Hey, I’m Shannon.
And I’ve been a Comparison Girl for as long as I can remember. Literally, my first memory at age four, is of feeling humiliated because someone found out that I could not read. Oh, the humiliation!
It seems silly now. Why was I so worried about being exposed as an illiterate preschooler? Yet some of my current struggles are just as absurd. Why do I worry about being exposed as a less-than-perfect mom? Or a middle-aged woman who struggles with her weight? Or a Christian who still sins?
The constant effort to prove that I measure up (or try to hide when I don’t), does not lead to a life of freedom and joy. Here’s what does: learning to live me-free. I hope you’ll stick around and join me in learning these lessons from Jesus on me-free living in a measure-up world!
Is this the first time we’ve met? Welcome! If you have more questions about me, come visit my “about me” page!
Do you compare yourself?
On social media, in the neighborhood, at church, or the school drop-off lane, do you drive yourself to prove that you measure up? Do you 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 I share what I’ve discovered about my own measure-up fears and get-ahead pride. In this six-week study, we’ll explore the conversations Jesus had and the 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!
“Comparison. We all fight it. But for many of us, it feels like we are losing the battle. Why? Because what we need, to combat comparison, is not simply the knowledge that it hurts us, but the tools to resist it, and that is exactly what Shannon Popkin has given us. With fresh insight, biblical grounding, and light-hearted humor, Comparison Girl offers practical steps for curbing this temptation. If comparison is your struggle, this book is your guide!”
If you struggle with measuring up. If you’re worried about what people think. If you dread someone seeing you in a less than ideal situation, then you’re human. We all struggle with comparing ourselves to others in some way. That means we all need Shannon’s honest and wise words on the pages of this book. I know I did and I’m betting you do, too!
Shannon Popkin has done it again! She has masterfully written another must read to speak to the struggles of our soul. Inviting us to look up and listen to the tender truths of God and learning to silence the lies of the enemy against us, Shannon shows us how to finally live freely in a cultural of continual comparison. For every woman who has an area of her life where she wonders if she is truly enough- here is your answer.
Leader’s Kit
Now Available!
- 6 Teaching Sessions, which correlate with the chapters of the book
- DVD + digital downloads
- One Comparison Girl book
- One Journaling Workbook
- Leader Discussion Guide
Each session is about 18 – 25 minutes long. Dive deeper into what Jesus teaches about the difference between comparison in the world and comparison in the Kingdom.
Sign up for leader updates.
Journaling Workbook
The companion Comparison Girl Workbook offers:
- A place to record your responses to the Bible study and application questions at the end of each lesson.
- Thought-provoking stories and journal prompts, which correlate to each chapter’s theme.
- Space for taking video session notes, plus the printed verses and additional observation study and discussion questions.
- Extra prayers, quotes, and verses to encourage you on your journey.
- Available either as part of the Leader’s Kit, or as a separate purchase.
Get the Comparison Girl Bonuses:
Comparison Girl Screen Savers – there are 12 in all!
Turn your comparison struggles over to the Lord.
An illustrative drawing in Philippians 2:7-9.
All of these & more!
This book is what I would consider a must read. That’s a lot coming from a 65 year old woman who has walked with Jesus for 47 years and is well read. Here’s the deal. This book caused me to face some things about my own comparisons and how I measure myself against others. It helped me call some unhealthy things out in my own life that I never stopped to realize or face. I am being transparent here because that’s how much I think this book can help any woman who compares with others, finds herself jealous or feeling insignificant or insecure. From years of women’s ministry, I think that might be a lot of us. Thank you Shannon for a remarkable message! (Review on Amazon.)
Shannon Popkin helps us take a fresh and challenging look at the everyday mindsets we wrestle with. Showing us God’s higher ways straight from the life of Jesus, she calls us from our me-focused thinking to His kingdom-focused purposes. After this study and with the power of the Holy Spirit, I won’t allow those thoughts to stay around any longer.
Comparison Girl Chapters & Quotes:
Author and dear friend, Shannon Popkin, expertly and biblically walks us through several markers and mistakes of living according to comparison in this measure up world and gently points us to a better way. Written with humor and brutal honesty, Shannon sheds the pretense and fights for her readers’ hearts with biblical wisdom, humility and truth. Comparison Girl is a must-read for this generation of girls and the next.
With a humble pen and a bold honesty, Shannon invites us to look closely at our subtle “comparison game” and recognize the truth behind it— Comparison is not just a harmless habit; it’s an all-out attack on the life we’ve been created to live. Using the very words of Jesus, Shannon shows us how to trade the exhaustion of measure-up comparison for the exhilaration of me-free living. Get ready to wage war and take back the abundant life you were created to enjoy!
Giveaway! Here's how to win a copy of "The Path to Peace" by @annswindell
You can either:
1. Sign up for your free Live Like It's True Workbook and you'll automatically be entered.
https://www.subscribepage.com/live-like-its-true
2. Share this post or tag a friend.
Don't miss my conversation with Ann on the Live Like It's True Podcast this week!
https://wp.me/p7IZQm-81y
"The True Story on the Road to Damascus" dropped on Wednesday, and was one of my favorite episodes yet. So much so that I decided to break it into two parts, because I didn't want you to miss anything!
And I'm pretty sure it's going to make you want a copy of this newly released book, "The Path to Peace".
Ann Swindell has been featured widely by the Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31, and more. (You're gonna love her!)
Which one is false?
1. We met at Liberty University in 1989-1990.
2. We live in 4 states.
3. We have raised 16 children.
4. The six of us haven’t been together in a decade.
5. We saw a 6-7 foot shark in the swimming area of Orange Beach.
6. When I sent Ken photo 5, he captioned it “wild and free”.
7. We liked Top Gun even better than the first one.
8. Everything in our lives has gone exactly as planned.
9. We love God anyway and our faith is stronger yet.
#collegefriends #orangebeach
What’s going on in the world? Who can you trust? What’s the true story?
The news, your favorite podcast host, and your own research combined cannot answer these questions.
Who can? The Author of life. And here’s what intrigues me: He tucks the truth in a story.
If Easter doesn’t help you understand the true story of what’s going on on the world, you’re reading the story wrong.
Join me for my retelling episodes; let’s treasure up sections of the story, then live like the story is true.
https://www.shannonpopkin.com/bible-podcast/
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #PodcastGuest #GospelPodcast #TheMicisOn
26 years of wedded Bliss? No, “wedded blisters" might have described our marriage at the beginning.
We're both firstborns and we're both stubborn. And we're as different as can be.
I like to shop. He likes to save.
I like home decor. He likes home de-clutter.
I like to go out with friends. He likes to stay in without friends.
But now that we're looking over our shoulders at over twenty-six years of memories, we're so thankful we've chosen marriage and chosen each other.
The apostle Paul says that when two become one as husband and wife, they image Christ and the Church.
Look at that photo of me walking down the aisle. Do I look like I'm pained over the idea of marriage? No, and I remember: I felt like the luckiest girl alive!
This is how it will be as we enter the marriage supper of the Lamb. In the same way that I'm so grateful that over and over, day after day we've chosen our marriage, you and I will be oh so glad we chose to stay faithful to Jesus and chose our relationship with Him.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Eph. 5:31-33
#26Years #HappyAnniversary #IChooseMarriage #2Become1 #weddedblisters #WeddedBliss
Daddy will you read to me?
Dad, can I be done with my time out?
Dad, am I getting paid for helping—‘cause I haven’t complained one bit!
Dad, are you coming to my game?
Dad, I had a little accident with the car… Can you come?
…..
Today I’m celebrating my kids’ daddy who has stayed the course and invested in our family over many months and years and decades. I’m thanking God today for Ken, and also my dad, Roger, who have been faithful, good fathers my whole life.
Here’s what I’ve noticed: When dads protect, provide, discipline, and nurture, they invite their kids to know Father God and draw near to Him—simply by reflecting Him well.
What a gift fatherhood has been in my life! How can I not celebrate it? #fathersday #reflectingthefather
Some highlights from day 1 of #tgcw22 :
📸1-2 I didn’t realize my publisher @kregelbooks and @editorialportavoz would be here! And I walked up just as my friend @petercerra was saying to this woman from #quitoecuador (photo 2), “Oh wait… the author is right here!”
Then I said, “Wait, Quito? We’re coming there in November, and I’ll be speaking!” So of course she and I swapped phone numbers so we can connect about the details. #onlyGod
📸3-4 I got to connect with author friends, @asheritah and @megbrownwrites !
📸5 - I got to see some women from my friend @jfbrauns church! Plus several other friends from other churches—just forgot to snap a photo.
📸6-7 - I got to meet my friends @heathercofer and @nicoforj from @reviveourhearts in person for the first time! (And Nicole, it almost looks like Nancy joined us!)
📸9 Michael Kruger snapping a photo of his wife @melissabryankruger as she was speaking—which I thought was sweet.
So that’s a pretty good first day, wouldn’t you say?
PS. The teaching has been amazing!!
Ready to live like it's true, this summer? Coming soon: My "Summer Standout Series"! I have a handful of fellow authors joining me this summer, including @annswindell @caroltetzlaff @lisaappelo @amydohmcarol @lynncowell and more!
Many of these amazing women are are releasing new Bible studies or books, so they're choosing the Bible stories that we look at. Plus, we'll be giving away some of their books!
I can't wait to share these conversations with you! I've already recorded three, with several more scheduled.
Also, I've begun recording for Season 4, which will launch this coming fall: The True Story of the Beginning! We'll be taking a look at Genesis 1-3, and asking how the origin story from the beginning of our Bibles helps us single out the false narratives of the world.
Oooooohhhh, it's gonna be so good!
Are you all caught up on the True Story of Easter series? Any ideas or input for me? I'd particularly like to know what you think of the "retelling" episodes. Yay or nay? I'd love to hear from you!
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #TheMicisOn #summerseries #summerstandouts
#thebible #wordofgod #truestoriesofthebible #whatstoryareyoutelling #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #WomensMinistry #WomensBibleStudy
Do you listen to The Gospel Spice? It’s one of my favorite podcasts!
I love the way Stephanie teaches the Bible, and I love her spice analogies! She always makes me want to go open my Bible 📖, and then cook something 👩🍳. (in that order! 😂) Plus, I adore her beautiful French accent! 🇫🇷
I was so delighted to spend an hour with Stephanie today, getting to know each other and recording an episode for #gospelspice which will release in August. If you haven’t listened to @stephanierousselle.us yet, you must! 🎧
Search for “the gospel spice” on any podcast platform. And follow @gospelspicelife .👈🏼
I am also planning to have Stephanie as a guest for two upcoming episodes on season 4 of Live Like It’s True! 🙌🙌
It’s gonna be a great lineup, you guys. Looks like season 4 will release mid September, but first I’m hosting a Summer Standout series— Where I’m welcoming a handful of fellow Bible teachers 👩🏫 and authors✍🏼, to discuss a Bible story of their choice❤️. Stay tuned!!🎧🎧🎧
@gospelspicelife
Will you be at the Speak Up Conference? There's still time to sign up! Link in my bio!
Here's the question I'm tackling in my Thursday night message:
How do you usually respond, when you look across the room and see someone with MORE in her measure-up cup? More importantly, how does Jesus say you should respond?
Can't wait to share this encouraging message with you! Let me know if you'll be there!
From the platform and page, it's my joy to invite you to open your Bible, drink deeply of God’s story, and live like it’s true.
#writingplan #writinggoals #writingadvice #writingcoach #writergoals #sustainablegoals #writingroutine #authoradvice #writinginspiration #meaningfulgoals #goalsetting #goalgetting #progressnotperfection #progressoverperfection #writersconference #christianauthor #christianspeaker #christiancommunicator #speakuprocks
How have you been feeling inadequate lately? Does it have anything to do with the ways you're different than somebody else?
In the world, our differences are cause for attitudes of inferiority or superiority. We divide into groups and decide who doesn’t belong.
But in God’s family, everyone belongs—not because we’re the same, but precisely because we’re different.
Our goal is unity, not uniformity.
As we give each other a place to belong, we’re free to celebrate each other, not compete. We’re free to be inspired by each other, not intimidated.
"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." I Cor. 12:18
Learn more about my Comparison Girl study and the teaching videos which are part of the leader's kit at https://amzn.to/3cK8AzW
#ComparisonGirl #MeasureUp #MeasuringUp #MeFree #ComparingYourself #Comparison #UnityNotUniformity #UnityNotDivision #CreatedUnique #Younique #YouAreAMasterpiece #YoudoYou #DoYourOwnThing #dontcompareyourself #dontmeasureyourself #PerfectionismRecovery #ComparisonFree #ChristianBook #BibleStudy #WomensMinistry #WomensBibleStudy #SmallGroup
I remember I got the date wrong for Cade’s kindergarten graduation. I had Ken and my parents rushing around, getting dressed up and off work—a week early. 🤦♀️
Then on the morning of the correct day, I was frustrated with Ken because he hadn’t trimmed the bushes and we had guests coming, so I said, “Fine then, I’ll trim them myself,”—and promptly sliced through the electric cord and then into my hand with the electric trimmers. .
I was a mess back then, and not much has changed.
Last Thursday—the night of Cade’s high school graduation, we arrived later than I planned (my fault) and parked on the wrong side of the parking lot (also my fault) which translated into a mile walk for Ken and me on a hot, humid night.
Somewhere along that parking lot trek, my foot found a little pot hole and I twisted my ankle—then promptly fell into a mud puddle and skinned my knee. I had mud splatter and a nice bloody knee section on my white pants during the graduation ceremony.
(Neither the bloodied hand or knee made it into the photos, and that was on purpose.)
So what about the 12 years between flawed graduation endcaps? Has everything been perfect? Far from it. I’ve made so many mistakes as a mom, and freaked out about countless things that just don’t matter.
And now, here I am at the finish line of parenting (at least this phase of it), and I'm pausing to notice: here’s what does matter.
Looking back, I'm confident that we taught our kids to love and fear God. We didn’t do it perfectly or even well, at times. But we did try to help them look up and look around, and see their Creator at work—and we invited them to connect their story with His.
And really, that's all we can do, isn't it? Because it's not just the world that's a broken mess; we are, too. At least I know I am. My attempts at perfection never cease to be cut short or fall short (puns intended).
Life goes by in moments and days. The milestones are precious—and I wouldn’t want to miss a single one. But only God's purposes will forever stand. And for that, this mess-of-a-mom is grateful.
Do you wonder if God is stirring your heart to lead a neighborhood Bible Study?
Check my last post for a replay of my live conversation with @amylively about loving your neighbors—your actual neighbors—by opening your home this summer.
Amy’s tip was: “Do it scared!” And I 💯agree (because chances are, you might never outgrow being scared)! BUT, if you’d like a hand getting started, make sure you download Amy’s free resources, and also check out my 3-part course, called “Lead That Small Group!” (Link in bio)
https://www.shannonpopkin.com/product/lead-that-small-group/
Whether you’re just starting out as a small group leader, or still feeling “new”, this three-session online course will help you overcome obstacles and gain confidence, as you step out to follow Jesus and lead that group.
Should you lead a neighborhood Bible study this summer? Join @amylively and I as we talk about the options!
Feel free to drop questions below for Amy and me, and pick up Amy’s free resources at AmyLively.com , along with my 3 part course for $15 called “Lead That Small Group”!
How is God inviting you to love your neighbors—your actual neighbors—this summer?
#BibleStudy #NeighborhoodBibleStudy #CommunityBibleStudy #SmallGroup #Leader #BeALeader #LeadAGroup #LeadershipMinistry #Women’sMinistry #EquippingLeaders #LeadersGuide #BibleStudyGuide #LeadershipTraining #LeaderTips #Leadwell #StartStrong #OpenYourHome #Hospitality #KeepItSimple
Cade Nathaniel Popkin, you bring so much joy to our lives!
Being your mom has been a blast—all the way from K-12. So proud of you.
As you graduate this week, it’s an end to a very sweet season. But it’s also a new beginning!
My prayer is that you’ll take what you’ve learned and go serve God with your whole heart and whole life. I love you! #graduation #seniorassembly #grandvillebulldogs @cadepopkin
I liked the stage where there were baby gates. If my child reached for a penny to put in his mouth, I moved the penny and gave him a cracker instead. If my daughter crawled for the stairs, I put a gate up and a basket of toys in the opposite direction. If she tried to get into the cleaning supplies, I put safety locks on the door and interested her in her coloring book.
It was easy to be a good mom back then. (In an exhausting sort of way.) Now it’s harder. Partly because I can’t pick my kids up and set them in a new direction. I can’t put gates on everything. I can’t lock away all of the things that will hurt them.
Now that they are young adults, I'm forced to recognize that I can't put much of anything out of reach. But God can.
And I'm not capable of motivating my children toward goodness and safety. But God is.
My great God is strong enough and wise enough and good enough to draw each of my kids to himself and to his ways, and infinitely better than I.
He's the Father who never falters. He's the counselor who never fumbles. He's the friend who never falls away.
I can entrust my precious kids to him because he is God—and he plays his role in their lives far better than I.
Think you might be a Control Girl? Go to ControlGirl.com for more on my 9-week study info or to sign up for one of my blog series, delivered to your inbox—including:
The Control Girl Quiz
What About That Other Control Girl?
Young Control Girl
& more
#ControlGirl #Surrender #WaveTheWhiteFlag #ControllingMom #ControllingWife #LayDownYourBurdens #NotMyWill #FreedomInSurrender #Marriage #MarriageGoals #MarriageCounseling #TrustinMarriage #ReleasingControl #WomenoftheBible #ChristianBook #BibleStudy #WomensMinistry #WomensBibleStudy #SmallGroup
Is your YES on the table?
Whether you’re stuck in the Wilderness or trapped by your own fears, isn’t it time you said yes to God?
I’m loving this book by my sweet friend @comingalivejenn with @moodypublishers !
If you’re a Live Like It’s True listener, you heard Jenn and I discuss the feeding of the 5,000. (And remember her beans and rice story?)
Jenn’s new book invites you to put your yes on the table and watch where God leads!
#newbook #bookrelease #christianbooks #yesonthetable #sayyes #shesaidyes #faithjourney
I can’t imagine a greater gift than being called “mom” by these three amazing humans, over the past 24+ years.
Thank you God, for the privilege and miracle of motherhood. #motherhood
Have you lost a child? Do you know a mom who has? Mother’s Day is one of the most difficult days of the year for mothers who have experienced child loss.
I’ve joined several other collaborators to create two great giveaway bundles which we hope will bring a sparkle of hope to a grieving momma. (Swipe to see what is in each bundle)
Here is how you enter to win one of the bundles:
1. Follow each collaborator.
2. Like this post.
3. Tag another bereaved mother friend. 💕
Entry closes on 5/9 at 9 pm EST. Open to U.S. Residents only and not affiliated with Instagram
Bundle 1:
@scentsofharmony_ — A homemade with love and Harmony, soy wax candle
@candice_deleeuw — HOPE (Amidst the Stories I Told Myself): How to Find Hope in Love and Loss
@worthy.heart — The Good Life journal set OR 1 hour of coaching
@authoremilyannadams — Brand new family book (releasing May 10) Loss for Littles - A Guide for Families Dealing with Death
@chasingsacred —This journal is an inductive Bible study journal. Pick a book of the bible. Learn how someone in seminary studies God’s word from the ground up. Dive deep. Come away refreshed, with a deeper sense of understanding and purpose. Use the journal to write what you’ve learned
…………
Bundle 2:
@whatwouldjasperdo -- Just Beyond Imagination, A Tale of Love, Child Loss, and Friendship is a gift book for parents who have lost a child. It is a compassionate fairy tale capturing the unimaginable grief surrounding the death of a child, with breathtaking watercolor illustrations and beautiful prose a bereaved parent can return to time and again.
@myprettypeggy — one-of-kind, pocket-sized keepsake peg doll to carry with them as they journey life after loss
@luckyanchorproject — custom hand stamped cuff bracelet
@candice_deleeuw — HOPE (Amidst the Stories I Told Myself): How to Find Hope in Love and Loss
@shannonpopkin —Join me as I share what I’ve discovered about my own control struggles and about God from studying Control Girls in the Bible. Learn how you too can lay down this burden and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control.
One thing that seems consistent for all ✍🏼writers and 🎤speakers I meet: nothing seems to go the way you thought it would. ⚠️
Whether the months ahead hold opportunities that make you want to hide in your closet🚪, or they include long stretches of waiting ⏳and refining, one thing I know:
The journey is better with some sisters (and a few brothers!) at your side—to equip, encourage, and cheer you on! 🎉
I'm so delighted to be joining @carolkentspeaks for the @speakupconference this year on July 9-11, held at the Prince Center in Grand Rapids, MI. I'll be sharing a keynote on "Hearing Well Done (Even if You're Outdone)" and a breakout session on "Mistakes Speakers Make, On and Off the Platform". Want to join me? Here’s my affiliate link: https://bit.ly/2RbWs1K (in my IG bio)
Speak Up has been a place for me to grow, connect, and cheer others on—from all over the globe. I'd love for you to be part of our circle ⭕️ this year. (And I do mean circle - just wait till the last session and you'll see what I mean!).
Please feel free to reach out with questions—plus watch the reel/story I just shared with a photo memory video that my📱 somehow knew I'd love to see, from Speak Up's past.🥰 I hope it will make you want to come! ❤️
##livelikeitstrue #ispeaktoserve #lovemakingnewfriends #makeJesusknown #bibleteacher #letsopentheword #womensretreat22 #womensconference22 #womensevent22 #womenseventspeaker #christianspeaker #christianspeakersandwriters #christianwomensevent
