A Very Insightful Book

 I just read a book that helped me understand the confusion I have had for a while as I give it my best in life, and wonder why it isn't enough.

Allie Beth Stuckey's "You're Not Enough (and that's okay): escaping the toxic culture of self-love" was what I needed to hear as a new year started. 

She begins by having us ponder what if we are loving ourselves too much? We tend to hyper focus on ourselves but when we surrender to Jesus, we tend to forget that we are no longer our own. Ms Stuckey reminds us that the 'self can't be the problem AND the solution'.

There are 5 Myths that she wants us to examine: 

* You are enough.

*You determine your truth.

*You're prefect the way you are.

*You're entitled to your dreams.

*You can't love others until you love yourself.

She breaks each one down completely, showing us all the different angles of thoughts and how a little truth is blended in to have us accept these concepts.

If we are followers of Christ, we can't be self absorbed. That flies in the face of the Gospels. In Jesus, we find our peace and purpose. When we come to Christ and surrender to His Sovereignty, Jesus completes us. To be like Christ is to be obedient to God, to fully pour oneself out. 

The Body of Christ (the Church) needs to be clear on these and other truths. TRUTH has a name-Jesus. We are to use God's Word (Jesus who is the WORD) as the measuring stick for all aspects in life. We should not be following the world and let it tell us who we are. We are called to be the Light in the world, separate, peculiar, one that they would want to follow due to the love, peace and integrity evident in our lives, all from Christ.

We aren't perfect or enough on our own. If we were, we wouldn't need Him. This was where I found myself when I opened up this After-Christmas-sale find. Even though I was pouring myself  for Christ, I couldn't figure out why I was failing at achieving my dreams, thought I had accepted self as my 'perfect me', all I was promised if I just loved myself and dreamed big. Why was there a gnawing feeling like I was missing something? 

It was because I was doing it in my own strength yet in His name. As I continued through this book, relief flooded my soul. Although I still do my best and pour myself out, I rest in knowing that when I have reached the end of me, Jesus is there to bridge the gap between my failures and His purpose.

I encourage you to pick up this book. I haven't given all nuggets away; there were just too many of them.

Have you fallen into the arms of Jesus? Come and see yourself in Him-the ultimate, perfect mirror of love. If you haven't, would you consider doing it now?

We need other believers to walk through this world with us; to sharpen us and keep us grounded. We help each other. Do you have a mentor, a small group, or a fellowship that are grounded in the Word and love of Christ?