.
So many times reading your devotional it says exactly what I’ve been struggling with and I love seeing your daily emails. Thank you for what you do
For the last few years I have been struggling with myself. Trying to understand how I ended up here…. in this place of loneliness. Thank you for the reminder that I am loved! Each day I’m working, with God’s guidance, to find my peace and joy.
I was that college sophomore, too. Your story so close to mine. And at age 69 O KNOW GOD LOVES ME!
How wonderful Marsha that you walk in the assurance of His love!
I’m feeling loved by God during my cancer journey. He has never left my side. There is great comfort through him.
Praying that you continue to feel God’s nearness during this season of difficulties with your health. He loves you so much. Praising God for His comfort for you.
You spoke of becoming a young Mom at an unexpected, unplanned time and how that made you question your worth. I was the baby born of another young, unmarried woman at an unexpected, unplanned time in a place/time where that is was not done to be a single-parent, never married Mama. That messed with my sense of value for years – thirty-some years. I knew God loves all people. I knew it in my head and could tell others to make them believe because I knew it to be true…. Except I didn’t believe I was worthy of His Love in my heart. Just within this past year I’ve fully accepted His Love and realized who I am is enough. I don’t need to prove I’m worthy (although I strive to improve). I don’t need to be perfect. God loves me just as who I am. I am His – the daughter of a King – and His love had NO conditions. The peace, awe and love that filled me with that realization was with our words to describe. But I’ve found life can cloud our thinking over time & circumstances, so I greatly appreciate your devotional today as a reminder that I am enough and am His loved creation. Thank you, Chrystal!
you are welcome!
I do struggle at times knowing deep down, that all our sins are forgiven. I grasp that God loves me, but having all our sins washed away and wondering what to do with that baggage is a struggle for me. Looking so forward to this study!!
Yes. I understand that struggle. Thanks for sharing and I do hope that you enjoy the study.
As always it seems the proverbs 31 posts are what i need at the time! I have always believed in God since my confirmation retreat, but have lost my way a few times since then. Now my struggles have me questioning my ability to love and be loved. This is a big struggle of mine, that i tend to cut myself off from everyone, to ignore a problem, to feel i can do it all on my own. My family struggles over this, that i just cannot make myself emotionally available to them. I pray every day for God’s love and that he will show me how to love others but also myself.
She’s still there. Thanks for the reminder!!! Sometimes I wonder if that’s true, or if she was “killed” so long ago by all those who “said” they loved her but their actions proved otherwise!! Truly blessed by your story today!! Congrats on the release of your new book!! ?
She may have been buried by those others but the good news is she can be unearthed by YOU and what you choose to believe, the thoughts you choose to rehearse and the decisions you choose to make!
I struggle so much with the idea that God loves me unconditionally. I have always felt like I needed to earn love from everyone around me and I project that feeling on to my relationship with God. As a new pastors wife I feel like I should have it all together and have no doubts or questions especially since I know have a responsibility to the women of our church. But I feel like my struggles have to be kept to myself instead of being able to talk them through with someone.
I’m not one to complain often, usually because people aren’t in a position to change anything about the situation, or if they are, they are content with they way things are and have no interest in changing anything, and nobody likes dealing with negative people. That said, since I’m about ready to explode from pressure, I’m going to vent a little anyway. I know my dentist is going to take me to task for the jaw clenching.
There is NO area of my life going well right now. I feel beaten and I am physically and mentally spent from the last several months.
I am the unhappiest I have ever been.
Pray that there is a light at the end of this tunnel soon, and for God’s sake if you come near to me, please don’t kick me while I’m down. Enough already.
Covering you in prayer, Laura!
I prayed for you before I even typed this.
Consider opening 10 minutes in the morning to
rest and cover yourself in God’s Word… I am
not perfect at it (I wouldn’t get any medals!)
by any means, but when I do
my day is different. Filled with His Grace.
I’m sorry that you are in such a rough spot right now. But here’s what I know for sure… Your darkest moments are just that — moments. Don’t allow the way you feel today to determine what you choose to do to honor the life you’ve been given. I hope you join the study and that you are encouraged by reading the book. Blessings to you Laura!
Thank you for sharing and being so transparent. I appreciate your honesty. I struggle with anxiety & although we may not have walked the same experiences , we all have a story/ journey we are going through.
Beautiful reminder at precisely the right moment – Isn’t that always the case? God’s timing just can’t be beat! And what came to mind with this lovely reflection is HE is still there. For there would not be a She (in me) without Him reminding me that I exist and can blossom under only the grace and unconditional love that He has given She. Thank you for your written words.
I heard you on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey last week and every single thing you said resonated with me. I am turning 48, sending my children off to college, going through the motions of work, household management, marriage, family, and I can’t even remember what my dreams once were. A heaviness has fallen over my heart and while I’m surrounded by loved ones and friends, I am lonely and uninspired. Thank you for the real life application of God’s truth and reminding me that the girl in me is still there. I plan to get to know her again!
Awesome! So glad you plan to participate in the rescue of “your girl”. You are not the only one who feels the way you feel or who can’t remember what their dreams were. But I believe that as long as you are still alive you can rediscover the “gift of you”. Blessings as you read and do the study.
Today’s devotional was right on time for me. I too had a baby in my teen years. I was married because that’s what we did back then. My (then) husband turned out to be abusive. I stayed for a very long time. Being married so young and emotionally abused for so long, I have struggled with self worth and seeing myself as beautiful and worthy as God sees me. My counselor and I have made a lot of progress and part of it is addressing the girl inside. Isn’t God awesome!! How right on time! One day, I will tell my story of how God saved my life. Thank you, Chrystal for the devotional and best wishes on your book’s birthday! God bless you!
Cindy, how wonderful that you are doing the work of honoring the girl inside. Thanks for sharing your story!
God’s love is the true constant in all things. Even when we cannot see or feel it, He is weaving His love into our stories. What a gift!
Struggling so much right now. I don’t know who I am and it’s so hard to believe God’s truth when I’m being attacked from all sides. Depression and Satan are drowning me!!
praying for you, Laura. Don’t let go of HIs hand!
In the last 12 years of marriage and kids, I feel like I lost a part of who I was as I became a wife and mother. I took on other roles and sometimes feel like I’ve forgotten who I am or who God made me to be. Needing a fresh reminder that the girl God made me to be is still there- would love help finding her.
Hi Christine! You are the winner of the She’s Still There Swag! I’ve sent you an email to get your info I can send your goodies!
I’ve done things I’m not proud of. I wasn’t thinking things through. But, I’ve been redeemed! When I met my husband 22 years ago he & his mom told me about the relationship they had with God. A relationship! I thought I knew God but they had a relationship & I could see it was a real thing. I wanted what they had. I have what they have. I am forgiven, I am free from my past. I’m a woman of God, the daughter of the Most High. I ask Him daily to use me, to keep my ears & heart open to Him & His direction. I pray He gives me wisdom to do the right thing, to say the right thing, to be used by Him. I am a child of God.
Hello!
I’ve been struggling with a sin I committed a short 9 yrs ago. Even though I have asked forgiveness thru out the yrs and every time I see the ppl involved, but it doesn’t seem to less my heart from the pain I have cost.
I have asked God for His forgiveness, I KNOW that he loves me, but now that I have seen the movie ‘The Shack and I am at a better place in my belief of Christ, I feel even more compelled to ask forgiveness of the ppl involved. Even knowing that it will bring back the pain that was once there and is not no more. And may cause more brokenness in my relationship with them. This days devotional has helped and I have prayed for God’s Will and answer to how He wants me to discern the situation or to just let it be….
Troubled soul….
I needed this one this morning!! I too became pregnant at 19, married into an abusive relationship for 3 years, Only to leave that and end up in the same place 9 years later going through the same journey, pregnant again and in another abusive relationship. After 2 years I was tired and finally left that one also. I struggled to raise 2 children alone and only made it through by the grace of God. He always provided. I am now a 48 year old woman, not perfect by any means, but I have been blessed now with a wonderful husband of 11 years 3 step children and now 2 beautiful grandchildren. Even though I know God loves me and has forgiven me I still struggle with guilt, shame, temptation. The devil always tries to get at you no matter where you are in life. Again I had a difficult night last night just struggling with a few things and to read this story this morning was exactly what I needed because I could totally relate. Thank you so much and God bless you sister!!!!
Encouraging word!
I am new to faith and struggling to put my everything in god’s trust. I read the word everyday and pray and worship, but I know there is still more I can do. Inside myself, personal things, belief and surrender. I am hoping that this new book, and online study will help me turn my whole self over to god, thank you for writing this, I appreciate your efforts to help women grow in Christ.
My desire is that I can learn “how” to share the Good News of salvation with others. I feel inadequate; that my words will not be enough. I need to believe that the Holy Spirit will give me the right words to share. And to remember that is not what I am doing or have done but what Jesus did for me – and the whole world! – that will save me!
Thank you for sharing your story..
I am now 60 years old, have been a Christian for most of my life, yet many times have felt I was in a box, created but others to make me what they thought I should be. I nearly lost myself. Praise the Lord for Christian counseling and God’s unfailing love. Your book is going to help millions of women. God bless you and your ministry.
I pray it helps many women. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing, Crystal. You story lends hope to so many.
This post today reminds me of my story, but everything that I’ve been through was for a reason. Through my struggles I’ve been led back to christ. I get to show my husband and daughter the love that I have for God,and the immeasurable love he has for us all!
I am always searching for fresh revelations about God and his character. I love honesty in devotions and people. I think far too much we say, “I’m fine, ” when we clearly are not. I know God loves me and I feel it more every day. As a pastor’s wife and now an empty nester, I am entering a new exciting phase of my life. I am humbled that God has called me to help women find community and delve more into His Word. Thank you for your words and can’t wait to read your book!
Your devotion this morning was just what I needed. I do struggle with reminding myself that God loves me. Things that have happened in my life leave me feeling so unworthy. I fall short of deserving His perfect love. The reminder that he loves every messy piece of me is wonderful. Thank you! I also love the reminder that we don’t have to have our ducks in a row before we come to Him!
God has loved me all my life but I never took the time to know Him. There is so much I would have done differently, but to feel Him near and know He loves me no matter what, it’s a gift I wish I had opened long ago.
I mess up in life and to seems to be the same thing over and over again. At times I feel God just looks at me in complete shame and disappointment that I will never get it right. I’m not sure what He has for me but I know it’s great! But I wonder if I will ever be able to grasp it. Sometimes I wonder if he’s given up. It’s a daily fight to believe that He still has a plan for me and One Day I will get it together. I know He loves me but some days it’s just hard to take that truth and press forward. Thank you for telling your story. I’m praying it will help me and others in the struggle.
It’s been a long road for me . ! Loving g God isn’t the problem , it seem that I have let Him down . Leadsership in a church for 20 over years then my mom past , and I needed sometime time to regroup . Didn’t stop going to church but I did sat aside . My life had has been through One battle after another. I have had four surgeries both parents past , son in law in serious legal trouble. Never been in trouble in his life , granddaughter taken ill . I can go on and on . My question is ??? Is God punishing me ?? No matter what I’m going to love and server him .I just felt like It was time for me to sit down and see where he was leading me next . I know it’s not about me it’s about Him . I try to talk with my Pastor his remarks are working closer with him . It doesn’t feel right in my spirit .
Love this post and can’t wait to begin the study. I know God loves me but I wonder why I’m stuck in a crappy marriage. Been here for 8 years. Tried counseling and everything. This morning I prayed to God that I have faith and KNOW that HE can save my husband. He is the only one who can fix us. So opening up this email this morning and seeing this was God letting me know He heard my prayer this morning.
Beautifully said. We are LOVED!
Yes, why do our mistakes, sin choices, seem to scream ‘He doesn’t love you now’ ? I look at my circumstances too often and let the decide how much He loves me! Would love prayer!!
Beautiful post this morning. Thank you Chrystal for your story.
Recently I went through a season where it was hard to remind myself this at first. Even though I knew this was true, I had to keep reminding myself over and over again. Others reminded me as well, not only by words, but actions too. I love to encourage people and I’m a hugger. So when people know I’m down, they encourage me and give me hugs too (if they are a hugger themselves).
My story is very similar to yours. I too became a teenage mom while in college. Sadly, my child’s father did not choose to take an active role in our daughter’s life so I was forced to quit college and move back home. I was raised in the church, and I felt so ashamed to come back home to face the scrutiny of others. This was a difficult time for me, and I definitely questioned God’s love for me during this time. But life did get better. I finished college and got a degree in accounting, married my wonderful husband, and we now have added two more children to our family.
Thanks for sharing your story 😉
I think we all have faced the thought, does God’s love really abide with me. I’ve had my share. In my trials that made me seek His love, lead me to the fact that YES! He does love me, I am special to Him.
Life will throw us blows that make us question God again & again. But it”s ok, because God’s love it when we need to come and really seek Him. He has everlasting love He wants to share. Thanks for sharing. That’s sharing and reminding us of His unending love.
Your honesty inspires me. The fact that God loves me even while I keep making mistakes blows me away. I am so performance focused, he is so different than I am. I am grateful for that.
I didn’t handle the challenges in my life very well when I was a young woman. I struggle with the ways my belief is held back by self doubt. But I know God is able, that He chose me in an imperfect condition and His love isn’t conditional at all. I needed to be reminded and your story was so strong, exactly what I needed today. Lord, I believe and praise You!
This is a reminder I need every day. I am loved. I am accepted. I am valuable. In my heart I know it without a doubt, but in the day to day trenches of motherhood, with demands all around me, it is so easy to feel lost. But I am still God’s girl!
It took a long time to understand the love of the Father, and sometimes still it’s a daily struggle for me. It’s hard not to feel unloved when we don’t love ourselves or are disappointed in ourselves. I had to read and re-read scripture to understand Christ died for us while we were still sinners. If we were so important to him when we didn’t even know him how much more can he loves us while we walk wth him. We have to remember and remind ourselves that He is our Heavenly Father and He lives us no matter what, He loves us!
This was an amazing testimony, thank you for sharing it. I sometimes struggle to remember that God loves me with an everlasting love and this was a great reminder of this. Thank you! I try to be a role model for younger women and I need to fully believe it and apply the ytruth to my life myself before I can speak to others about it. I look forward to reading your book. I am going to get a copy for myself, it is my birthday tomorrow and what better gift to myself!! Keep up the good work of encouragement!
I know the truth is that God loves me no matter what but the enemy is always whispering that I don’t measure up, that God is disappointed in me. I needed to read this this morning! Thank you
Hi Chrystal! I’m very excited to read your book and start the related study. I feel like I’ve been struggling with my value all my life. At 48 I think I’m finally starting to accept and even like the parts of me that have been “questionable” in my mind and heart. Unfortunately, I am in an unhealthy marriage (#2) and in a very difficult season and holding onto God’s truth isn’t very easy and I find myself wandering and really not giving Him my all. I am rebellious in so many ways and often think I don’t “deserve” any of this. I ask why and I don’t understand why a lifetime of hardship and pain is what He wanted/wants for me. Thank you for sharing your story and not quitting when the going got tough.
I have had moments when amazing miracles, blessings have been shown me.. I know it is all God. He is the only one that good do these things. He loves me .. oh how He loves me!
I have been in a “desert season” for long, long time. I struggle to keep going on in my walk with God. I look forward to this study!
Looking forward to your study. I am going through a personal journey after the death of my mother and my daughters wedding one week apart in March. I feel like I’m screaming “I’m still here” to a world that is just oblivious to my presence. Thanks for your devotion to writing and transparency in this message.
You are indeed still here! Scream it out in your bathroom when you need to. I do that sometimes! You had such a rollercoaster week with both grief and gladness so close together but hang in there. Healing happens over time.
So encouraging! I can’t wait for this study to begin. God bless!
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story! It encouraged me that no matter what our past looks like, God has every moment! My husband recently started a new career that we feel like he’s in His plan . We have been worship leaders for so long and now I am finding it hard to find my new place. I know that God still has things for me to do. Thank you for letting Him use you to speak to all of us! There’s more for me to do and you have confirmed that. Thank you and God bless you!!
Thank you for your words. I’ve felt many of those things in my life but I know my Savior’s love is forever. We all need reminders from time to time.
This blog was so well- written and so accurate. I even forwarded it to my son, as the inherent message is something he needs, right now, too.
At 46, I’ve struggled at feeling that my mistakes and choices had led to being unworthy, but recently have better understood that simply isn’t true.
Also, I’m looking forward to learning about Black Woman perfume!!!!!
Hahaha!!!
I definitely believe God’s love for me is unconditional and the “messy” stuff in my life has usually been a direct result of my own choices. When God created us He put in us a desire to worship. He wants us to choose to worship Him but if we choose not to, we will worship something, success, money, status, cars, homes, people, etc. Because God loves us so much, no matter what we’ve done or are doing, He gave us free will to choose Him. The best choice always has been, is and always will be God. Praise Him for his unconditional love and for sending His Son to die for me and every other single person on this earth. His love never fails!!!!!
At 63, I struggled for so many years with self worth and “how can God love me” – I’ve done so much wrong. But, because I trusted Jesus as my Savior (Eph 2:8-9, Acts 16:30-31) and loved God, I continued …and began looking for His love in scripture as you. He laid His life down for me, (John 15:12-14) AND then I really understood John 3:16 when I read Jeremiah 31:3, “THE LORD HATH APPEARED OF OLD UNTO ME SAYING, YEA, I HAVE LOVED THEE WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE: THEREFORE WITH WITH LOVINGKINDNESS HAVE I DRAWN THEE.” Your devotional this morning was a blessing and truly insightful in sharing with others the LOVE and VALUE we have in the sight of God! When we understand our value to God and His love for us, we can obey His command to preach the gospel to a lost and dying world (Mark 16:15-16). Continue in your labor of love for God and be strong — you are a blessing. Thank you for your uplifting message for today. Your sister in Christ. TD P.S. Would love to have a list of the scriptures you help onto that encouraged you through your trial(s).
Go to ShesStillThere.com and in the upper right hand corner click on, freebies! The Reminders of God’s Love are right there!
Thank you for being real. I am fervently praying for many people in my life who are struggling with self worth. Your devotion brought me encouragement to continue to love as He first loved us. I love how you wrote to live the girl’s best life God has given. Such truth and wisdom.
I know God loves me but have like you said, had a hard time feeling his love. I struggle with anxiety and at times it makes me feel inadequate and like I must be doing something wrong. Thank you for this reminder that God’s love is not dependent on how “good” I am.
As a 55 year old mother of three, I should be more comfortable with myself. But frankly I feel more and more like an emotional teenager, needing God’s love and guidance every day! Seeing my children all grown up and independent is great, but also bittersweet. I so wish I could go back and have a “do over” with some things. But we need to just remember that God is with us through the thick and thin, good and bad and keep striving for the good every day of our life. I loved reading your daily post and I pray that God blesses your writing and helps you to bless others with it.
Thank you for sharing your story Sherie. Yes. He is with us. He is with you 😉
I am 32 years old. Since my 30th birthday, I’d started to believe that God would not fulfill His promises for my life and that my hearts desires would not come to fruition. About a month ago, I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. His words were simple but poignant, ‘Trust Me; I’m not done.’ I have felt the peace of God since that moment. Through delays, trials, and growing pains, I’m committed to staying the course and simply trusting my God who has proven trustworthy time and time again. Thanks for the beautiful devotion this morning.
Thanks for sharing your story. It is a reminder to me that God accepts and loves his children despite our ‘flaws’. I sometimes get stuck at trying to please God and feeling “unworthy” when my ways are not pleasing on to him. I am reminded that my actions has consequences and may affect my life but this does not stop God from loving me. I now ask for his strength to live a live pleasing to him. I AM ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED! Praise God.
your devotional your devotional post from proverbs 31 has blessed me today. I want to share your book and encourage others. Continue to bless us as God leads you.
I love your statement — Your life is worth the work of the rescue. So true, and something we usually don’t put work into. It’s so easy to put work into our “to do” list but not into the “inside” of our lives!
My story starts very similar to your own. I gave my life to Christ at 16 by the end of that year I was pregnant . At 17 ,my beautiful daughter was born and I felt like I had let everyone down, My family, myself , and most importantly my God. I was truly blessed as my family and church rallied around me pouring their love into our lives. I know that God used this “messy ” part of my life to show me that all people are his people.
I have been a “good Christian girl” my entire life but still struggle to believe that God truly loves me just for me. The first time I tried to share my story was a catastrophe that led me back to a place of feeling worthless and unnecessary. I am trying to learn from that and move forward in a more positive way for the sake of my children. I know God is writing my story this way for a reaaon. I pray for strength until I learn why. Thank you for sharing your story.
your devotional your devotional post from proverbs 31 has blessed me today. I am older and you have truly encourage me . I want to share your book and encourage others. Continue to bless us as God leads you.
I will admit there are moments where I think to myself does God still love me can help see beauty out of this mess I think this way when I see others being blessed I get to into my flesh and start to do the why not me game and that is when I am reminded how far I have came I was raised house to house around disfunction drug abuse and chaos but through it all I was protected I was raised around it but I didn’t let it become apart of me I am still a work in progress but I know there was a reason I went through what I did you just have to let go and let God use you for through him what was broken is now unbreakable what was lost is now found
There have been many times that I have felt like a failure in God’s eyes. Pregnant at 16 and had an abortion and no longer being the good girl in everyone’s eyes. Now having 2 failed marriages. Through this second divorce I have learned that no matter what I do he will always love me. I found a great non-denominational church in my community that is helping me see this. My mantra when my mind starts running is “I am a strong, beautiful woman. I am a child of God. He loves me and that is enough”.
Love your mantra 🙂
After making a mistake I told myself I’d never make in my entire lifetime, I’m convinced I’ve disappointed God so much that I worry He’s turned His back on me… punishing me and my family with health and financial problems because of the huge mistake I made years ago. I try to make up for it, even though in my head I know all I need to do is ask His forgiveness and repent (which I’ve done), but it doesn’t seem like enough, especially since the punishments keep coming. All this keeps me in a feeling of “stuck” here, like I can’t move past the past into what I’d love to do for God- because I don’t feel worthy or able enough to do anything for Him. How could He even want to use someone like me? I appreciate your prayers and am looking forward to reading this book and subsequent online study through P31.
I understand how you feel Tricia. His forgiveness is enough. It is hard to learn to walk in the light of that forgiveness when we still feel guilty and carry a clock of shame. I’m praying that you are able to learn freedom and to act “as it” you believe in your freedom and liberty even when you don’t feel like it.
I am still struggling to believe God would love a girl whose family cast her aside for being ‘less than’. I am sure HE put this in my feed today so iI would be reminded. I am going to get some verses to carry in my pocketbook too.
I can’t wait to read your book! I found an old photo of myself yesterday and looked at it thinking ‘who is that girl?-is she still inside me somewhere?’
I am a mom of 4, who was staying at home to take care of my little ones. I have recently had to return to work to help my husband start a business and help out financially. I am constantly struggling with the question of who am I? What does God want me to do? Stay at home? Be there physically and mentally for my husband and kids. Or work a job that I am passionate about and not able to give my all to my family? I am looking forward to see how God ministers to me through this bible study!
I read some of your story at Proverbs 31 and I cant wait to read more. At my work we teach the children that God is always there for us even if we loose everything. Sometimes as adults we can forget this promise.
I can truly related to your story Many years ago, I was 18, single, pregnant and a senior in high school…wow! I wanted so badly to go straight into college. I had such plans. I was going to live on campus, make friends, travel, purchase my first home, travel some more, have a prestigious career in business, I had it all mapped out. I messed up, one night of weakness turned all my plans into vapor. I was devastated. My family loved me but I didn’t love myself. The difference between you and I, I wasn’t in the church. I knew nothing of God and His saving grace. I didn’t know of the redemptive blood of Jesus but my boyfriend (the one who got me pregnant) did. He grew up in the church. His mother taught me about God’s love, she told me He loved me and will always love me. That what I am feeling was guilt. She asked me if I wanted to be saved, I said what is that? She explained what Christ did for us, how he literally was murdered for us, God allowed His only Son to take our place on the cross, Jesus died on the cross for MY sin. I cried like a baby and at that time accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have been redeemed! He loved me that much, my God, my God….thank you for your sacrifice! I was loved then and I am loved now.
What a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing that!
I think your message is timely no matter what season we are in…..no matter what we’re going through, what age we are. Thank you for sharing your story and opening your heart to all of us!
Daily I struggle with regrets of my past, wishing I could change something. I need to find my purpose in God knowing He can make something wonderful out of what we mess up. What a wonderful reminder that the Lord loves us despite all that, loved us before, during, and even after all our mess ups. Thank you for reminding us!
I am so glad that I finally looked up your blog and found your book (Happy Birthday!) today because I’m struggling through a loss and while I believe God still loves me and will do more than I can ask or imagine, I’m also praying for Him to help my unbelief. I hope that this book and bible study will be a resource to me and a constant reminder of His unconditional love for me.
Hi. I too was a new mom at 19. Scared and feeling alone. My family always treated and expected the best from me. I was the oldest granddaughter and was expected to lead the pack. So when I found myself a new mom at 19, not married and moving in with my now husband let’s just say a lot of things broke loose. I felt misunderstood and abandoned most of the time. Over the years I struggled to find out who I was! I’m in a season in my life now where God has strategically placed divine connections of people in my life. I’m looking forward to reading and applying some of your advice to my life to find out exactly who I am in Christ. To know I’m still here! Thank you for your passion and may God continue to bless you and your entire family and ministry ❤️ Rosalind
You first impacted me through the book Kindgom woman, now that your releasing she’s still here I feel even more impacted because the story behind this book is exactly how I feel in my present life right now. I would love to be able to read this book and see what the Lord wants to show me through it
I have been praying for God to make His love evident to me lately. It sounds so ridiculous when I say that out loud because His love is all around and His Son suffered so I could be right with Him again. What greater love is that? But, much like how you said you felt, that’s exactly where I am. As a child, my mother always made her love for me “conditional” and as an adult, I still struggle with that concept even with God’s love. He is teaching me day by day that I am greatly loved but it’s helpful to hear others struggle with this as well. Thank you for sharing that part of your life!
Excited to start the study!!
I loved your blog today and actually everyone I receive from Proverbs 31. All the ladies – I feel your heart and God Loce and Truth in your words. The Lord is speaking to me through your words. I believe just struggle to remind my self in the midst of the struggle to claim his promises and reassurances and peace. I love receiving from you ladies how to take Gods Word and apply it to every situation. Gives me such encouragement and hope. I am easily distracted so I need all the help I can get. God Bless you all and thank you so much for your love for the Lord and the pouring out of your hearts to help people like me. ?❤️
Thanks for sharing your story – I share a story similar to yours and had many of the same feelings as I struggled with the way I was treated by those closest to me when they discovered my pregnancy.
Proverbs 31 has been such a blessing in my daily bible studies. Thanking God for your ministry.
I’m currently reading the book She Reads Truth by Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers. Your devo on Proverbs 31 today was point on with the book’s message. God’s love is unconditional and I don’t have to be a “good God girl” to earn it. It is a free gift to me because Christ paid the payment. I’m so thankful His love is not based on me trying to be “good” and do the right thing. In an ever changing world and ever changing people, I’m so glad God is our constant.
I left church, my call and ministry several years ago. Only now, slowly, I’m trying to make my way back to Him and His word. The Proverbs 31 devotionals and studies have been amazing. I know He still loves me, but I feel lost most of the time. Looking forward to read your book and to rescue the girl/woman He made me to be.
My daughter, who is in a bad place right now in her life, seems to have no motivation to move forward with the life God has called her to. She knows God and used to be very involved in reading His word daily. She is lost right now and can’t seem to find her way back. I’ve been praying for her to reach out to God…I know it’s His timing and not mine. ❤️?
Keep praying for her. Every prayer counts.
I know God loves me….it’s anyone and everyone else that I question.
I feel so connected to this topic. I have had s long life of struggles. From writing my beloved grandmothers eugoly at the age 10 to being the parent to my parents at the age 16 to being married at 19 to having 3 beautiful,amazing boys to after 28 years of marriage to being a single mom. To basically being told I am not good enough. Through it all I have tried to hold on to the fact I have only made it this far because God loves me. He had a purpose for my life. Through all my storms God has been my anchor. So yes this devotional impacted me today. I can’t wait to hear more.
I’ve been doing the Proverbs 31 emails for about a week now and today’s devotion (Your story) was so fresh. In my friend circle, we are all pressing to be who God wants us to be despite our shortcomings, insecurities, and current situations. It gives me joy when I find tools to further instill the reminder of hope of love that God has for us, His daughters. The real ness of “Over time, I’ve learned to believe God’s love for me is unconditional. While He does indeed desire for me to obey His Word and walk in righteousness, His acceptance of me does not ride or die on whether or not I measure up. Consequences ebb and flow with my choices, but His everlasting love does not” hit me like a ton of bricks I had to stop reading for a while to let that peace sink over and in me. I’ve never signed up for the other studies but this morning I was compelled to sign and share it with my friends because I know it’s breakthrough territory! This Thursday August 10th, I’ll be leaving to start a new journey as a Hip Hop Teaching Assistnt at Arizona State University to get my Masters in dance/choreography, and knowing I’ll have this to look forward to and further my intimacy with God has blessed me beyond measures! Thank you for being a vessel. For sharing your testimony with us. For giving out the hope of glory. God bless you!
All the best in your new endeavors! Dance!
Thank you for sharing and encouraging women around the world.
I look forward to reading your new book. Congrats.
Jumped over from Proverbs 31. I’m excited to dive into the online study. Still learning who God wants me to be and raising a young daughter myself. Looking forward to it.
I was a young girl with so much promise. I was the “good girl”. I had so many plans for my future and then my parents divorce, bankruptcy, and personal health problems rocked my world my junior year of high school. I became so disillusioned with who God was and I rejected him and his love for me. I lived in that place for almost 10 years and I made every mistake a young girl who chose to live her own way could make. That was 10 years ago. I now am married with 3 children and a wonderful, blessed life. And yet there is a part of me that still feels broken. Unlovable. Haunted by memories of my shameful behavior. I have been in bible study constantly in the last 10 years, but I have yet to completely beak free of my past and embrace my future that God is calling me to.
Thank you for your transparency!
I have been where you were at 19, and the judgement and condemnation we’re fierce. It was something I never thought I’d return from. I felt that God would never love me the same since I had so completely let Him down. It wasn’t until a pastor in a sermon stated that I was never holding God up to begin with..He is holding me up-in the palm of His hand, and always has been. God is the same…yesterday…today…tomorrow…and so is His love. Resting in this truth helps me show His love to others.
Your phrasing of knowing God loves you but not feeling it and needing proof hits the nail on the head for me. Thanks for expressing it so well. The difference between knowing and feeling can be devastating. Thanks for the research and printable!
My girls are almost 21, and my fairly new, 20 month marriage is going strong, but I’ve recently begun to look inside and see what goals and interests I left behind as I married and had children. I love the idea that that girl is still there and can be found again. Thank you for sharing.
I struggled for years believing anyone loved me. After years of every kind of abuse that one can think of came rumbling into my soul in the form of flashbacks, I entered a world of horror and unbelief within my own mind and heart. How could someone block out this horrific stuff for 36 years? Well, I did. After a diagnosis I only thought few ever received, I embarked the hardest journey I have ever chosen to embrace in my life! Through it all, I learned to trust in Jesus because of the miraculous cevents that led to the day that I began to remember. It’s been 28 years and 1 month that I began to remember and I’m still having to face the most horrific shattering memories I could never makeup or expect anyone to believe except God. He has been with me every step and a few times I abandoned him although he remained faithful. There have been times I didn’t believe he loved me in this journey. I think thst is normal when faced with such questions as “WHY?” AND “WHERE WERE YOU?”. I will share one way he touched my life deeply with His love.
I was in a really bad place in my walk of discovery. I felt exhausted, alone and forgotten by everyone around me. I prayed a simple prayer that webt something like this, Jesus, if you love me then tell me. PLEASE!
Unknown to me, he really did hear my prayer. I usually didn’t take the hour long ride back to my church for evening services, but I decided to. I was just entering the sanctuary when a woman approached me carrying a red Christmas bear with wings. Christmas was just around the corner and my thoughts were not ones of excitement, but rather dread. She said that the Lord told her to purchase this bear when at a store and he would show her who to give it to.My thoughts were sarcastic to say the least because I expected the “push me here” button to play a Christmas Carol. Just to appease hwr, I said thank you and pressed the button. Much to my surprise it wasn’t playing a Christmas song. It was playing, “JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO…” I was SO in shock I was dumd founded. From that day on I believed he loved me even though I didn’t feel it. As the years have gone by to my journey if wholeness, on occasion I need to go push that button on the Christmas bear one more time to remind me that not only does he love me, but he hears my prayers.
I hope this brief story helps soneine out there who reads it.
He realky does love us..
I am SO excited that today is release day! I have been anxiously waiting for my book to arrive! I found you recently through Jamie Ivey at The Happy Hour and immediately knew your book was something that I needed in my life for encouragement!
I have struggled for a while trying to figure out where exactly God wants me in this season. I just moved 8 hours away from my hometown in TN to NC, with my husband as he starts seminary. This time in my life right now has been hectic but so blessed. In May, I graduated college; in June, I got married, and in July, we made the big move!
I am excited for this journey, but I also know there is a lot to learn along the way. I’ve known in my heart for a while that I have been pushing aside my passions and what I was truly made to do. As of now, I have no clue what that might be specifically (maybe sharing my story or some encouragement through a book or a blog), but I do know that I am called to create and share – and with where I am at right now (working full time) it sometimes feels like I don’t have any time to create and focus on what God wants me to do.
But I do know am ready and listening finally! I am beyond ecstatic for this book! I can’t wait to read it and share it with all my friends!
Chrystal, thank you for taking the time to create this and share it with the world! 🙂
Your honesty is so refreshing! And I am so excited about this study about to begin – praying it brings about change in us for the women God has meant us to be!
Good day,
I enjoyed your story. It is very uplifting for me due to my daily struggle in finding myself in my Christian faith. I hope to read more of your story. Have a wonderful day!
Raquel Clark
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I love hearing how God has brought you to this life you’re living now. Its refreshing to be reminded of how much he loves me too. I’m looking forward to the Bible study!
Sounds amazing and something I need!
Thank you for sharing your story! It’s so encouraging and I love all the P31 resources! I have the First 5 app, get the daily devotionals, etc. I would love to win this bundle and share with my daughter. I was a mom at 17 years old and a Senior in HS. Talk about tough. The big thing for me was I was married to the father of our child and 23 years later, we are still together & in love. Only God could have taken my sin and made something beautiful out of it. We also have a son who I gave birth to right after turning 23 years old. Our daughter is 22 and just blessed us with our first grandchild, a precious little girl. Our son is 16 1/2 and going through normal teenage stuff (which means mostly not being around us much & staying in his room on his game system) but I know he will come through this too. Again, thanks for sharing your journey!
Thank you Chrystal, for the encouraging words they really make a difference in lies it helped me this morning God bless.
I was so connected to your feelings of being unloved while knowing gjat9 GOD is a GOD of love. I was also a mom at 19, and my son is now 25. It hasn’t been easy but I’m so very Grateful to GOD for HIS Grace and Mercy. I have no doubts that GOD loves me…but I struggle with excepting HIS love freely without conditions and performances. I know in my heart this is not true, but.I struggle with feelings of guilt..shame and worthlessness.
The message today on Proverbs 31 truly touched my heart. I too was a teenage mother at 17. I felt and still feel at times lost, ashamed, unworthy and unloved. I carried the burden of being a disappointment to my family and loved ones for many years and I’ve spent most of my life trying to be “perfect” because I messed up and was no longer the “good girl”. I started 2017 by spending time with God daily in his word and for the first time in my life at 43 I know without a doubt that he loves me unconditionally. While the opinions of others do still matter and I long to be loved by family and friends, I’m okay because the void is being filled by my Savior, Redeemer and Friend. Thank you for being transparent and for sharing this much needed word with us today. I’m excited about the book study and finding out if She’s Still There!
Happy bookversary!! ?? thank you for the reminder that Jesus loves us even when we mess up.. I was pregnant at 16 and life was so hard but God was with me and guiding me through it all and still is to this day. My son is now 15 and I have 3 other children and God is just working in our lives continuously. P.s I would love to hear the story about the new fragrance as well ?
I enjoyed your Proverbs 31 devotional for today. Looking forward to studying your new book at Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies. God Bless you!!!!
I know I am saved by God, but sometimes I wonder why Jesus willingly died for my sins.
I am in the darkest most painful season of my life. My husband left me 16 months ago, and I’m waiting. Before he left I didn’t have a relationship with God, but now I do. Most people think I’m waiting on a man to make a decision (divorce or come home), but I’m waiting on God. God told me to wait. Several months later He said obey. I’m waiting and obeying why He radically changes me. I’m excited to read this book.
Chanda, you should be SO proud of yourself!!!
I am so proud of you as I read your words! I am
sure it is a lonely path at times, but
you are doing the one thing that matters, that is
right! The immense blessing that is coming out
of your dark season will forever change you.
You are loved!
What a great reminder to anyone at any age. I feel these feelings can easily creep in and take over
Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Thank you very much for the post; I also share a similiar experience. I became a teenage mother at age15, very unexpected and unaccepted. My journey has not been typical to say the least but I have been so very blessed. Fast forward 28 years, I am married with three adult children, and two grandchildren. On the outside it looks like I have it all together but i still experience moments of lonliness and shame. I put on a smile and I pick and choose folks to share my story/testimony with but I feel that GOD wants more from and of me. I know that HE loves me but i guess my struggle is with why HE loves me…can anyone relate? Anyway…thank you for sharing your story and i look forward to reading your book and the bible study.
For years we attended church as a family. I joined a women’s Bible study and loved it. Then somehow I got roped into leading the group, at the same time one of the members was diagnosed with cancer. Our sons were friends, and I felt God telling me to help this family. I did, and God was S good. I did not know this woman well, but we connected spiritually like no one else I had ever met. But things got hard. I was struggling to keep up. So I told the Bible study we would take the summer off. Fall came, my friend died, and the Bible study never got started up again. To make things worse, my family and I have stopped attending church. We have become the Christmas and Easter type of attendees. We have had the worse year. My husband had a very serious health scare with flight for life and 10 days in ICU at a hospital an hour away. My older son pursued a trade school and now can’t get a job in that profession and he has moved home, not even working full time, and now a month ago he shattered his elbow, requiring surgery, with another one to come and has now lost his job. My younger son is attending community college and wants to transfer to a University which means adding another school loan to our debt. I am no longer able to keep up at work after 37 years, and am retiring. I will need to seek work elsewhere and I am so afraid no one will hire an old lady. It just seems like I can’t get motivated to get back to God, and if I don’t push, the whole family drifts. But we desperately need God. I need something to jump start me back into my old Good habits!
This is your jump start 🙂 Go to church this weekend. Join a Bible Study again. Kneel in prayer this night and ask God to draw you to Him. Start somewhere and move forward one step at a time.
I’m excited to start this study! I know that God has a plan for me and loves me unconditionally – I’m just struggling to learn how to understand God’s plan and his timing. I believe that I am a very patient person, I’m learning to pray every day (not just for what I want/need) but for every God gives and for other people. I am grateful for what God has planned for me in the future.
Thank you for this post! It struck my heart, because I too live with life long consequences of my bad choices. But God is so faithful to love us in spite of it all; His forgiveness and redemption are undeniable gifts! I am super excited about your book and the coming Bible study. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story, to bring hope and encouragement to so many others! 🙂
Hello,
I am going to sign up for your bible study! I know that God loves me….I don’t doubt that! I think my problem is me loving me. God loves me, but because I have made some bad decisions that bare consequences, I am very unhappy with myself. I couldn’t make it if I didn’t know that God loves me, but the struggle is real! I am hoping to find some peace and clarity with this study.
God is so good how can we not believe in him? I have a personal relationship with my Lord and i wouldnt have it any other way. i do struggle with temptation and being consistent with Church and serving in the church, i once was a every sunday goer and an Usher but not now i struggle to be in regular attendance but i do whole heartly love the Lord so i just ask you to pray for my strength and getting my family back in church on a regular basis. i would love to read your book and you are beautiful inside and out.
I loved this devotional today. I struggle with my self worth and Just being reminded of how much God Loves me and how intentionally he shows me His Love is strengthening to me.
Like most women I’ve dedicated my life to my husband, children and now aging parents-too busy to always care for myself &, thus, am now looking back over 50+ years wondering how I got lost in it all along the way. God has been tugging at my heart to come find Him again and all He has to offer. Planning on purchasing a copy of She’s Still There to assist in my journey back to Him.
My life is nothing like I thought it would be. I never thought I’d be divorced, have a shaky relationship with my only child, or be in such a difficult financial situation. Sometimes I wonder if God still has a plan for me or if I’m on my own. I put on a good face but I’m broken inside. However, I still cling to Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.”
I’m so sorry. I feel your defeated spirit as I read your words. Hang in there. God is a redeemer and He says He will “… restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” Joel 2:25
This devo came at the right time. I love getting these daily and would love to read the book!
Your story touched my heart. I also got pregnant at a young age unfortunately i had a miscarriage at 4 months and it devastated me. To this day i still have a huge hole in my heart and soul. I questioned God but i understand one day i will see my precious baby again. I feel like i have had so many heart aches in my life but as i read Gods word dailly i am over coming these heart aches. I know God loves me and forgives me for my faults and failures. I love reading Psalms 31 devotions daily. May God Bless everyone reading your devotion today.
I too was a single mom and I knew first hand the struggles. But God but every meal on the table, God supplied socks and underwear, He carried me thru the hardest years of my life. Now I am blessed with 5 grandchildren. Yes He loves me!!
I’ve really struggled with believing I’m enough and that God really loves me. Thank you for the encouraging words!
Good morning…
I read your story on the Proverbs 31 morning inspirational. Thank you for the reminder…that is never too late. It’s said that life is seasonal, right now I can’t describe mine as a Winter Spring Summer or Fall. This 48th is more like Hurricane Season…Im planned and prepared but is it enuff for unanticipated, threathening storms and high winds (low WINS). I sometime feel as though there is not enuff TIME to right my life shift. BUT Thanks be to GOD for His Lifeline of LOVE…HIS Word is an anchor! Be Blessed and Continue to Encourage! ??
Thank you for your blog today. I am going through some hard times right now and I am standing on God’s Promises. I don’t know what each day will bring but I am so thankful for his love for me and his peace that keeps me sane during this time!
God’s promises are there each and everyday. I’m so looking forward to your Bible Study!
I just discovered you. I look forward growing with you. I believe God loves me unconditionally simply because He said it and He shows it, especially through my mess ups. #Grateful
This has been my hearts cry for awhile now. I thought I was alone. I thought good Christian women weren’t supposed to feel lost in their lives, aching for more, wondering who we were supposed to be before life got in the way. I think you are an answered prayer. I can’t wait to get this book in my hands, and in my heart. Thank you for being brave.
Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and giving of yourself in writing about this! I know also what it feels like to wonder if God’s love for me is really there! But I feel God has been taking me on a journey of showing me just how loved, accepted and valuable I really am no matter what’s going on in the circumstances around me! I was blessed today! God bless you!
When I look at my life over the past 4 years, I’m shocked that I’m “still here”. God has kept me, mind and body! Thank you Jesus!
Chrystal, I so love your transparency and heart. I feel sometimes I have lived a life of folly. I am starting to think that maybe satan has been trying to eliminate me. I’ll go on a bit:
– My mom was pregnant with me (though she did not know it) when her doctor inserted an IUD in her.
– My mom later discovered she was pregnant and I am not sure if they removed the device then or later, but she began to bleed big time and the advice was to abort if the bleeding continued because she never would be able to carry me to term. My mom however shut her mouth even though the bleeding continued.
This was just my start.
In the following years I struggled with too many things to list but include anorexia, cutting (before it was called cutting), abusive relationships, single motherhood, and more bad choices than good.
But God is good! God is faithful. I am still working in finding the me that God planned, but I am getting there day by day.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you for sharing your story with me Kelly. This is the Scripture that comes to mind as I read your story.
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus
Looking forward to reading your book. Life can be hard and messy but He loves us unconditionally regardless of our feelings or circumstances.
At 52 you’d think I would know who this girl is. But after everything has been stripped away, I don’t. I know I’m a mom with grown kids, a woman who spent her life as a team mate with her Army husband and now I’m four years in as a widow. I feel like my identity has been stripped away. I am a child of God, I know that. But I am having a hard time trusting Him. When I was surrounded by family I felt like I had purpose. Now I’m not sure what that purpose is.
Your book peaked my interest.
You absolutely do still have purpose! But sometimes the road from one season of purpose into another is a little dark. Keep moving forward, trusting God, and paying attention to His leading in your life.
Wow!! I will be 60 in 9 days .. this may be a long one !! I was raised in a “Christian” church-going but non-practicing family/home. I was abused as a child by one of my brothers, it was hidden and he suffered no consequences but remained my mom’s favorite of 4. I received no counseling of course because it was so shameful. As I grew older, like many others I sought acceptance through sexuality and of course was often called a slut, a whore, compared to my brothers, was told I was an accident and my mom wished I had never been born. I was in a serious accident with an18 wheeler at 19 and was in bed for 4 months recovering at my parent’s home. I dated a guy who I knew from my work and I got pregnant after dating 1 year. My mom paid for and forced me into the abortion with threats that I would be kicked out and I was unable to support myself and VERY confused with the lies that Planned Parenthood told in 1978. I later married him and found he was soon to become a heroin addict. OKAY .. 4 years of different rehabs and programs later I get pregnant and give birth to an AMAZING daughter. During the pregnancy my husband starting using again and was unemployed AGAIN !! I took 2 weeks vacation to give birth and recover… I divorced 6 years later when he left me for a nurse at a treatment center. I started getting counseling .. years of counseling for codependency etc. A Beth Moore book alerted me to the fact that abused children often grow up to be broken and feeling like “2nd class” and leftover children. It was an epiphany for me.. I have remained single for 28 years and raised a very godly, awesome & amazing daughter who has married, given birth to 2 children (6 and 19 mos. old) while being a guardian and “mom” to a boy (now 14) whose mom died of AIDS and father was unknown that she met when he was 3. I have been active in church and really found a whole new relationship with Christ. I have not dated for 20 years because I was working on ME and my brokenness; I have done a lot of work. through Christian counseling. I have successfully dealt with my mom issues, my sexual abuse, am always working on trust issues and thought things were great .. until 6 months ago I met someone.. I thought “THE ONE” we both did .. 3 weeks ago he blindsided me and broke up. Just 2 days before we broke up we were planning a big BD party for my 60th BD on 8/17 at a nearby lake – 4 days with pontoon boat rental and lots of friends and family. TWO days later he wants out .. my counselors tell me my NEXT step is building my self-esteem and confidence .. that it was too weak to set & maintain healthy boundaries. My counselors agree that boundaries have never been in my life because of my childhood. I am desperate to be made whole and live the life God intended me to live. I have LOTS of great friends and they are great support, but MY core is missing something. I am still missing and aching for that piece that makes me who I am supposed to be. I need the “glue” that will make all these pieces fit back in some form. I KNOW HE LOVES ME .. don’t always feel it .. often feel that my prayers are put on a back burner, that I am the last one on the team to be picked .. I can counsel people ALL DAY long on how much they are loved and forgiven, redeemed and made whole.. it just doesn’t apply to ME … So I guess what I am saying is .. Thank you for hearing my story. I am weeping as I type this (at work !) If I don’t get the copy of the book.. Please just pray for me. I am trying to find my path to healing.
Dear Margaret, He loves you so much! I want to get you a copy of the book, so you can do the online study with your sisters in Christ. I don’t know if my email will show up, but if it does, email me, so I can buy the book From P31 and have it sent to you. If it doesn’t, if someone from P31 sees this, can you please let me know how I can get Margaret a copy, THANK YOU! coppercloudranch AT cox dot net.
Wow Margaret, thank you for sharing your story. I’m so grateful that you would be honest in sharing here in the comments. God does love you. Keep believing and seeking Him. He promises that He will be found.
I too used to wonder if God still loved me after ALL of my mistakes. Today I can tell you that I know in my heart that He does! Just Sunday I had a conversation with my daughter that I also had at 19 and she is struggling with this very same thing. I know that no matter how much I tell her that God loves her and gives us unending grace, she needs to feel it in her heart. I pray that she can feel God’s love and grace in her heart and I pray that God will use me in anyway possible to help her and others with this struggle.
Thank you for your devotion and for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing your experience in the devotional. I’ve been really struggling to accept God’s perfect like I should lately.
Thank you for your encouragement. I definitely need to read your book!! Often times I believe my disfunctional life is a waste. Struggling with a chronic illness, losing my career, a marriage that needs a serious overhaul, and children who are making pitiful life choices are just a few reasons I feel like a failure. Prayers are greatly desired & appreciated!!
I look forward to reading Proverbs31 Devotionals every day! I felt a connection with your devotional today because I became an unwed mother at age 20, 46 years ago. I felt some of the feelings you mentioned. It was even suggested that I have an abortion, I refused. My Son Matthew is still a joy in my heart. I have signed up to join your bible study, and looking forward to getting started!
Thank you!
Thank you for your encouraging devotional today. A needed reminder that God’s love for us is always there no matter the situation.
Just what I needed to hear today!
I still struggle from time to time with feeling worthy of God’s love. However I know that no matter what mistakes I’ve made, he will never forsake me. Thank you for sharing your story of God’s love and grace!
I believe, but I struggle. Been married 42 years, accepted Jesus 40 years ago. Husband unbeliever. Always lived as the scriptures say…Christ-like because it could draw him to Jesus. Been very hard, and I have by no means been perfect either. But now at 61 years old (both of us) he decided he wants to live the way he wants for the past 5 years…going out with friends, bars, everything I hate, and to top it off porn instead of me. I hurt and I’m tired…so tired! What does God want me to do? I know God loves me…but the wait (and I know it may never come) for him to be drawn to Jesus, and the fact that he always chooses others before me…the struggle. I can’t believe I just wrote all this here…Yes I believe but I struggle too.
Oh Lori. I’m so sorry to hear about your hard situation and the heartbreak that goes along with your reality. You are indeed loved. You are so very loved and I’m sorry you don’t feel it because life is hard right now. I pray that you are in a solid spiritual community where you are receiving encouragement and support. If not, I’m praying for you right now that God would lead you to a church or Bible study where you are reminded of His love in a very tangible way and whee you find renewed purpose and connection.
Thank you for this message. I’ve struggled with mistakes that I’ve made in my past that took me away from the person I thought I was and wanted to be. Thank you for this encouragement.
Thank you for stopping by to read!
Thank you for sharing your blog post today Chrystal. I have been struggling with a lot of doubt and discouragement in my season of life, wondering if God even loves me in spite of my obvious flaws and imperfections. But what you wrote: “His acceptance of me does not ride or die on whether or not I measure up. Consequences ebb and flow with my choices…but his everlasting love does not.”
Thank you for reminding us that God still loves us no matter what, despite our sin and our mistakes. We don’t have to be perfect and have everything figured out for God to love us then. He loves us because he simply loves us.
Thank you for this encouragement. I’ve struggled with mistakes that I’ve made in the past that took me away from the person I thought I was and wanted to be. I’ve felt that I am not worthy of God’s love.
Chrystal, your story touched my heart. I struggle with _keeping_ the knowledge of being loved close to my heart. Also wanting so badly to find who I am in His story. I’m older, lots of “past”, yet I know He wants more for me and I want it too! He is a good, good a Father!?
Yes He is a good Father. Trust that you are a meaningful part of His story even when you don’t feel like it!
Thank you for this encouragement today. I appreciate your honesty.
In the last year, I’ve had to leave a job that was my life’s passion, but had taken over my life. I’ve also become an “empty nester”. I feel lost, forgotten and without purpose. I need to discover or rediscover my purpose. I have time for God like never before, but am so far not making the effort.
I can relate to your story more than you know. I too found myself in an situation I was not ready for. I felt very lonely as I didn’t want to tell my family or friends what was going on. I had always tried to be the good girl and now I had let everybody down. Unfortunately, I didn’t look to God for help either. I felt I hand to handle it on my own. I have definitely felt for a long time after that, that God doesn’t love me. Thank you for your book and all your resources. You are an inspiration!
I believe this – because I Know God loves me, but it’s those times when you don’t “feel” valuable or accepted- it’s challenging to acknowledge the truth , and allow it to override your feelings
I believe because when my life was at it’s darkest, God pulled me out of my mess and onto my feet. I was being abused by my husband, totally isolated from friends and family and felt completely lost. Enter my Savior! Today I am remarried (26 yrs strong), a mother of three, grandmother of two, and the Women’s Ministry coordinator at my church. God has redeemed my brokenness! I believe because He first loved me!
I had a baby girl at a young age as well. I had just turned 18 before she was born. I gave my life to Christ at 9. So, when I “messed up” at 17, I thought that He couldn’t possible want to have anything to do with me anymore. I was hurt because of my own mistakes and because of the situation I found myself in. I built up a wall and decided to be tough and convinced myself that I didn’t need love from any man and that if I was such a disappointment to the Lord, I would prove my worth. I began to work and in my job, I did well. I poured myself into it. Hours upon hours were spent in my work. I advanced quickly and became successful, thinking all the while that this was proving that I could make up for what I had done and that I would be fine without love. My sweet little girl patiently waited for Mama to get home as she stayed with Grandma. Every time I held her in my arms, I had such a warm, peaceful feeling. The one I remembered….It was love. With time, I realized that it was what I truly desired, what I truly needed. I sought out my God and asked Him to forgive me for not bringing it all to Him to begin with, for assigning a thought to Him with that assumption that He didn’t want me anymore. You know, He was waiting for me to do that! I can look back and see how He was orchestrating things in my life then when I wasn’t paying attention to His hand in It! When I had that moment with Him, tore down that wall and surrendered all back to Him, He showed me how powerful He is. He brougt my daughter and I a wonderful man who became my precious husband and a loving father to my girl! He gave me through this also an amazing step-son and four more babies! He placed us in a wonderful Fellowship of believers where we serve by pouring into others and working for His Kingdom! The Lord poured out His blessings upon me. He showed me that my value was, had, & has always been in who I am in His eyes. His beloved child. No matter how dirty I get, He is my Daddy waiting for me to run to Him and let Him clean me up, care for my hurts and restore me! Praise His Holy Name!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I am so excited to read your book, which for me has come at the perfect season of my life. I recently was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 with hypomania and Borderline Personality Disorder. I’m also in the 5th year of grieving the death of my 11-year old son. What’s more is that all 4 of my daughters have chronic medical issues. Needless to say all these things are stressors in my marriage. Is the little girl in me still here?
You are still alive. Yes. The girl in you is still there 🙂
Thank you for you devotional post today at Proverbs 31. Recently I’ve been struggling with feeling God’s love. I believe he loves me, but I’ve been praying for him to help me with my unbelief. Your devotional today was yet another reminder from God, and what I needed to hear. Thank you!
thank you…a blessing to come across your post…just what i needed to hear today
With a very little tweaking your story could be mine. It was 38 years ago and it was a boy. I was 19 and single too. I cried through your story because I walked it exactly except I did not know God then and living with an abusive mother. I was scared for both me and my son. I didn’t know the Father was running toward us. It doesn’t escape me at this moment that I was 38 when I came to Jesus. I didn’t know I was raising my own best friend. 38 years later and I am blessed with a beautiful life. My son, Adam, now married to a beautiful Christ-hearted woman he met in church and they’re plan is to head to the mission field as soon as she finishes medical school. What a walk – only GOD.
What a story. Only God 😉
I’ve chosen a life that works very hard to obey God. My marriage choices have been pathetic. Cheated on…pathological lying…no respect. But I stay for my child who has 2 years left in school. I lost my oldest son to accidental overdose this January…Lost both of my parents and younger brother years ago from medical illnesses. I’m tired and weary. I often wonder why I just don’t join in on all the chaos and do what I want…..noone else seems to have any character or integrity and certainly care nothing about how they live…all while claiming to be Christian. My faith is continually tested. Just weary and angry that there’s been so much loss and betrayal in my life….Trying to be a decent person and a pretty good Christian has gotten me nowhere in this world.
I’m so sorry to hear about how hard life has been. I do believe though that God can still make good on your story if you will continue to trust Him and believe. I’m praying for you tonight Donna that God will show Himself to you in a knew way and that you will find peace and joy in your relationship with Him.
Great message to help me remember that God loves us unconditionally even when we mess up. I have had my fair share of mess ups in life. I keep reminding my self I am only human and I need to keep moving forward and not live in the past where past mistakes were made. Anxious to read your story in your new book.
I’ve chosen a life that works very hard to obey God. My marriage choices have been pathetic. Cheated on…pathological lying…no respect. But I stay for my child who has 2 years left in school. I lost my oldest son to accidental overdose this January…Lost both of my parents and younger brother years ago from medical illnesses. I’m tired and weary. I often wonder why I just don’t join in on all the chaos and do what I want…..noone else seems to have any character or integrity and certainly care nothing about how they live…all while claiming to be Christian. My faith is continually tested. Just weary and angry that there’s been so much loss and betrayal in my life….Trying to be a decent person and a pretty good Christian has gotten me nowhere in this world. But I continue to pray and feel God’s love.
Thank you so much for your very encouraging words!
I so enjoyed reading your devotional today. Thank you for being vulnerable about your life!
Loved the post here and from P31. I can’t wait for this study and my book to arrive. Thank you for sharing and birthing this message God gave you to share.
I have a deeply wounded little girl and woman and they both need God’s healing and help to find out who He made me to be.
Happy Book Birthday! The truth you share on your blog and in She’s Still There is so good! Thanks for being willing to share your story so we too can rescue the girl inside of us! I’m so glad you’ve helped me do the work…because she’s still there! #shesstillthere
God’s perfect timing. I AM WORTHY feels foreign to say, much less to believe, but promised by the One who created and sustained me. He will not forget me, and will not forsake me…I must remember and hold fast to that. Thank you for helping us remember we are not alone.
I’m looking forward to receiving your book and study 🙂 I have been wondering about who I am lately (50 years old and my kids are almost all in college) and the theme “She’s still there” has been in my thoughts lately and when I saw your book title, I thought “it’s a God thing,” I need to get this! Blessings Chrystal!
I share some similarities with your story. I became a mother very young, forgot that I still have the power to chose the life that God created for me. I used to feel like I was powerless and a victim in the life I had created for myself. I’m still in rediscovery mode and I know this is what and where God wants me to be right now in this season. I wish I could explain how comforting that is to me during the tough times. Thank you for sharing your work and birthing this book for us as a reminder that God knows THIS girl is still there.
Again, so proud of you! When I read this book it was like looking at a reflection in the mirror. Kind of eerie, but awesome! Always happy to support someone I believe in. Love ya (and I hope I get a T-shirt! LOL 🙂 )
Love you girl!
I love that I found this bible study! I’ve never truly believed in God until I started praying for help with my husband and finding his way. Since our lives have changed Drastically!! We have 7 children together. I lost myself a very long time ago. Just like any mother. We struggle when we give ourselves to our children. Problem is, I never thought of myself. Let alone God or my husband.
I am excited to start this new journey. Its scary seeing my husband completely change for the better. I don’t know what to do or act! But I’m hoping finding myself is the key to understanding and finding oeace, along with praying.
Thank you for the chance to win some awesome ‘swag’ though I’ve never really won anything I sure would love to! Thank you
I am so excited to read this book. Sometimes I think I know my worth but I struggle sometimes. I am ready to find some truth and hold on to it.
Oh how I loved reading your devotional today not only did it speak to my heart but it’s exactly what one of my dearest friends needs to read! She doesn’t have Internet so I can’t email it to her but maybe I can print it off for her to read.
She’s in one of the darkest places I can only imagine and on top of that Satan has his hands wrapped around her throat and heart. Just the other day she asked me to pray to my God like he’s no longer hers. This broke my heart! I’m trying to be an encourager to her every day sending her bible verses to look up and read. She doesn’t reply but I’m pretty sure she’s not even gotten her bible out. I’m continuing to lift her up in prayer and trying to get the opportunity to put her a Goody basket together to take to her but I deal with four different autoimmune diseases and just getting ready to go somewhere wears me out to the point that I have to lay back down and get another second wind. God is so faithful and when I’m doing for others He blesses me as much if not more.
I can’t wait to read your book and I’m gonna sign up for your study Yay!!
CONGRATULATIONS! So proud of you and this major accomplishment! This book has been a swift kick in the rear but with plenty of love behind it!
Thanks Rebekah for always being so supportive.
In the last year I have been feeling like God has been calling me back to the 19 year old girl I once was! This book resonates with me!
Heard about you on Jamie Ivey’s recent podcast, and immediately went to pre order your book! Can’t wait to get it in the mail today! Congrats!
OMG…..I am so excited for your new release I just ordered my book and I cnat wait to receive it! I know that you probably heard it all but I know that this book is coming into my hands at the right time IN my life with a DIVINE Purpose. I will be getting married in 51 days and God knows ALL things! Im super excited and geeked all in one…
Congrats Chrystal on your new realease!
Thank you for sharing your testimony on the P31 daily devotional. It is very encouraging to hear that we are loved by the Father regardless of the things that we have done. I had my first son at the age of 18 and by 19, I had my second son. I was such in a horrible place in that season of my life. I felt so alone and felt that I was not worthy of love. Lucky, my little sister has started attended a church and she would not stop bothering me about going with her. I finally gave in and wow!! I forgave myself for past and I moved forward with Christ. I am worthy, I am loved, I am forgiven!!
I’m so glad to have found your blog. Sometimes in all the hustle and rush of mom hood and singlehood, I loose sight that I am a wonderful piece of my Father’s art work. As of late my feelings of tiredness have beat me down, and my emotions of loosing my dad, have left me so vulnerable to the lies, but thank you for reminding me that we all have a story and each and every one of them God meets us there in the middle of life’s valley’s. Growing is my goal and loving others while I am here is what I want to leave when I move on to the next step God has intended for me, my daughter and my mom. Thank you Chrystal
You’re welcome.
I do believe that I have lost that girl I used to be. That happy, easy going and care free little girl I was. I can’t wait to read this book and I can’t wait to get back to her.
Chrystal, your testimony is a reminder to me that God has not forgotten about me and I have not missed out. Thank you for your transparency. Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! I hoped to get it and read it. Leave & Blessings to you and your family.
I lost my husband, truly the only love of my life, of over 30 years in a tragic accident just as my daughter was facing problems in her life. It has been very hard for me to recover from the loss as I have been focused on helping her. I’ve totally lost myself, and have almost given up many times. Your devotionals have helped me so much and today’s just seemed perfect for both my daughter and myself. Thank you for your support of all women of all ages and backgrounds.
Praying for you tonight Holly that God would continue his healing work in your heart and in your life.
You are loved, accepted and valuable. I can hear it, believe it, and accept it in the moment and spirt. However, it’s a continuous journey and challenge that I have to commit to everyday. I come from a family history of mental illness and it wasn’t until I was 37, I accepted it would be a part of my reality. I would have to make life changes that would involve my job and family that I wasn’t prepared to confront. Especially in the African-American community, mental illness isn’t viewed as an actual illness, but instead a weakness of the mind. What people didn’t realize was that I had prayed and asked for help, although the spirit was willing, my flesh was sick. It wasn’t until I couldn’t function at work, and I had suicidal thoughts that my husband understood how much mental anguish I was harboring. I couldn’t even explain or understand what was going on with me. I had to take time off of work, get on medication and go to counseling just to find some type of peace. I was then able to hear and read scripture because my mind and spirt were connected. It’s been ten years and I’m in a much better place, I still have struggles, but I know that God is with me, in me and he will never leave me. I know that regardless of my flaws, God is working through me to reach others and that I am here for a reason.
Happy Book Birthday! I really feel this book will motivate me to get up and get moving because where I am is not where I want to be.
I’m beginning to realize how living by the truth of who I am in Christ needs to be the ruling factor in my life and not my circumstances or what others think. It’s so easy to get lost in the busy-ness of life. Thank you for this awesome printable reminder.
After 26 years of a marriage that was not good for either of us – there was no communication and it wasn’t going to happen anytime soon – I walked out with my teenage daughter and 20 something son in tow. I’ve been saddened by many things since then and have struggled to work through those issues. Proverbs 31, a loving family, good friends and a great church have helped me go from feeling like I didn’t do enough and feeling very unloveable to a confident, strong and happier 50 something woman. I am still learning everyday how much God loves me and will continure to learn – it’s been a long 4 years and I finally feel like myself or really my new self:)
Love hearing about how you are discovering (or rediscovering) the girl in you. Blessings to you!
I know I’m loved and valued, but I can’t see myself past being a mom. What I once saw for my life, I honestly can’t even remember. I find myself settled into the person of wife and mother, but not knowing who I am outside of that. My goals have been laid aside, my vision is gone, and I’m stuck. I’m praying this book will help me out!
This book subject speaks to me on a variety of levels. I’m, ahem, middle aged, at 46. I’m a baptized believer of 35 years. I’ve been married to a Godly man for 17 years. I’m homeschooling 14 year old twin boys with learning differences. I’m involved in church and my community. I have felt called to these roles but lost in them at the same time. Sound like a church girl’s middle-aged crisis? Maybe so. I’ve had multiple health issues for the the last year and a half that have slowed me down radically. I beleive God is speaking to me and helping me see glimpses of the gold thread He has woven through these many different situations. Who am I, again, God? What is it that makes me special and unique for my callings. What is it that you equipped me with for you glory? I don’t think I’m the only one in my community with these questions. I feel this study might be a ripe fruit to pick for many of us. I plan to make this a small group study with other ladies and see if we might be able to bond over this so on theme of, who am I, Lord?
Mine is out for delivery! I also ordered the dvd so I get a double blessing today. Looking forward to reading the book and taking part in the P31 study.
BTW, I’m white – can I still wear black woman? *wink*
You absolutely can 🙂
Thanks for your transparency. I’ve always believed that people need practical knowledge about how to navigate real life as a Christian. It’s not all roses and sunshine. However, with God, we can overcome any obstacle. God bless you for being a vessel and may God bless everyone who reads your book!
Thank you Chrystal for reminding us about God’s love for us, especially when we feel like we are unloved or abandoned when difficult times surround us and blind us from His love. Thank you for reminding me about God’s truth and the encouragement to be the girl He has always loved and known from the beginning. That we need to draw close to Him so His truths will not be overshadowed by our own doubts.
I’m so glad I’m loved, accepted and not forgotten. I tend to lose “me” in the midst of financial, emotional struggles and struggles with adult children and my grand daughter. She’s still there!
Hi Lady! The birthday of your book & tomorrow is my earthly birthday!
I am excited to receive my/your book and get started finding me again. I am a Kept Woman of God and wish to dig further to learn of my true value as a princess. I have invited 4 woman in my life walk that I believe we will keep each other accountable as we go and grow together in this new chapter of our lives.
Ordered my copy! Can’t wait for it to get here!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have followed you for over a year and appreciate your candidness. I have been unable to work for almost 2 years due to health problems and at times have felt insignificant.
I was in a successful career and my life changed. Before, I loved to bless people with meals when they were sick or visits. God has shown me new ways to love people.
I loved your talk with your sister Priscilla. You shared about a women sending cards. My heart jumped because I can do that!
Thank you for being you! Thank you for being brave and sharing your story.
Oh Jennifer! Yes you can do that! And in a day and age when people communicate over their devices, a card is such a welcome gift! Send the cards. You will giving such a gift to others!
I truly want to believe God loves me, but I have a really hard time believing it. Because if my own parents didn’t want me or love me why should He. I mean I was a part of them both and they didn’t want me or love me for that matter. So it is really hard, like I said I truly want to believe, so that I don’t feel like an unwanted step child my whole life.
You are wanted. You are loved. You are valued. I pray that you are able to comprehend His love and walk in it. My prayer for you tonight Lydia is that “you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
I’ve been anxiously awaiting my copy since I listened to you speak during the Proverbs 31 live podcast from She Speaks. I’m in the midst of exiting a bad marriage that I endured for far too long and during which I lost myself. I’m looking forward to getting back to the girl that entered that relationship 35 years ago and becoming the woman He created me to be. Thanks for the reminder that I am loved.
Chrystal,
This was exactly what I needed today. Over the past few months I have been struggling with my faith. I not only feel disconnected from God but myself somewhat as well. After reading this I’m excited to read this book. Thank you for Sharing Jesus with me today.
THIS WOULD BE SUCH A GOD SEND TO WIN RIGHT NOW ME AND MY ELDERLY FATHER HAVE BEEN THROUGH YEARS OF SUFFERING TRIALS AND UNJUST ADVERSITY AND WE STILL ARE NOW PLEASE HELP US OUT IT WOULD MEAN SOO MUCH THANKS FOR THE AMAZING CHANCE !
Thank you for the reminder! Very timely resource for a dear friend of mine! I will have to check out the book!
Moving forward with the encouragement you shared…thank you for your honesty and openness!
I struggle so much with feeling worthy.
I’m hoping this book will help me as I continue my journey of finding my purpose and passion again. Thought I would be thriving in my career by now. I received a masters degree in 2012 ready to begin a wonderful career in research, but wasn’t able to find a job so I settled for a teacher assistant job. I found a new passion for research in education and was admitted as a future scholar for a Ph.D. Program. Long story short everything fell through and I’m at a loss on what to do next. Not to mention I’m now surrounded by friends who are getting married and having babies while I’ve never dated. Staying encouraged when you feel like you’ve missed the mark on a lot of things is tough. I know this book can be a tool to help me remember God hasn’t forgotten about me and that he still sees me as valuable to Him.
I ordered my copy on yesterday and can’t wait for it to get here! Congratulations on this blessing!
I believe that “she’s still there” and although things didn’t go as I had planned (or at least thought), I can still accomplish those things with several mind shifts and a WHOLE LOT OF JESUS! I know that God has plans for me that will take what I had hoped for (and what I still desire) and make them better than what I initially thought/wanted.
Thanks Chrystal – for sharing your heart and story – Congratulations on your new book! It sounds like something I could definitely relate to – I have had (and continue to struggle with) those same feelings – unloved, alone and forgotten. Thanks for being transparent and willing to share your very personal story in your book. I plan to purchase the book trusting that it will help restore some hope in my own life.
thank you for the writing today. very nice.
thank you for the wonderful writing
Hello
Yes, long time ago I felt as if I had disappointed my parents. However, God used that disappointment to His amazing glory! As I grew in the Lord, I came to realize that only what God says about me is true. It’s not people that I am concerned about disappointing now, it is My Father. If He is not disappointed with me then humans have no choice or…Thank you for sharing in today’s Proverbs 31 Devotional.
May God continue to give words of wisdom to share with others and use you for His Glory!
Looking forward to the upcoming Bible Study with this book:)
I adore your authenticity & teaching on your podcasts, periscopes, blog, & other media. #friendyouhaventmetyet ? Thanks for the vulnerability & shared lessons that I know will help others in their journey.
I’m so happy for the birth of your first solo book! ? It has great reflection sections to help us apply what you share.
Hi Tiffany! Thanks for being such a faithful encourager!
I have come a LONG way, spiritually, over the last yr or so, even though I still have a LONG way to go to becoming the woman I, & God, want me to be. I still struggle the most with feeling loved, valued, & accepted as a person, by people. Whether it is as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, inlaw, neighbor, or friend. I try to remind myself & focus on the fact that it only matters what God thinks of me & feels about me, but it is something I still struggle with & need more work on. I am hoping to be able to partake in this upcoming OBS & that it will further help me in that area & also equip me to help others that struggle w/ it as well.
I struggle at times because of all the ways I have messed up. I know God loves me and has a plan for my life but I don’t always believe it. Have to look to Him and His Word instead of my circumstances.
This is so beautiful Chrystal! Thank you for reminding us.
Chrystal, I just had a moment reading your devotion from P31. I am 40 years old, born to my mother when she was just 17. Our relationship has been one with more downs than ups and I have often struggled to understand why she operates the way she does. I’ve had 40 years to digest and come to terms with how her particular mothering has affected me but I’ve never been able to decipher her many of the behavior patterns that have been so hurtful to those around her all these years. I believe you have given me some insight here that I’d never considered. I can’t speak for sure, but it makes sense to me now that she has struggled all these years under the belief that she’s not good enough and that she isn’t loved by her Creator. If only she knew how He loves her. I’m thankful for your willingness to share this part of your story with us today, sister.
Also, I am still devouring my notes from your message at She Speaks. I need us to be friends. 🙂
Yes. You are right Heather. When we don’t understand our value it is heart to love out of a broken place if not next to impossible. Praying God’s grace as you love on your mom. And we can be friends 😉
Early this year, the Lord started to remind me of ‘the girl’ i used to be. The things I delighted in and brought me joy that I had eliminated from my life and some completely forgotten about. He’s had me on a journey to remember them, and opportunities to bring some of them back and be a part of who I am today. My young daughters are getting to see a new mom. A more fun mom 🙂 A few weeks back when you did a video with your sister to share about your book, I knew this was what was ‘next’ for me! I have ordered it and believe our friend Amazon will deliver it today! (waiting for the doorbell!) Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to seeing what else the Lord shows me about the girl that’s ‘still there’ deep inside me. Lord bless you and your ministry.
Wonderful! So glad to know that you have found the beauty in celebrating simple joys! Such a fun way to honor the girl inside!
I believe this truth however I do struggle with it and have for most of my life. I’m way better than I was concerning my value but I still struggle! My story connects with yours in one way; that I became a mom at 18 but married. The marriage was toxic and abusive … like my parents marriage. Who knew?! I was just a kid… but God! I cannot wait to read your book because I’ve struggled with keeping the dreams of that teenager alive as well as balance being an empty-nester and turning 40 next month. I thank God you had the courage, obedience and time to write this book. I love you Chrystal!
I really enjoyed your devotional post today. I have a hard time sometimes believing that God loves me no matter what, that He actually cherishes me and values me. I’m getting better at believing and relying on these truths but I have to remind myself of them a lot. I think doing the Proverbs 31 Bible study on your new book is going to be really good. Lately I have been having a hard time figuring out my purpose in life, what God created me to do. Thank you for your post and honesty.
I am looking forward to the “She’s Still There Bible Study. I too know that God’s love is always there for me but there are times when I feel alone and need to be reassured of His love for me. Thank you for being transparent and sharing your story. May God bless you richly.
I really would like a copy of your book. I need all the inspiration that I can get. I enjoy reading your articles, they really bless my ❤️heart. Thank you and may God Bless you!
I do believe I am loved, accepted, and valuable—but sometimes I let my mind tell me otherwise—I get too busy comparing myself to others. I just got your book in the mail today—excited to start reading it!!!
Let us thank God that He is bigger and more merciful than ALL of our sins!! Oh, how He loves us!!
Hi, Crystal. Read your short script on Proverbs 31….beautiful, and so full of wisdom! I am a 60 yr old lady–who still reminds herself daily–while looking in the mirror, of who I am and to WHO I belong. So often we get caught up in others opinion of us–and allow it to consume us, imprison us….until we conform to their opinions, and then we have ALLOWED it to create who we have become. YIKES! We must always remember to WHOM WE BELONG, and know that because of HIS grace & mercy, we are loved, and do not disappoint HIM. We are loved–not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who HE IS….the great I AM! I look at every situation, and ask myself–who do I need God to be today? My Rescuer, my Problem Solver, my Physician, My Healer? And whoever I need–HE IS ….and HE is ALWAYS WITH ME.
He does not see right or wrong…..He sees only beauty, even in the ashes, He sees the beauty of HIS creation! God Bless you with HIS abundance of love, and may your words heal and empower many, and may they echo through the hills and valleys of our lives.
I listen to your pod cast and am excited for this book and study!!! I was too a teenage mom and now I’m raising my grandson!! I need loving Godly people to walk with me thru life’s ups and downs!
Your story really resonated with me as I was pregnant at 17 years old, Everyone but one person in my life (my Mom) wrote me off and told me I had ruined my life. The father of my child married me and 42 years later we are still together – it hasn’t always been easy but my faith has seen me through many tough and trying times. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story as well!
I do believe this! And I still struggle at times as well. I think it feels like a cycle of highs with true belief and faith in my purpose and calling. Then lows of not knowing if what I’m doing is good enough, or if I’m good enough. To take on the task of raising the family I’ve been blessed with.
I absolutely believe this, and am looking forward to doing this study with my OBS sisters!!
to believe that God would take me back over and over agin, when i feel like I have let everyone down or maybe not meeting the standards of a good wife, mother, daughter, friend, is hard to believe that even God would. But I have found that’s when my faith is made stronger. That is the place I find hope, is in Jesus! I think I am still learning to believe the way Jesus calls me to. Where my faith isn’t moved or I don’t question Gods desires or unconditional love for me. Making it personal, the Cross.
This year I lost HOPE in myself and everything I believed in. Several events happened after nearly losing my right leg from a sports injury last May. I had trouble with my finances, depression, and questioning who I am, my identity. I had given up despite that, I have three children, a husband and a disabled mother looking for me to continue on from what I that was over for my life. I found her partly from the launch team reading the book. The 8@8’s helped to remind me the person who I am called to be is in there waiting. Today on 8/8/17, I am stronger and somethings bother me but I know they are not permanent because my God is changing things around for me.
I preordered two books and have the audio book to listen to anywhere especially at work. Now I can share with other Women especially my daughter I had at 18. That is another testimony. We have similar paths that were relatable. I recused the girl in me!!
I’m so grateful to know that the book has been helpful to you along with the journey with the Rescue Team. Thank you participating and I pray that you will continue to honor the girl inside of you and the life that God has given to her.
I feel like I lost me the first time in middle school when I started caring so much about what others thought that I stopped having an opinion for myself. I’ve been getting so much better about that, but now struggle with being me now that I have kids. It feels like everything revolves around them and I need to spend some time and effort to dig deep and rediscover who I am and who I want to be.
Looking forward to the online study! <3
I can’t wait to take the Journey with you. Happy Birthday Crystal~
Chrystal, I am really looking forward to reading the book and being a part of the P31 OBS. I am on the “O” Team. I am a small group leader and on the blog support team. We are excited to be finding out how we are worthy in the Lord’s eyes.
This book is perfect. I’ve been ill the last 9 years and from the first surgery, to the countless hospital stays, cracked vertebrae, and seizures I wondered if He did love me. Cause if He did why did something keep happening to me. I have a husband and 4 kids I need to care for Lord. I “knew” He loved me, just not how much.
I’ve already ordered the book: She’s Still There and I’m looking forward to reading it. I am a christian but am going through a difficult time right now. I am discouraged and not having daily Bible reading. Please pray that God will help me and I will get back in a close relationship with Him. I’d love to get the things. Looking forward to the book!
Between lots of verbal abuse, depression, and loosing a baby, I have lost myself, but this is a great reminder: I’m still in there and God loves me through it all!
Yes. You are still here. Life hasn’t been easy I see but that doesn’t mean that the days to come can’t be completely different than the days gone by. Continue to hope. God sees. He knows. And He cares.
I have not always believed that I was loved, accepted, or valued. Even though my father and mother, along with three siblings, lived in nearby city, I was raised by my father’s parents. At age eight, a tattered photograph shattered everything I knew to be true about my identity. The discovery of a shameful family secret forced me to question who I could trust and set me on a path of self-destruction. As I journeyed to discover the truth – truth that held me in bondage for years – I fought fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, a search for significance, and depression that, at age thirty-four, left me broken and alone, face down on the floor of a psychiatric hospital. It was on that floor that I wrestled with God and discovered by TRUE identity – an identity more beautiful than I could have imagined, an identity where I am Loved, Accepted, Valued, an identity as a daughter of the One True King.
Hi Donna! So love and appreciate you. Thank you for sharing your story. 🙂
I cannot wait to dig into this book. I already know that I am loved and valued by the Savior of my soul. I lived a lot of my life in depression because I felt rejected by my parents because of their divorce. I felt that if I had been good enough they would have stayed together. I was always seeking confirmation of my worth from people. Friends, family members, and boys once I was put into public school from being homeschooled. It took a lot of years of pain and heartache to show me I was looking in all the wrong places. The past several years I have been on the journey to discovering the girl hidden inside of me. Your book just might change all of that for me. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart with me.
Thank you so much for pushing through the pain and birthing a book full of Christ’s promises for his daughters. It can be so difficult to get past those mistakes and to accept them as part of our growth and molding. How can we accept we are an inspired and beautiful work of art, when we are so often by the devil’s lies reminded of out imperfections and daily faults. I love the reminder you have in your Proverbs 31 post where you say that God doesn’t wait for us to have it all together before loving us. He loves us through those mistakes and through the good dayd.
Wow!! Great post! Sometimes we feel all alone in our struggles, and never feel worthy enough for God’s love. I was married 19 years to a man whose infidelity finally caused the demise of our vows. It took me years to lose the shame because I knew this was not what God had intended. I am in my 9th year of singleness but I’ve learned that I’m never alone because God is always there with me in my struggles and triumphs.
No! We are never alone. Thanks for sharing your story.
So in this time of my life, and the past 3 years, I find myself so lost. I don’t know who I am anymore. I am in a situation where I cannot be me and who I once was is gone. My marriage has been one of the biggest struggles in my life. I always believed in what God ordained and after 3 years of a lot of strain and misery I have come to the place of not knowing anything about anything. Marriage seems like a mistake, love is really not love.. I dont sing anymore. I loved worshiping my Jesus but I feel like that is even a no no now. I’m so lost and feel so alone. I know Jesus loves me and I know He is with me. I have allowed the rejection I feel in my marriage to break into my relationship with Him. It has been dreadful. and I fear any kind of love I show for Jesus will only be trampled on. Idk what’s real anymore. Only that Jesus is still with me. Being broken is not easy. It’s a place I don’t want to be in anymore. Anyway, this is my story. Right now. I’m praying for a way out. Not of the marriage, my husband does love Jesus, but of this heavy brokenness I am in. I want to be put back together again and to love Jesus the way I love Jesus.
What a great title and so true!!!
Congrats on your book birthday :)!
I think this is a topic that mommas, like myself, need to be reminded of in the midst of the daily tasks and demands.
Thank you 🙂
At almost 42 years old, I still struggle deeply with believing that I’m worthy . I put a smile on my face and try to convince myself and everyone else that I am “over it” and know that I’m loved and worthy, but deep down in my heart I typically don’t believe it.
I guess that’s what happens when you grow up with extremely toxic parents and sister and spend 13 years in an abusive marriage. I mean, when my own mother almost succeeded in killing me with my allergens and my ex husband tried multiple times…..it’s hard to believe that God or anyone else could TRULY love me.
Thanks for your honesty Jennifer. I’m sorry that you are struggling with feeling loved and truly worthy but I pray that as you continue to seek God and hopefully participate in the P31 OBS study that you will begin to feel some of the weight lift. I pray that you discover what it is to be secure in Him.
Congratulations on the release of your book! I received my copy in the mail today and am so looking forward to reading it! I definitely believe in this truth, although I wasn’t always aware of it when I was younger. But no matter what I’ve been through, God is so good and I know He loves me.
My story is long and hard but my realization that my value is in who I am in Christ and nothing or no one else is the most important part of it.
Excited for this study! We are worthy regardless of having degrees or careers or children or whatever the world tells us we are supposed to have and when to have it. He master plan is perfect!
First congrats on your book.Happy Birthday!Such an awesome accomplishment.I. have had many struggles and still do but your devotion and story was very encouraging and a true blessing and plan on purchasing your book when able too and sharing with others.You should be so proud.
I loved your story over on the Proverbs 31 devotional today. I too was a young mom and asked the same questions. I still find myself asking those same questions now at times. I look forward to reading your book!!
Super excited to receive my pre-order copy of She’s still there! I have been working on feeling less lost in my own life and rebuilding some long-time issues with my self esteem from a previous relationship. Taking the steps may start out difficult and may seem little at first but with God on my side I know I can find the me that is still there.
I already have started reading the book. I have many struggles especially now with getting older. I am excited about the study.
I’m still struggling to believe God wants the best for me. I’ve been a Christian since I was 5 and have been immersed in the faith for years but going through hard times has a way of shaking you to your core.
Excellent book. I am so proud of you for sharing the messy parts of your life. It’s inspiring and even someone of my more advanced maturity found so much inspiration in it. I want to share this book with everyone! Good job good and faithful servant!
Thanks so much for the encouragement Lynn!
I loved hearing your story. It helps me remember that God loves us so much no matter our circumstances. God is good and loving.
When I go through so many hard times, it is hard to believe sometimes that God does love me, even though I know it.
Chrystal thank you for bring forth this powerful message reminding all of us that we are heirs to the throne, that we are royality!!!! I have had a difficult time with that thought especially as the more wisdom I gain the more and harder the challenges comes. Often times I find myself thinking that it is something to do with me, but your message reaffirms that all things happen for a purpose and that is gooooooood. I am love by God no matter the season or the reason I go through, I AM LOVED!!!!! Thank you LORD!!!!!
I believe because God has never failed to bring me through any circumstances I’ve struggled with. When you’re in those circumstances, it is hard to fully believe & not worry, but I just think about all the times he’s brought me through! Our Lord is amazing!!!
My book arrived today!! YAY!! So excited for the upcoming bible study.. Thank you Cheryl for birthing this book and for the bible study opportunity.. I listened to your podcast yesterday regarding your story.. My story, like many others, is similar to yours..
I have drifted many times.. thankfully the Lord kept pursuing me and pulling me back and I am overwhelming grateful. Your book and the study come at a perfect time as is HIS timing!! God bless!! :)…
Hello Chrystal and sisters,
It’s great to read about so many stories of like-minded women from all over the world. I choose to believe because after experiencing what I thought was a tragedy ended up to be the best stepping stone to success that I’ve experienced thus far. I was in college, 19-years-old, an “all-star” in the eyes of my family until I was arrested for petty theft. I had my reasons but of course that never matters when you have to pay the consequences. I thought that I was going to lose it all: my scholarships, financial aid, my family’s trust, my good reputation, everything.
Instead, it was the greatest motivation I had to work harder than ever. I applied myself to looking for opportunities to enhance my scholastic and personal life. I kept going to school, I even got a job on campus and I eventually made a name for myself by starting organizations, mentoring other students and helping my community. It was the first huge discovery of God’s forgiveness because He gave me another chance to be great again. While I still go through many struggles, I choose to believe because if I believed and survived once, I’m sure that I can do it once more.
I hope my testimony helps somebody. Thank you, many blessings.
XO
Thanks for sharing your awesome testimony! And yes! You can believe and survive again.
I’m so excited to get started with the next PB31 Bible study and dig in to She’s Still There! Your story is such a blessing and inspiration to so many including me.
Love the download. Thanks so much!! I printed and laminated 2 copies for both my teenage daughters. COngrats on the book and thank you for sharing!
So glad you grabbed the download and shared with your girls!
I received my book and have started reading it! I truly appreciate your honesty beyond words! I would love to know where I can buy the t-shirt and your particular brand of “Black Woman” fragrance. Blessings and again thanks for your honesty
I will have the T-shirts and fragrance up on my site in the next week!
I have also struggled with the idea that I have not done enough, or been good enough, to earn God’s love. Having children, and aching with overflowing love for my babies (imperfect as they can be sometimes) really helped me to grasp how strong God’s love for me is. Thanks for sharing your heart!
I struggle with feeling loved and accepted often. I find it ebbs and flows. I find it easier to see God’s love for me when I imagine the girl within as a little girl. I maybe in my 40’s but I feel as lost as I did when I was a child and need his guiding hand and love now as much as I did when I was little.
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging me in my journey back to me. After the birth of my children and more so after I married, I began feeling that I was losing my identity and falling into depression. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I became a victim of domestic violence that I realized that what I was experiencing was not just a phase. And the one person that I should’ve been able to turn to was the one who did the most damage, choosing to exploit my perceived weakness. But thanks be to God for a praying mother, sister and church family! I am battling back – reclaiming my life and putting the devil beneath my feet. I am so looking forward to the upcoming Online Bible Study featuring your work and continuing to rediscover that I AM still there
I’d love to win the book. I struggle with believing God’s truth about myself for the past year and a half since a missed miscarriage and months of complications afterwards. satan will use any circumstance to lie to us. It’s really hard to know you won’t have any more children after a miscarriage. But I know God has a plan and that He is always here even in the hardest times.
I’m so sorry to hear about your troubles. I don’t know what God is doing or why He is allowing that trouble in your life but I do know that He always has a plan. Continue to trust Him… even while you are crying out to him. Trust Him.
Being single with no children and a menial job can make one feel like they blend in with the furniture (unnoticed, underappreciated, unloved and of questionable worth. ) Thank you for reminding me that she’s still here and GOD loves her (me.)
This book came at the most perfect time …. I’m a single mother of three… two in college and one in high school. I’m in the process of going back to school… this book inspires me to push forward on my dreams that I put on hold to raise my kid!!! Thank you so much Chrystal and God’s blessings!!
Throughout my life I have found myself questioning my worth and worthiness. At age 46 I finally know that my Father loves me and found me worthy from the very start. I have gone against the grain of society and made some unpopular choices during the past two years, but I finally feel like I’m closer to being on the path God planned for me. Thank you for being an obedient daughter and allowing God to reach women like me through your writing!
I think so many women hold this view that our mistakes are keeping us from God’s love – even when they are long in the past. We are quick to forgive others, but never ourselves or to accept that God has forgiven us. Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to your new book.
I’m in a season of change right now…just recently divorced (January 13th, 2017)…my 3rd. A girl “who didn’t even believe in divorce”…how does this happen?? I did “everything right” my 1st marriage. I prayed as a teenage girl for a specific type of husband, very specific…1.) Christian 2.) In the ministry (youth minister), 3.) A twin (I’m an identical twin)…met him at church when I was 17. I was a senior in high school, him…a senior in college. He felt called into full-time ministry (Youth ministry), AND he was a twin (fraternal). I knew he MUST be “the one”. He met all of my criteria on my checklist. So…when our marriage ended…16 years later (with 3 daughters) I was angry (at God) and so very disappointed. So, I decided, since it didn’t work out doing “everything right”, to date & marry using different criteria. I justified all of my choices & my reasonings along the way. Now, 2 more marriages later (and 1 more daughter)…I’ve learned compromising your values by your own justifications & reasonings, well, that does work either. Through all of life’s ups and downs…I have experienced God’s tender hand of mercy, His forgiveness, His unconditional love, His gentle rod of correction constantly guiding me back to Him. I’ve come to understand that God is much more concerned about the condition of my heart than He is about any circumstance or outcome I may or may not have chosen. My heart’s desire is to love God with all of my heart, my soul, and my strength…to share His love with people He puts in my path. To honor Him day by day, moment by moment in all I do. “Intentional Living”…taking time, as I go throughout my day, to not miss an opportunity to be the light in this dark world. “It’s not about me” – It’s all about Him.
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Oh, I believe. Theres just days I struggle to see the realities of God and his presence when I’m down. I need constant reminders.
Yup. I totally get that. Thanks for visiting the blog Karla!
I feel like God is speaking to me through you…I am in the most difficult season of my life so far and there are days I struggle to even believe and accept God’s love for me. It’s the story of my life; fear and shame cripple me and keep me from being the woman God intended me to be. I want to step into the light of God’s love and mercy.
Thank you for this. I’m in the middle of trying to adopt from the foster care system and one of my goals while I wait is to try and work on myself so I can be a better mom to the daughter we’re waiting for. I’m really praying God will help me use this time but at the same time I really struggle with seeing myself as He sees me. I always feel like I need to do more or be more, that I’m not enough for anyone. Maybe this is a lesson I need to learn while I wait.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
I have been amazed at how the Lord has orchestrated healing my heart, my brokenness and restoring me. I began following Chrystal a few years ago, seeking. I am always seeking. Through a request for people interested in providing feedback for a book she was writing, I ended up on the “Rescue Team”. What a blessing. I have watched God move in my life in awesome ways, I saw my healing and restoration coming, I saw God answer deep painful moans in my spirit and provide me with everything I need to move. “She’s Still There” is refreshing. This book has answered so many questions and been such an encouragement.
Thanks for being on the Rescue Team Karen!
This blessed me so much. I am looking forward to reading your book and finding out more about you and what The Lord has done for you. I posted your beautiful artwork to share with all. I know it will be a blessing!
As I lay in bed at 3:31 am I realize that I didn’t read this story in the Proverbs 31 blog. I can relate to most of them, being that I started life really early. I think this has been the most touching one yet for me. As I’m typing with my daughter’s knee in my back, I find myself realizing that I never meet the little girl inside of me. Who am I really? Wow! Almost in tears because all along I thought I knew who I was. I often feel that I’m alone. No one wants a women with 3kids with 3different Father’s. No one wants a friend who can never go anywhere because she has 3 children……Wow! Who wants me? I often wonder that. I know God loves me and he shows me. I want God’s love to be enough for me. That’s my prayer! I don’t want to hurt because I’m a single mother.
Hi Narissa, I’m sorry that you feel alone and that you are hurting. God’s love is enough but sometimes we have to learn what it means to fully except His love. I’m praying that you will find contentment and completeness in Him and experience a joy that overflows from your heart as you faithfully live your life and raise your children.
I know that same choice as a teenage girl, I also know aterr many struggles and bad choices God does love me. I am so thankful that He loved us first that we just need to love him and seek him daily and he will draw near. My prayer today is for all women and there struggles that he touch each of us in our lives that we may know him better each day.In Christ Love Amen
Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve seen God’s faithfulness to me, but at times still struggle between accepting vs. earning His love.
Wow! How did you know exactly how I was feeling? The choices I’ve made have been what I’ve become. I am a believer but feeling so very lost and alone. Feeling like God is so far away.
I am so excited to read this book! My God is a good God and knows just what I need when I need it. I have been struggling with a lot of shame that I thought I had released but apparently I just buried really deep. Somehow I lost myself but I know that girl is in there somewhere, just waiting for me to tell her it is safe to come back out.
What a wonderful reminder for me and after reading the 300+ stories other women shared so freely, it is clear that this is a reminder we all need. Happy Book Birthday and Iook forward to reading more God-breathed messages from you.
I love this! We all make mistakes, but knowing that we have a God that loves us unconditionally, and is ready to take our hand and walk us through what ever it is, is so important to remember. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, with a purpose and plan from God to fulfill. We need to allow God to use our mistakes in the past as a testimony to others of His love, mercy and grace.
Thank you for sharing your story to help others see God!
Chrystal,
Thank you for your transparency. So many of us believe that we can never achieve because we compare our story to others, or so they think. How we start does not determine our finish. There are many things that I want to be but at times feel trapped. Can I really be all of those things I desire, or must I chose family over everything? I ‘m looking forward to reading your new book and participating in the online bible study.
Blessings to you.
I can really relate to your story. At 19 I too found myself pregnant & in college. My boyfriend & I went on to get married & have two more kids (Thats 3 kids by the time we were 23!). Talk about times of struggle!! I feel as though I pretty much gave up everything. To make matters worse, my husband left us 2 yrs ago, so now I am a single mom to 3 beautiful kids. I struggle daily w/feelings of inadequacy, rejection & hopelessness. I KNOW God loves me & has a plan for all of us however most days my feelings dont match up w/what I know to be true. I have signed up for the online study & hope that it can help me break through the darkness that surrounds every moment of my life.
Hi CJ, I’m so sorry that you feel as if you are walking in the dark. I pray that you will indeed find new hope and encouragement as we walk through the Bible study!
Crystal, thank you so much for sharing your heart in this post! Lately, I have found myself yearning for Gods love and not really feeling it or connecting with him! Years ago, God and I were homies! I felt invincible! Then life happened and here I al trying to find my way back to the girl who walked with God daily and who had faith that could move moubtains. In the midst of life, I need some reassurance that she’s still there. I am very excited to read your book! Thank you for sharing your heart with so many women who need it!!
Crystal- you proverbs 31 devotional touched my heart deeply. I looked at a very hurtful time through the eyes of scripture and your teaching. It is a healing balm. Thank you!
She’s Still There & she’s better for reading your book. I’m beginning a new chapter in my life. Excited, anxious, trembling with renewed hope, & didn’t sleep most of the night. Can’t wait to share my story with you & the crew. After I get settled & can gather my thoughts I’ll post it. God bless you for every tear shed & every hair that was pulled. May you find hope around every corner.
I believe this truth…because God said so…..super excited to get your book i pre order the book waited all day for it to come 8-8-18 but still hasn’t arrived but hopefully it will arrive today sometime. Looking for even more to the bible study you have going with proverbs 31 it was a blessing to see this going on.
Thank,
traci cunningham
We all need to be reminded we are loved unconditionally no matter what we have been through. Thanks for sharing the verses and your story with us. Going through some adversity right now and this was perfect timing.
Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for the reminder and the prayer for confidence in God’s love and plan for me.
Just listened to your interview with Jamie Ivey and LOVED it! I was that girl in the car talking out loud with my hands waving…you preach it girl! Keep telling the truth about who God is and who we are in Him. Excited to read your book!
So glad you tuned in! I loved chatting with Jamie!
Love the title and of the book, hoping to get a copy soon. As a mother of 2 girls, trying to live out what I believe according to what my Savior did for me on The Cross, I sometimes feel empty. Keeping up appearances to motivate and inspire my girls make me feel untrue to who I am at times because I get weary, yet I can’t let them know it. I strive to lead by example while working to be the best wife and mother through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for motivating me and for being so transparent.
I struggle to believe he loves me from a lifetime of being told I’m not good enough. For the most part, I’ve gotten past the negative self-image, but…I could list the reasons but then I’d just be playing the tapes again, which does me no good. The short of it is, I have a hard time believing I’m loved when I behave unlovably (not a word, I know!). I fight with myself to believe it but don’t always get there and beat myself up. I love these statements from your blog ” His acceptance of me does not ride or die on whether or not I measure up. Consequences ebb and flow with my choices, but His everlasting love does not.”
Yes Barbara,
I struggle with believing I’m loved to when my actions don’t seem worthy of love, but I’m learning what it means to believe beyond the way I feel.
I to, was a young teenage mother. But unfortunately I didn’t grow up learning about God and His unfailing love for us. I have struggled most of my life with feelings of being unworthy of love, feelings of being alone and just being completely lost… I didn’t think anyone would be able to love me and my faults, let alone our perfect savior… as a “new believer” I still to this day struggle with feelings of inadequacy and I have a deep fear of being rejected. Thank you for your devotion and for the beautiful reminder. Your honesty and testimony five me hope.
What a blessing you are to me! In the early hours of the morning I felt like the walls were closing in & I asked God to send me a word & just like that in my inbox was this message! For years I’ve struggled with not feeling enough. Less of a person, wife & mother. Since I was a little girl I remember holding on to the belief that tomorrow will be a better day & thanks to you today is looking up! Thank you for being vulnerable & honest! Thanks for sharing your story! I look forward to reading your amazing book.
….and life continues, so some days YES! Yes Lord! I do believe, and on other days not so much. Today is one of the latter. I believe, help my unbelief.
Being raised and living in a culture that tells me I am what I do, instead of the truth that I am who God says I am makes believing the truth sometimes difficult. I thank God for the availability of his Word and his constant wooing and I press on. Lord, help my unbelief!
I have been a part of the Launch Team!!! I would love to win the giveaways to share with others!! I hope it’s not too late! I’m a new grandma so I’ve been busy the last week & a half visiting my new granddaughter in Florida ?….not to mention my son who lives down there also. He REALLY needs a rescue!
I believe because no matter what this year has brought me- sickness, injury, or loved ones dying- I know that I can get through with the strength and love from a great God. Ps. I hope you share your list of verses you wrote as a young girl 🙂
You can find them among the freebies at shesstillthere.com
At 33 I was a single mom with 2 boys (6 yrs and 2yrs). I lost my oldest child when he was 8 years old due to an accident that happened at my neighbors house. That was a tough situation in my life where I questioned so many things and did not understand why it happened. Never went to counseling or anything I just dealt with the loss myself. Now I’ve been married for 6 years, my smallest son is now 13 years old and I have a daughter of 5. I currently have a job and feel that I need to move on to a better position that would pay more. So I find myself lost many times struggling with finding God’s purpose for my life. I feel insecure about what’s the next step I should take and where I need to be. I beat myself constantly because I feel I should be better. I need to find the woman that is still there. I know God”s love for me is unconditional but I feel like I’m letting him down somehow.
Hi Marilyn! You know how you please God? You obey. How do you obey? One step at a time as you study His Word and learn more about how he wants you to live. No need to beat yourself up. Just do what you to know to do as you know to do it. Trust that God gives us what we need when we need it and as we search for Him. You are okay.
My story is that I was a perfect girl. I had to be. I grew up in the home of an abusive alcoholic father. So, I had to do everything right, and I did. I was the perfect friend, daughter, and student. I excelled in school and work. When my mother fell sick to a catastrophic stroke, my father walked out on us. I was 19 and my sister was in the 5th grade. My mother was very ill and eventually needed round the clock care. So, at 19 I became the head of our household. To say it was a struggle is an understatement. I threw myself into the role of caretaker and surrogate mother for my younger sister. The perfect girl became the perfect woman. Through all of the struggles, trials, rough times I remained “perfect.” I was on auto-pilot for 20 years and did everything I was supposed to do, when I was supposed to do it. My mother is now with Jesus and I have no idea who I am, what happened to my life, or what in the world God is doing in my life or why. I’m being called somewhere, for something but I haven’t a clue. The girl I was, despite tremendous challenges growing up, was care-free, adventurous, fun-loving, and bold. Now I feel shipwrecked. I love the Lord and have since I met him. I prayed a very big prayer asking God to use me in a big way. (I’m not sure that was a smart thing to do.) I prayed for him to change my life. I’m afraid he is and I don’t like it. It’s scary and I feel like I have absolutely no control in my life which is absolutely terrifying for a control freak perfectionist. Now I’m just a perfect mess. I just ended a long term relationship and engagement, am losing my job in one month, and have been called by God to move to a major city with no job, friends, or family waiting for me. I’m determined to keep going and not give up. It’s the only thing I know how to do–survive, but I want so much more than to just get by or make it over in my life. My mom taught me to always keep walking with God and to trust and believe. So, I’m holding to that. I’m mustering literally every ounce of courage, faith, and strength that I have right now. At this point in my life, after a life so filled with trials, I thought things would be “better.” It seems I’ve hit the motherload of storms this time. Please pray for me.
Carla, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am praying for you and believing that God will show Himself strong in your life and that He will use every painful place that He’s allowed in your life. Hang in there. Keep walking forward step by step and listening carefully to His voice and paying close attention to His Word.
I am so excited about your book. I am a single mother who understands about needing a reset. I cant wait to dig into your book. I bought 3 for my 2 best friends and myself. We are all in need of this and Gods timing was absolutely perfect. Thank you for being a vessel ♡ God bless you and your family!
I loved your devotional from Proverbs 31. It’s very encouraging. A perfect reminder that God loves us right where we are ALL the time. I often struggle with comparing myself to others and wondering if I’m “good enough”. We are all good enough because God says so! ??
Honestly sometimes I have wondered if I was chosen to be the daughter that gets picked on by family, friends, the church, at work, at school. Its been happening all my life. Im not having a pity party just being honest. Sometimes I have felt like giving up and Ive cried out like David in Psalms. Pressures from people have to pray about alot. The Lord saved me at a young and I will not quit the race bevause I know he loves me but I need a change in my life. Getting married and having children is not my focus. I want my peace and contentment joy back that overflows and knowing I dont have to prove myself to anyone but The Heavenly Father.
So excited to read your book. I know that the Lord led me here to read this and am looking forward to God’s blessings!
Your story resonated so much with me. Much like you, I fell pregnant at 19 in college. I disappointed so many people who trusted me and had sacrificed so much for me to be where I was. God blessed me with a husband much later in life and now we cannot have children together. He loves my son dearly but I cannot help but feel guilty for not having waited and blame myself now that we cannot have kids in our marriage. We have been married for 4 years and have had 3 miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. The devil keeps whispering all these lies that I deserve it, I am being punished for what I did, but I know God loves me would never want to hurt me. He promised to wash all my sins away and to throw them into a sea of forgetfulness. It just doesn’t feel like that at times, I struggle to believe. I struggle to understand his plan for my life and all this pain.
I read your post and cried. I have 143 days of freedom from wine addiction and learning to trust God. It has been hard. I look at all the choices I have made in my life up until this point and I have believed that the girl God created me to be is dead. I killed her by the choices I have made and now am living with the consequences. I struggle to believe God can restore that girl. I believe he will heal me over time but to some shadow version of myself. Day to day life is hard because of my choices. Its a consequence of my actions. Its a new thought to imagine that the girl God created me to be is still there and can come back to life. Thank you for your words. I want to read your book!
Hi Michel,
Either the girl in you can come back to life… or the girl you didn’t know you could be can begin to live. In either case, God always has a plan. Congratulations on your 143 days of freedom. Keep moving forward. God isn’t finished with you yet.
I grew up always feeling the need to please others to get assurance. I always felt insecure and lacking. This eventually translated into dating men after men thinking that a man would fill the void in my heart. I fell for a guy, he said all the right things, promised me, but he eventually walked out on me. At that point, I realized that Jesus is the only constant in my life. I surrendered my life to Him after that. My life has changed and I truly believe now that I am loved, I am accepted, and I am valuable.
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing your testimony
Crystal,
Thank You! I know that girl is in there somewhere. I just can’t seem to find the key to the door lately. I would love to read you’re book, when the funds in my budget are available. Thank you for opening your heart to us & listening to God’s prompting on what it is He wants you to do. I’m sure it was as scary for you as it is for me to find the key and open the door. I know God is right there with me. This is one of those times where I would talk with my Daddy & he would ask me “Why are you scared, honey? You know God is right there with you.” My reply was always the same…. “Sometimes Dad, I just wish He was right here with me, with skin on!!” Crazy how just that little thing seems to make the thing you have to do seem like it would be SO much easier. Maybe that will be the title of the book I write.?.? ?
Keep up the good work & may God Bless your socks off!!
Wow what an amazing blessing it is to me to have read your devotion on proverbs 31…About 4 years ago I lost custody of my child due to drug abuse I had cleaned up then relapsed and cleaned up I have been drug free for 2 years now giving all Glory to God. It’s a struggle I have good days and my bad I question and ask God why am I here what purpose do You have for me here? I’ve had bad choices I am not proud of. But with Him I continue to move foward. Many have asked how did I just decide to quit smoking meth without rehab. I reply with I cried out to God for help and He did. He showed and has continued to show I am forgiven He loves me still. I am a daughter of the most High King
Yes! You are a daughter of the king. Blessings to you as you continue to walk in the light of His love.
I struggle to believe that God cares about or even loves me. So many prayers have gone unanswered for 15+ years. Every day is a struggle due to long term debilitating pain — I feel like He doesn’t even hear my prayers because He doesn’t answer them. I know in my head He loves me, but don’t really believe it in my heart.
I’m sorry your husband had to go through that…I’m sure it must have been plenty scary…Glad you were with him…Glad he is better!
I have been blessed with good physical health, but my unhealthy family conflicts left me badly wounded we’ll say. God has done major inner healing on me, transformational miracles…I would not be who I am becoming without God & all that comes with the good church, fellowship package. And now you are graciously becoming part of the process…who can know such kindness? Where would we be without Him & each other?
Glad to get to know you, my Sister! ❤❤
Oñly God knows how much I need my Jesus now. My wakeing moments are cries to my savior. I know He hears my heart. Thanks for your encouraging words
Hello, everyone…My full story is really long but I wanted to share with you that my struggles are real like everyone else’s. I presently have a condition that has caused me to have 10 surgeries in less than two years and am now the owner of a colostomy. I never thought that I could live this way and I probably couldn’t if God was not my constant go to for Joy! There are days I just hate my situation, can’t seem to be the wife God wants me to be, can’t get a decent hello from my teenage daughter but I know that God has kept me here for a reason and I have to keep fighting. My story, our stories are worth it ladies! I have learned this the hard way! I still have miserable, throw a tantrum type of days but I get up and try again. This is the beauty of my King He gives us a reset every morning and I am so grateful for Him and what I have gained from my story.
Thank you, Crystal, for allowing me to share.
My story is long and complex. It involves hacking and hidden cameras and listening devices. It involves being watched and followed constantly (even in the restroom)! Hard to believe even for me, but it’s my reality. The purpose? That I have yet to discover. As I learn to de-code phone numbers and license plates and recongnize familiar reoccurring words and phrases within; my mind races with questions of who, why, how? The most difficult part in all of this is knowing the person(people) behind it know the pain they are inflicting on me as most of the messegages are cruel and heartless. But worse is feeling so alone. No one believes me, and those who do, who have seen it with their own eyes, have distanced themselves or refuse to discuss it. My family, friends, even my 5 children and husband blame me half the time and claim they don’t believe me the other half. Of course the culprits I’ve come to believe are behind it all include my husband, 26 year old daughter, 22 year old step-son and 18 year old son. Who else may be involved is unclear, but I’ve been informed my parents, some close friends, and various agencies are all in on it. I’ve kept extensive diaries of what I’ve been exposed to as well as screen shots of the hacking on my phone and computer. If I choose to ignore what’s happening and I’ve tried, it literally get shoved down my throat! I’m told by my family I’m selfish for letting it get to me and why can’t I just be happy. I’m looking over my shoulder 24/7. It’s HORRIBLE! I’ve prayed non-stop as this CAN’T be the work of God(even tho I’m “told” it is). I’m bullied, harassed, stalked, put down and threatened on a daily bases. I’ve contacted police several times and was only questioned regarding my sanity or drug use history. All that’s left to me is prayer and my own silent thoughts. And even that’s being threatened as I’m asked to get down on my knees and pray aloud to Jesus-confessing my sins and beg for forgiveness. The threats are as follows…my husband will leave me and take our 2 remaining children, I’ll go to jail, loose all of my possessions, or this will continue until I do exactly as instructed. This is no joke… I’m not delusional, mental, paranoid, or on drugs. What I am is… lost, alone, scared, and doubting Gods Hand in my life. Doubting that any person in my life holds one shred of love for me by being a party to this and allowing this to happen. I’m left wondering why even try or even be alive if those I love so desperately hate me so much? Bottom line; if I was doing something wrong and this is some twisted form of intervention or a test of my character, why would I try to prove myself or my innocence? To people who have destroyed my mind, broken my heart repeatedly, and used my worst fears against me. This has been going on for 2 years that I’m aware of. By that I mean 2 years ago, I became aware that at the time, my phone and social media, email…etc. were hacked. As time passed it became evident that I was watched in my own home and even followed on the streets. Please pray for me as my resolve, trust in man’s love, but mostly trust in God, is failing me. Pray that it stops and I’m not doomed to see “codes” in everything from a can of soup to tv ads for the rest of my life. Pray that whoever is doing this finds peace and pray that I will have the strength to forgive them and them me for not seeing purpose of what’s intended for me to see in their eyes. Pray for me to be a woman of God as he intended for me to be and follow the path He has laid before me rather than the path of someone leading me astray. Thank You and GOD BLESS U??
I lost my 16 year old son 10 months ago to a tragic car accident, but I do see the miracle that God gave us in the midst of the storm……Here is my journey so far…..https://shawnacampbellblog.wordpress.com/…/why-did-god-lea…/
I just received my book yesterday and what a day to receive it. Got some not so wonderful news and having that on top of already feeling like I’m drowning in this thing called life I was at a breaking point. Emotionally, spiritually, and just physically sick over it all. In reading only one chapter your book has given me a hope and a strength that with my focus being turned back to God I can and will prevail and come out better than before. She is still in there. The girl with the hopes and dreams, she’s still there and she is ready to move forward. Thank you and blessings!
I struggle with every mistake that mattered in life. Definitely struggle with perfectionism too. Heard of you from Grit and Grace podcast. Looking forward to your book
I am so happy to be apart of this study even though I am behind in my reading..BUT I am going to be okay.
Yes! You will be okay!