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!
One year ago today, we launched the Live Like It's True Podcast!
From day one, my hope has been to invite you to open your Bible with me, drink in the Story, and live like it's true.
Has this been true for you? Is there a story from the Bible that has become more meaningful for you, as you've listened? Have you been challenged to live like it's true?
I'd love to hear from you. Either DM me or drop a message below, and I'll choose three listeners to receive a Live Like It's True tshirt!
And if you haven't listened yet, please check out Live Like It's True on apple, potify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Here's our site, with more info:
https://www.shannonpopkin.com/bible-podcast/
Thanks for celebrating with me, listening, and living like it's true!
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #thebible #wordofgod
Are you a perfectionist? Do you run yourself ragged with your work, or your ministry? And have you asked yourself why?
I admit, this was the episode on the Live Like It’s True podcast was the one I was secretly least excited about. Not because of my guest; @lindsayschott83 is one that I was most excited to have return!
But this idea of rest, and giving up a day of work? That doesn’t really light my fire. After having the conversation, however, I realized it was the one I most needed.
You must listen!! I think you’re going to find answers that you didn’t even realize you were looking for—partly because you don’t even realize how much the world is demanding hustle. It’s everywhere! This idea that you have to max out your potential and use your opportunities. You have to push yourself and work. Yet what is God saying about our hustle?
Lindsay Schott (remember, she joined me in season the Easter series!) is a Bible teacher, and co-creator of the Women’s Teaching Program at @stonegatechurch . She has a passion for women to be equipped to know the scripture and teach it effectively to others. Also, be sure to check out Lindsay’s watercolor work. It’s absolutely beautiful, and I love that she’s learning to work, but not toil, as she shares her gift of art with us, don’t you?
Link in bio.
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #PodcastGuest #GospelPodcast #TheMicisOn
Are you proud of your hustle? Do you run yourself ragged as a perfectionist with your work, or your ministry? And have you asked yourself why?
Make sure to check out today’s episode in my bio!
I'm delighted to have Lindsay Schott return to the podcast. Lindsay is a Bible teacher, watercolorist, and co-creator of the Women's Teaching Program at Stonegate Church. She has a passion for women to be equipped to know the scripture and teach it effectively to others, and I love that she's learning to work, but not toil, as she shares her gift of art with us, don't you?
Find Lindsay here: @lschottartistry
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#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #theBible #wordofGod #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #creationstory #createdbygod #thefall #gardenofeden #adamandeve #manandwoman #inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar #genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #falsenarratives #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #Genesis1 #rest
What will you do about the forbidden fruit?
🍎The person who’s married to someone else.
🍎 The substance that causes your downfall.
🍎 The images that enflame lust.
Your choice with forbidden fruit 🍎 tells you something about who’s in control of your life. 🎮Who’s on the throne? 👑
Eve didn’t just break the rule, she rejected God’s rule. 👑
She didn’t just reach for fruit 🍎, she reached for control.
Are you about to do the same?
When you surrender to God, and forgo forbidden fruit 🍎, you say, “I trust you more than me, God. I trust your understanding more than mine.”
And that’s when He sets up his rule 👑and spreads peace, security, and joy into every corner of your life. ❤️
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Get your Control Girl bonuses including a set of “verses for the control girl”. https://www.subscribepage.com/controlgirlbonuses
Link in bio.
Or go to http://www.controlgirl.com/ for info on my 9 week study.
#ControlGirl #Surrender #WaveTheWhiteFlag #ControllingMom #ControllingWife #LayDownYourBurdens #NotMyWill #FreedomInSurrender #Marriage #MarriageGoals #MarriageCounseling #TrustinMarriage #ReleasingControl #WomenoftheBible #ChristianBook #BibleStudy #WomensMinistry #WomensBibleStudy #SmallGroup
10 photos to share how God filled my cup at #truewoman22 :
📸 1. I love you, @nancydemoss ! Thank you for living like it’s true that #heavenrules . Your message on Revelation was faith-infusing, and the mentoring thoughts you shared with us were pure gold. So grateful!
📸2. Here’s the room full of women I got to serve with a message called, “Are you a Control Girl?” What an attentive, sweet group of sisters with wide open hearts to receive! It was an honor.
📸 3. What a gift to get time with @kellyneedham and several other friends who have invested in me! I’m so grateful!
📸4. I loved meeting several new women who teach the Bible, (including @melissabryankruger ) and loved learning from them this weekend!
📸5-10 What a privilege to meet women whom I’ve gotten to serve from afar—some through Revive Our Hearts blog posts. Thanks for encouraging me! It was also so fun to reconnect with friends I’ve met at other churches or camps—and even some for the first time from Honduras and Brazil! 😲😲😲
Heaven rules!!
Were you at True Woman ‘22 this weekend? I loved connecting with so many in person—and I know many were joining us virtually. What an amazing, truth-saturated weekend. I am more grateful than ever for @reviveourhearts amazing ministry to women, world wide!
I got to meet women who have mentored me from afar through their books, speaking, and podcasts, and others whom I’ve gotten to serve with my books and podcasts. (If that’s you—it was such a highlight for me!)
One of my favorite moments was looking out—as we sang this song with the Getty’s—at the sea of hands raised in unity, worshipping the king of kings. And so looking over at @kay.arthur (age 88) as she sang along, “in every season, we will praise the Lord”.
Heaven rules—today and always. #truewoman22
PS. It was also so nice to have my husband with me, and serving with the praying men. (PLUS, so nice that he is chauffeuring me home. 🙂
Would you do the things you're doing if you truly believed God was in control? Things like nagging. Fretting. Manipulating. Spying.
Here's the thing. We often say God's in control. (Just count some time how many times we say it when we're at church.) But by the way we act, it's obvious that we're counting on our own ability to take or get control.
So what would it look like, today, for you to live like it’s true that God is in control - not you?
Pray this prayer prompt today over someone you love (and would like to control 😉). Entrust them to the Lord Jesus—the One who IS in control!
Sign up and get the whole set of Control Girl prayers and other bonuses.
https://www.subscribepage.com/controlgirlbonuses
Learn about my 9 week study, Control Girl at controlgirl.com.
#ControlGirl #Surrender #WaveTheWhiteFlag #ControllingMom #ControllingWife #LayDownYourBurdens #NotMyWill #FreedomInSurrender #Marriage #MarriageGoals #MarriageCounseling #TrustinMarriage #ReleasingControl #WomenoftheBible #ChristianBook #BibleStudy #WomensMinistry #WomensBibleStudy #SmallGroup
marriage · gender · shame · temptation · corruption · hiding · disappointment · longing...
Would you like God's wise perspective and hopeful guidance on all of the above? It's available to you in the form of a short story, found in Genesis 1-3.🌳
Join me on the Live Like It’s True podcast for this 12-week series: The True Story of the Beginning. We’re talking through—one paragraph at a time—how to live live our origin story is true.
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #adamandeve #manandwife #manandwoman #inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar #genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #createdbygod #falsenarratives #thegospelcoalition #reviveourhearts #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #thebible #wordofgod
Do you ever think of God as stingy? Do you focus on the things that He hasn't given you?
Check the link in my bio for today's episode!
Listen in as @stephanierousselle.us and I discuss a different view of God - a generous God who fills the world with ample abundance.
Stephanie Rouselle is the founder of @gospelspicelife . Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” She is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director and strategy consultant. And she is 100% French. Find Stephanie @stephanierousselle.us
Link in bio!
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#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #theBible #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #creationstory #createdbygod #thefall #gardenofeden #adamandeve #inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar #genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #falsenarratives #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #Genesis1
First day of #biblestudy at @crossroads_bible_church ! We’re studying #inviewofgodsmercies (a study on Romans) by @courtneycdoctor . Courtney, thank you for using the gifts entrusted to you—for the sake of the Church.
Wow, I did NOT know that in 49 AD Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome, which meant the non-Jew church members (ie. the ones without a spiritual heritage) carried on without them for 5 years. Then when the Jews returned, can you imagine the friction—as this church in Rome sorted out leadership and wondered about status?
So it’s with this in the backdrop that Paul reminds them of the one thing that unites them: their mutual unrighteousness.
I’m so excited to learn more from Paul’s letter to the Romans this semester! And I’m looking forward to getting to know a new group of mostly-younger-than-me women who love God and are committed to his Word!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Word, and for each other.
Hbu? What are you studying this fall? And who are you studying with?
PS. Can’t wait to share my interview with Courtney on the Live Like It’s True podcast!!
PS.Do you also love my new ESV Romans Bible Journal with artwork by @ruthchousimons ??! Love this whole set, @crosswaybooks !!
Have you heard our latest episode?
Make sure to check the link in my bio for this meaningful conversation with @kellyneedham !
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#biblepodcast #livelikeitstrue #biblestorypodcast
#biblereadings #biblereadingpodcast #readthebible #christianpodcast #christianpodcastsforwomen
#newpodcast #christianpodcastcommunity #encouragement #podcastsforwomen #truebiblestories #truestory #biblediscusstiontopics #biblestudy #thestoryofthebible #storyofthebible #dgroup
#smallgroup #storying #sharethestory #onetruestory #originstory #genesis #inthebeginning #truth
This time next week, your heart and mind could be transformed by the hope that Heaven rules.
There’s still time to register for the True Woman ’22 livestream. Your all-access pass gains you access to Word-saturated messages from voices like Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Mary Kassian, Kay Arthur, Pastor Chris Brooks, and more.
I’ll be leading a breakout session on Friday afternoon, titled, “Are You a Control Girl?”
The conference—held in Indianapolis—begins this Thursday, September 22, and continues through the weekend, concluding on September 24.
Already have plans for next weekend? No problem. You'll have access to video of all plenary sessions through December 31.
Please let me know if you have questions! I’d love to see you there. 🥰 @reviveourhearts
"Culture's view of gender is actually far more narrow than God's view of gender." - Kelly Needham @kellyneedham
I'm so happy to have Kelly Needham back again on this important episode of Live Like It's True.
We talk about what it means to be male and female, and… the answer might surprise you.
Kelly teaches the Bible at her home church and co-leads a Women’s Teaching Program. She is the author of Friendish and is a frequent blogger and speaker. Kelly and her husband, Jimmy, have four children and live in the Dallas, Texas area.
Find the new episode in my bio!
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #theBible #wordofGod #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #creationstory #createdbygod #thefall #gardenofeden
#adamandeve #manandwife
#inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar
#genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #falsenarratives #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #Genesis1
Beloved at @crossroads_bible_church . Thanks for your powerful message, my dear friend @cindybultema —reminding us to be hot or cold—be something useful! It was such an honor to have you come speak for us—and especially since you weren’t planning on it! (@karenehman we hope you heal up quickly!)
Loved being at @thecheneyplace and so fun to be greeted by my sweet house church beloveds! I love that we give each other a place to belong.
Thanks @tinawatschke for all the ways you and your team serve us. What a warm, beautiful setting filled with laughter, faith, truth, and community. I’m so grateful! #womensministry #bethechurch #womenservingwomen #behotorcold #redhotfaith
What does it mean to be male and female? What does it mean to image God? And how are these two things related?
The answers to these questions are found on the earliest pages of our Bible, tucked into our origin story.
I'm so thankful to have my friend @kellyneedham joining me again on season 4 of Live Like It's True. Join us for this important conversation about some of the weightiest questions that our culture is wrestling with.
Kelly teaches the Bible at her home church and co-leads a Women’s Teaching Program. She is the author of Friendish and is a frequent blogger and speaker. Kelly and her husband, Jimmy,
have four children and live in the Dallas, Texas area.
Make sure to follow Kelly @kellyneedham !
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #theBible
#wordofGod #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy
#BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingPodcast
#ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel
#creationstory #createdbygod #thefall #gardenofeden
#adamandeve #manandwife #manandwoman
#inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar
#genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #falsenarratives
#thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory
#Genesis1
Satan was full of himself; Jesus emptied himself. Which story will we pattern our lives after? That’s the question I posed over the weekend at Lake Ann’s “refresh” retreat.
What a gorgeous early fall weekend at beautiful Lake Ann. And it was an incredible blessing to watch women opening their hearts to the truth of the Bible and the influence of our good shepherd, Jesus. Many women trusted Jesus for the first time or in a significant way over the weekend. I’m so blessed to be part.
I also loved serving alongside the amazing team at @lakeanncamp and the talented #rekindle worship team from @cedarville . What a treat to link arms with other servant leaders like these.
#livelikeitstrue #ispeaktoserve #lovemakingnewfriends #makeJesusknown #bibleteacher #letsopentheword #womensretreat22 #womensconference22 #womensevent22 #womenseventspeaker #christianspeaker #christianspeakersandwriters #christianwomensevent
Is there someone you'd rather not save a seat at Jesus's table? Someone who has sinned far more than you?
If you exclude that other sinner from the table, then you too are excluded, for sin is a condition we all share—and without Jesus, there's nothing we can do about it.
Pride says, "She doesn't belong here!"
Humility says, "Neither do I."
Jesus, help me to see the other sinner in my life—not as "that sort", but as the same sort as me.
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It was a joy to share this message about "Comparing My Sin and Your Sin" at Lake Ann camp this weekend. I wish you could have been there to watch the many tearful women, laying down a card that represented "that other sinner" in surrender before the Lord.
It was such a beautiful display of humility; it brought tears to my eyes. I think it was beautiful to the Father, as well.
#comparisongirl #prideandhumility
"I think we're intended to think of Eden, not in terms of perfection, but in terms of potential."
- Nancy Guthrie @nancyguthrienashville
Season 4 is out and I'm delighted to invite you to listen to this week's episode with special guest Nancy Guthrie! @nancyguthrienashville
Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her church and at conferences around the country and the world. She is the author of numerous books, including our recommended resource, Even Better Than Eden.
Find the new episode in my bio!
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #theBible #wordofGod #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #creationstory #createdbygod #thefall #gardenofeden #adamandeve #manandwife #manandwoman #inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar #genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #falsenarratives #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #Genesis1
Why did God create us? Why is there so much pain and suffering? What hope do we have for the future? And how can we live like it’s true?
Come join me for a new season on the Live Like It's True podcast where we’re talking through our Origin Story in Gen. 1-3.
This first conversation with @nancyguthrienashville was so helpful, hopeful, and inspiring. Here’s a link or check my IG bio:
https://wp.me/p7IZQm-86R
#LiveLikeItsTrue #TrueStory #BiblePodcast #StudyGodsWord #BibleStudy #BiblesStory #Storytelling #StorytellingTips #StorytellingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianWomen #TheGospel #adamandeve #manandwife #manandwoman #inhisimage #forbiddenfruit #thedevilisaliar #genesisstudy #thetruthwillsetyoufree #createdbygod #falsenarratives #thegospelcoalition #reviveourhearts #thebible #knowthestory #sharethestory #livethestory #thebible #wordofgod
Speaking memories. When I look at my upcoming schedule (first retreat this weekend!) and wonder, “Can I do this? How can I do this?” I look back and remember: I never could. But He who is in me is greater.
How are you relying on God to do what only He can today?
#livelikeitstrue #ispeaktoserve #lovemakingnewfriends #makeJesusknown #bibleteacher #letsopentheword #womensretreat22 #womensconference22 #womensevent22 #womenseventspeaker #christianspeaker #christianspeakersandwriters #christianwomensevent
