Do you compare yourself?
On social media, in the neighborhood, at church, or the school drop-off lane, do you push yourself to prove that you measure up, then feel ashamed when you don’t? Measuring yourself against others isn’t healthy. And it isn’t God’s plan. In fact, the way of Jesus is completely upside down from this measure-up world. He invites us to follow him and be restored to freedom, confidence, and joy.
Join me as—with humor and straightforward honesty—I share what I’ve discovered about my own measure-up fears and get-ahead pride in this six-week study. Together, we’ll explore the conversations Jesus had and stories he shared with people who—like us—were comparing themselves.
Let’s leave measure-up comparison behind and connect with those around us by choosing Jesus’s me-free way of living: lifting others up and pouring ourselves out!
Releasing May 19, 2020
I love absorbing these bright blue winter mornings through my window. The hue shifts by the minute.
As I soaked in the color yesterday (Monday) with my prayer journal in my lap, I realized something. Two of the things I've been praying about seemed less urgent.
Both were requests that I have presented to the Lord for months, but suddenly this month, this morning, I was able to surrender them to the Lord.
What prompted the change, I wondered. Then I remembered. Yesterday was the third Sunday now, that I've fasted social media. And I realized it had made a difference.
By taking a break from looking at what the rest of the world was doing, I was able to take a break from what I wanted to be doing. It just didn't seem quite as important.
Though I love this online space, I think when I spend too much time here, it crowds up the rest of my life with thoughts and plans and even prayers that God wants me to be free of.
Is there something you're asking God for? Take a break from looking at the rest of the world, and see if your request changes hues.
#prayerrequests #bluewintermorning #bluewindow #comaprison #socialmedia #changingrequest #comparisongirl
THIS THURSDAY, I'm hosting a time of online encouragement for ministry leaders. Whether you are worried, weary or wondering why '21 isn't back to normal yet, my hope is that our gathering will encourage and equip you for this next leg of the journey.
I'll be giving away a FREE digital download set of my new teaching videos (I'll share more info then). And I'll be talking about COMPARISON in ministry.
Wait. Do ministry people compare? This one does. And when I do so it makes me feel sad. And hurt. And frustrated.
It makes me wonder if I'll ever measure up.
It distracts me and holds me back. It leads me into bondage.
If you ever struggle with comparing your ministry with somebody else's, I'd love to share what God has been teaching me about the bait of comparison, and how to sidestep it so that I can keep running my race and leading others to do the same.
Two time options:
January 21, 2-3:30 pm ET
January 21, 7-8:30 pm ET
Or register to watch the replay
Registration is only $5. Link in bio.
If you're not a ministry leader, do you know one? I'll bet it would bless her if you bought her a ticket. (They're less than a latte.)
https://www.shannonpopkin.com/product/leader-connect/
#leaderconnect #smallgroupleader #womensbiblestudy #reserveyourplace #comparisongirl #leadershiptraining #leaderencouragement
Jesus came, “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). That second half is actually the biggest way Jesus served us: he paid our ransom.
Sin is like a kidnapper with a knife. It holds us captive, and promises sure death. The only way to break free is by somebody paying the ransom.
Lean in with me and look at the ransom note. What is the demand of this kidnapper named sin? Our hearts sink and our jaws drop when we see the highest price imaginable. A perfectly righteous person will have to die willingly in our place. That’s the only way.
Which means, Jesus is our only way.
For Jesus—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—to set aside his power and glory so that he could pay my sin's ransom, is unthinkable. And yet that's what he did.
He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7). He “poured out his soul unto death” (Is. 53:12) Jesus took his larger-than-the-universe measuring cup and turned it upside down.
So is it possible to take my ransom cash and spend it on myself? Is it possible to ignore Jesus's drained cup, and live trying to make mine look full?
Yes it's possible, but it kind of makes me sick to my stomach.
Lord Jesus, may I lift you high with my life, with my words, with my worship of you today.
#heemptiedhimself #upsidedownkingdom #spoutnotlines #comparisongirl #lessonsfromJesus #mefreeliving #measureupworld
What a joy to welcome these beautiful Hispanic women to the launch team for “¡No te compares!”! Pictured here are women from Mexico 🇲🇽, Argentina 🇦🇷, Ecuador 🇪🇨, and Costa Rico 🇨🇷, and Chile🇨🇱!!
We have over 230 women from 14+ countries joining in to study this book together online, beginning on Thursday!
Will you pray that this study will both challenge and bless each of these sweet women.
Also, I am so grateful for @reynaorozcomeraz ‘s organization and leadership! I’m sure she would appreciate your prayers as well. 😘🙏🏻🥰
May Jesus be lifted High!
#ComparisonGirl #BookLaunch #MeFreeLiving #Upside downKingdom #GreatestIsTheServant @reynaorozcomeraz #libronotecompares
Join Reyna and I as we talk about ¡No te compares! and welcome over a hundred women from more than fourteen countries to the launch team! (Spanish edition)
If you're interested in joining, hurry! It begin on Thursday!
You can get your book here: https://www.portavoz.com/distribuidores
You can sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLxMQTmK92W6xDohpzEekYQALhYa7hSs9mEtpYBAaLhG0RBA/viewform
#LibroNoTeCompares #español #hispanicbiblestudy #latinabiblestudy
From Reyna in Spanish:
Caminaremos juntas, siguiendo las enseñanzas de #Jesús para ser libres de la tiranía del yo y del mundo obsesionado con la #comparación y la #competencia. ~Enero 2021~
Si quieres ser parte del Equipo del #LibroNoTeCompares por Shannon Popkin, author & speaker de Editorial Portavoz es sencillo:
1⃣ Contáctame, llena la forma de PRE-registro. Enlace: https://forms.gle/mK6imGSvBq454KAP9
2⃣ Prepara tu corazón 💖🙏🏻
3⃣ Consigue tu libro pronto 🤓📙📚
Puedes adquirirlo de muchas formas:
▪️ Directo conmigo (si radicas en #CUU o en #MX)
▪️ En #Amazon:
🔸Enlace para comprar el libro ELECTRÓNICO kindle en amazon https://amzn.to/3p5Z0ue
🔸El enlace para comprar el libro IMPRESO https://amzn.to/2KpyQ6Z
https://amzn.to/3m6JgoK
▪️En #editorialportavoz : https://www.portavoz.com/mujeres/no-te-compares/
▪️O con gusto puedo contactarte con librerías/vendedores de otros lugares 🌎
Oh the irony of finding a comparison book on Amazon—and (of course) wanting to compare it with YOUR comparison book. ⠀
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Now I know, I know, Christian authors aren't supposed to have that pit in your stomach when somebody writes a book on the same topic of YOUR BOOK BABY. Especially not if your book warns against measuring ourselves with each other. ⠀
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But we Christian authors live in the same measure-up world everybody else does. It's hard to rise above the temptation to be jealous, defensive, or territorial. When we meet somebody who does what we do (even “ministry work”) the temptation is to back away. I know I would’ve been tempted to, if I was the one finding Heather’s book. ⠀
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But instead, Heather did the opposite and invited me to guest on the @comparedtowho podcast and talk about #comparisongirl. Her humility and kindness is not wasted on me, friends. Not one bit. ⠀
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And dear Heather, I meant what I said. The fact that we both wrote a book on comparison and we both have to fight the temptation to scroll Amazon and compare with other authors means we were meant to be FRIENDS! I so appreciate you! (And if I had a podcast, I'd invite you, to mine. :))⠀
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Don't miss this one. It's a great conversation, and if comparison is your thing too, I bet you'll want to keep listening. ⠀
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Link in my bio.⠀
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https://comparedtowho.libsyn.com/quitting-the-comparison-girl-game-with-author-shannon-popkin⠀
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#ComparisonGirl #comparedtowho #glancingsideways #comparedtoher #mefocus #mefreeliving #teachingsofjesus #upsidedowncomparison #lastwillbefirst #firstwillbelast #kingdomliving #spoutnotlines #disorderedeating #bodyimage⠀
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It's really an author's dread. You're scrolling Amazon, and see a book on YOUR book's same topic. But what about if your book's topic is comparison?!
It will take some humility, but it COULD mean that you're meant to be friends.
I so appreciate my new friend and fellow "Comparison Girl" Heather Creekmore. She's the real deal, y'all. I love her heart for the LORD and her willingness to invite the "other author" onto her show that's all about comparison: @comparedtowho
I hope you'll love our conversation, and become a regular listener of "Compared to Who?"
Also, sharing the story of the day beautiful @kellyjoyhover came to my door for the first time, dressed in an adorable outfit with hair and makeup looking perfect, and I was dressed to go walking (no makeup, bedhead, and an old tee-shirt). (Love you Kelly! 😉)
Yeah, you're not gonna want to miss this interview.
Link in my bio.
https://comparedtowho.libsyn.com/quitting-the-comparison-girl-game-with-author-shannon-popkin
#ComparisonGirl #comparedtowho #glancingsideways #comparedtoher #mefocus #mefreeliving #teachingsofjesus #upsidedowncomparison #lastwillbefirst #firstwillbelast #kingdomliving #spoutnotlines #disorderedeating #bodyimage
We have over 100 women from 14 countries who are signed up for our launch team for #comparisongirl in Spanish! 😲🎉🙌
Will you pray for my friend Reyna from Mexico 🇲🇽 will be overseeing this team? 🙏🏻 They’ll be working through the book together. Please pray that God will stir their hearts (as He did mine) with what Jesus said about comparison.
Know any Latina women who would like to join? It’s not too late! Tag them below and we can get them the information. 😘
Hello to my friends in Columbia 🇨🇴, Venezuela 🇻🇪, Guatemala 🇬🇹, Mexico 🇲🇽... where else? If you’re part of the group and reading this, I’d love to hear where you’re from! #BookNoTeCompares @reynaorozcomeraz
#spanish #womensbiblestudy #biblestudy #comparisongirl
Hey, ministry leader. Are you feeling a little depleted? Are you weighed down? Were you secretly wishing that January would come and things would be back to "normal"?
Yeah, me, too. But you know what has depleted me even more? Glancing sideways to compare and measure what I'm doing (or how well I'm doing) with what some other ministry worker is doing.
Doing so makes me sad, frustrated, and distracted. It sends me into a tailspin of self-focus. And I want to run my race in 2021, not shrink back in wounded pride!
Join me as I share what I've been learning about comparison in ministry and "How to Sidestep the Comparison Bait".
This time is designed for ministry leaders but if you're not one, do you know one? I'll bet she'd smile if you bought her a ticket. (They're less than a latte!)
January 21 at 2 pm or 7 pm (or watch the replay).
Register here: https://www.shannonpopkin.com/product/leader-connect/
#loveothers #leadsmall #smallgroup #church #serve #faith #leadertraining #womensbiblestudy #smallgroupleader
Every contingency in my life is attached to an ending held firmly in God’s grasp. That includes elections, viruses, and economies. It also includes whether my daughter gets invited, whether my son makes the team, or whether my friend moves away or stays close. ⠀
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If the end of my story was in my hands, I’d be in constant hysterics, trying to manage loose threads and snags. But knowing that the last page of my story is settled gives me peace, security, and hope for every single leg of the journey.⠀
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Including this one in 2021. ⠀
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May all who trust the Lord Jesus with their eternal future, trust him with tomorrow and the next day. In each instance, trust requires faith. And in all things, faith is what pleases God. ⠀
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Take the #controlgirl quiz and learn more about my study, "Control Girl: Lessons From Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World" at www.controlgirl.com. (Link in bio.)⠀
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#controlgirl #mylifeisinhishands #sweetsurrender #surrenderisnotpassive #notmywillbutyours #itrustyoulord ⠀
A fellow counselor from my camp summers found these photos of my “cabin” in a box in his basement. I literally have tears, remembering those summers and these girls.
One gave her heart to Jesus that week. One is a girl whose name I can’t remember, but whose story has kept me praying for decades. Two would sit by the water front with me and ask questions about Jesus. They kept in touch with me for years, which was such a sweet joy. One moved to Egypt and invited me to come speak at her international church’s retreat last year.
I didn’t make much money during those summers I worked at camp. But pouring out our lives to lead and serve others is rewarding in a way that gets totaled up in our hearts and beyond the clouds.
Looking at these photos from the 90’s has me dreaming about: what can I pour out in 2021? Who will I get to invest in? How will God use me, as He writes His story, and weaves us all into one underlying plot?
Just like back then, I don’t want to miss out! You too?
#camplife #summercamp #servingsummer #worthit #usemelord #upsidedownkingdom
Hey, leader! Let me encourage you.
With so much strife and turmoil in our country, I know that your load, dear leader, is extra heavy. So I’d like to offer an extra dose of encouragement this season.
On January 21, 2021 I’m hosting a leader connect online gathering for ministry leaders!
Our time together will include:
❄️An encouraging message which I've titled: "How to Sidestep Comparison Bait in Ministry"
❄️An opportunity to connect with those who do what you do
❄️Q&A Session—ask me anything!
❄️Chance to win a download set of the "Comparison Girl Teaching Videos" (releasing in February)
Cost is $5. Sign up link in bio!
Want to invite a leader friend? Please do so!
#Women’sMinistry #BibleStudy #Leader #LeadershipEncouragement #SmallGroupLeader #Women’sBibleStudy #2021Encouragement #Don’tTakeTheBait #ComparisonGirl #ComparisonInMinistry
LAST CHANCE. I’m excited to facilitate another growth group this semester with the @speakupconference !
If you’re looking for ministry clarity, community with likeminded communicators, and ways to achieve more for the kingdom in less time, you should consider joining us!
Go to @speakupconference for more information!
Can’t wait for our Bible study group to reconvene tonight, with our “God of Creation” study by Jen Wilkin.
So far this year our group has experienced two deaths, a wedding, a breakup, a move, and more. Can’t imagine walking through all of this without each other, or without God’s Word—lighting up our path.
Tell me something about your group!
#BibleStudy #SmallGroup #LifeTogether #TogetherWeThrive #JanuaryRestart @adabible @adawomenthrive
The fresh, white snow outlining every branch makes me think of the fresh beginning God offers us each year.
We can’t unremember last year, and we wouldn’t want to. 2020 offered us wisdom you only gain through experience.
But I must not spend too much time glancing backward and sideways (as I’m always tempted to do), comparing this new year with past ones or with what other people are doing. For comparing in the new year will only do what comparison always does:
It will distract me from my purpose.
It will dampen my potential.
It will weigh me down and hold me back.
So here’s my challenge (and I invite you to make it yours): to step into this new year, undaunted by last year and untethered from measuring myself against others.
Any goal to get ahead or keep from falling behind is rooted in this measure-up world and I want my goals rooted in the upside-down kingdom of Jesus. I want to live now the way I’ll wish I had, when all is aligned under his rule.
So my hope for this fresh new year is to complete the assignments God has for me-and-only-me. To live the life I’m called to, and steward what I’ve been given. To serve the world—and especially the people in my little world—with who I am and what I have.
There’s no time to waste, glancing backward or sideways, comparing; there’s much to be done!
So tell me. What is one assignment God has given you-and-only-you? Is it a new assignment, or one you’ve been at for decades? How does a fresh year offer new motivation?
2021 here we come!
#comparisongirl #measureupworld #mefreeliving #upsidedownkingdom #goalsetting #freshsnowfreshstart #newyear #2021 #resolutions2021
Happy snow day! Well, not really. There’s no school this week, my husband is on vacation, and I had nothing planned anyway, but still! I’m going to pretend.
My plan for the day is to win another round of #settlersofcatan and start the puzzle my son got me for Christmas. While we puzzle, I really want to listen to the latest #adventuresinodyssey with him, which we have done every Christmas break for as long as I can remember.
It’s true that he might say, “Mom, I’m 17...” but then I’ll say, “And I’m 49!”
Want to pretend with me that it’s a snow day? What will you do?
#snowday #forpretend #nothingplanned
Know any Latina women who might like to join the launch team? Tag them here or send them over to @reynaorozcomeraz for the details!
I’m delighted for my sweet sisters from Mexico, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador and more to connect online and examine what Jesus had to say about Comparison.
Thanks to @editorialportavoz for making this possible!
#launchteam #latinas #comparisongirl #spoutnotlines
@reynaorozcomeraz @callejaseli @ginnydavidsonspeaks @alemedinabravo @bloomwithmaria @lpopkin98
“Can we join you?" my husband asked. “Oh, sorry... we're trying to get the directors together at this table."
It was a horrible moment from a Christmas party long past, but whenever I think of it, my heart still sinks.
You can read the full story (including my husband’s beautiful response) in my post, "Jesus's Feet, Under Your Table" but for now, I'm wondering:
Have your palms gotten sweaty as you searched for a seat at the table, lately? (Maybe even a virtual table?) Or has your heart flooded with jealousy because someone else was invited to a table where you don't feel welcome?
I guess we shouldn't be surprised. This "no vacancy at the table" mentality is inevitable in a place where getting ahead and measuring up is the objective. Our world is a cold, heartless, harsh place—a place where things stack up like a pyramid.
If you're the one vying for rank at the top of the pyramid, you hardly want to invite others to join you up there! What would happen if you started inviting everyone? The pyramid would begin inverting, and then where would the status be?
To prove yourself in this measure-up world, you have to put distance between you and them. You have to show that you belong at the table, and they don't.
But in the kingdom of God, all are welcome. In the kingdom, it doesn't matter where you sit or what rank you have; the King wants to put his feet under your table. That's the story of Christmas.
Read the full post here (link in bio):
https://www.shannonpopkin.com/2020/12/21/jesuss-feet-under-your-table/
#CanWeJoinYou #MeasureUpWorld #SeatAtTheTable #PyramidScheme #Upside downKingdom #AllAreWelcome #GodCameNear #StoryOfChristmas
🎄Correcting the way the kids decorate their gingerbread houses.
🎄Correcting your father-in-law for not wearing a mask to your house on Christmas.
🎄Correcting your sister-in-law for asking your dad to wear a mask.
🎄Correcting your husband for falling asleep during the Christmas sermon (even though he watched it at home from the recliner this year).
🎄Correcting your son for opening his gifts without waiting his turn.
If you’re like me, when you correct, you’re often really trying to control.
But not ALL correction is motivated by a control-craving heart, so how can you know the difference?
Here's a starting point: If there's no verse in the Bible to support your correction, you might be clamping down on something that is not yours to control. (This includes many of the things on this list).
Or perhaps you do have a verse, but there are other verses leading other people to different conclusions. If you're only willing to consider your verse, you might be more motivated by control than the desire to obey God.
Control Girl-type correction is when we try to play God. When we seek to replace him in the lives of our people. The truth is, God doesn't need us to stand in for Him. And the people in our lives would appreciate it if we stopped trying to do so.
If you're participating in the Five C Challenge, you know that "no correcting" is one of our five C's. Stop and pray over a situation you'd like to correct, and ask God to do the correcting.
I know how hard this can be. If you'd prayer, send me a message or put a quick "yes" in the comments.
#fivecchallenge #nocorrecting #letGodbeGod #sweetsurrender #christmaschallenge #controlgirl
Naughty or nice: What’s your guess? #happyhowlidays #santapaws
From the Blog
Let me encourage you, Leader!
Hey, hey, Leader! Let me encourage you. On January 21, 2021 I’m hosting a leader connect online gathering for ministry leaders. If you're a Bible study leader, ministry worker, speaker, writer, or some other sort of Christian leader, you are invited! Our time together...
Jesus’s Feet, Under Your Table
Years ago, I attended a company Christmas party (remember those?) with my husband. As we entered the large dining hall, Ken saw a couple of men he worked with about to sit down. Their table had four or five empty seats so he said, "Mind if we join you?" His friend...
The Five C Christmas Challenge!
The Five C Christmas Challenge is ON!! Sign up HERE to join! Here's what I saw, when I came downstairs yesterday morning. He looks pretty innocent, right? Sweet, even—in a manly sort of way (the man, not the puppy!). But somehow, I saw it all differently, yesterday...
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