Have you been comparing yourself?

Hi, 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 embarrassed because others saw 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?

My constant efforts to prove that I measure up (or hide when I don’t), aren’t bringing me freedom or joy. Here’s what does: Learning to compare like Jesus does. I hope you’ll join me for this six week study of “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!”
Sharon Hodde Miller

Author, Speaker, Bible Teacher

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!
Jill Savage

Author of No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Kids, and No More Perfect Marriages

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.
Erica Wiggenhorn

Author of Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew by Moody Publishers

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:

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.)
Debbie Alsdorf

Author and Speaker

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. 
Lynn Cowell

Proverbs 31 Speaker, Author of Make Your Move

FamilyLife Today
with Bob Lapine and Dave & Ann Wilson

Do you remember the first time you felt like you didn’t measure up? I do. It was sixth grade camp, and I told the story here on the FamilyLife broadcast.

It’s not always comfortable to tell the world how I’ve struggled (and still do!) with feeling inadequate. My hope, in sharing about my own Comparison Girl journey, is to invite others to Jesus’s me-free living in a measure-up world.

Here’s the two-part broadcast:

Grounded
with Erin Davis & Dannah Gresh

Revive Our Hearts’s daily response to Covid-19 crisis is to remind us to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word. I’m delighted to join Dannah Gresh and Erin Davis to talk about the role of comparison in our current crisis, and how to respond like Jesus.

Moms in Prayer
with Lee Nienhuis

Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed, as you get “back-to-school” updates from your school, church, and local governments? Join Lee Nienhuis and I as we talk about our illusion of control, the destruction that comes with comparison, and how to respond today with the uncertainties of tomorrow.

No More Perfect Podcast
with Jill Savage

Jill has been talking about this topic of comparison and perfectionism and how they divide us way longer than I have. She had some great things to add to our conversation as we discussed comparing in two directions–one where we come out better than someone else and one where we come out worse than someone else. When we compare “up,” we experience jealousy. When we compare “down,” we experience disgust.

Listen in and be reminded that when Jesus interacted with people comparing themselves, he never said, “Just stop comparing!” Instead He turns it upside down and invites us to the freedom and joy of me-free living.

 

Coming Alive with Jenn Hand
with Jenn Hand

Laugh with Jenn and I as we tell about our first impressions of each other (yes, we were both comparing), and compare our patterns of collecting coffee mugs – which are completely opposite. Plus we’ll talk plenty about Jesus and his unique way of comparing.

 

Compared to Who?
with Heather Creekmore

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?”
GEMS Girls Clubs
with Cindy Bultema

It was a joy to connect with my friend Cindy Bultema at GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior), and talk about Comparison at Christmas.
 
You know, I so relate with the disciples who were always trying to elbow past each other, asking, “Who’s the greatest? How do I measure up?” But Jesus taught them to ask a better question.
The Love Offering
with Rachael Adams

I so enjoyed my conversation with Rachael, and I hope you will, too! Here are some quotes from our conversation:

  • “This desire to be in control and compare the things I can’t control overlapped more than I realized.”
  • “My heart seems to be bent toward pride and perfection and measuring up in the eyes of other people and it doesn’t lead to freedom and joy.”
  • “We’ve got to handle the problem with comparison before we even go over to the window.”
  • “He’s inviting us to adopt a me-free mindset. I’m not here to prove I’m better than you. I’m here to serve you.”
  • “When you’re feeling inadequate you want to retreat and pull away. The enemy attacks us in isolation. We need to get out of the corner.”
LIFE Today TV
with Randy Robison

It was a joy to join Randy on LIFE Today to talk about Comparison. I especially appreciated the opportunity to talk about our current political and social climate, and how Christians are not to “compare down” in self-righteous disgust or condescension toward those who disagree OR those who sin differently than we do.

Redefining Balance Podcast
With Jenny Stemmerman

On this podcast for Christian working moms, Jenny and I talked about comparison and the impact it has on the way we see ourselves and others. We also talked about the “race to the bottom” and the difference it makes when – instead of trying to prove that we’re the “hottest mess”, we choose to be humbly vulnerable with each other.

Martha & Mary Show
Listen in to our conversation for both Martha-types and Mary-types as I talk about comparison with my dear friends, Katie Reid and Lee Nienhuis.

Art of Friendship

With Kim Wier

There is something in us that wants to prove that we have more or are more. We want to measure up. So what does this do to our relationships? Is there any way to stop being jealous of a friend? How should I respond to demands of this measure-up culture?

Here’s my conversation with Kim Wier, where we talk about these questions and more.

Your Spiritual Game Plan
with Cheri Fletcher

Cheri invites us as women, to live out our true callings—which stay consistent, throughout all the seasons of life. Comparison and the desire to measure up distracts us from God’s purpose for our lives. But what if we approached comparison with me-free humility? Rather than having our eyes on ourselves, what if we entered a room of people, saying, “I’m not here to prove that I have more or am more. I’m just here to share what’s in my measuring cup. What God has given me.” That’s when we are most fee to be ourselves.

 

The Notice
with Susan Hoekstra

It was a joy to get to know Susan on my launch team and talk with her about leaning in and say, “Yeah, me too…” and share our both our feelings of inadequacies and also the secret enjoyment we have in outdoing others.

 

The Debbie Chavez Show
with Debbie Chavez

You can’t have a conversation with Debbie and not receive a little joy that spills over from her life. Listen in as Debbie and I talk about:

• how comparison is like a drug
• escaping comparison by listening to Jesus
• looking-down-your-nose comparison
• drowning-in-shame comparison
• comparing our physical appearances
• how serving changes the way we see others and ourselves

Christian Publishing Show
Overcoming Fear and Comparison 

If you’re a writer, speaker, or ministry leader, you’ve probably had to grapple with both fear and comparison as you’ve stepped out to use your gifts for God.

Listen in as my co-author Kate Motaung and I have a conversation with Thomas Umstattd Jr. Brought to you by the Steve Laube Agency.

Comparison Girl Launch Party
Special thanks to these 5 Endorsers, who each made an appearance at my online launch party to chat about comparison and you can find them at these places in the video.

Erica Wiggenhorn: 34:12

Alicia Bruxvoort: 48:39

Barb Roose: 1:02:09

Katie Reid: 1:17:15

Lee Nienhuis: 1:30:23

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.
Lee Nienhuis

Moms in Prayer Podcast host, Speaker, and Author of Countercultural Parenting

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!
Alicia Bruxvoort

Speaker and Writer with Proverbs 31 Ministries

Comparison is a sneaky issue that can work its way into almost any situation. But is all comparison bad? Through her in-depth study of the Scriptures, Shannon Popkin reveals two sides to this prevalent issue: negative, sinful comparison and positive, biblical comparison. This book both convicted me of the sinful tendencies hidden in my own heart and encouraged me to view myself and others through the eyes of Christ.
Kate Motaung

Author of A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging

In a sideways-glancing, elbow-jamming, status-grasping culture, Comparison Girl supplies an upside-down approach to an age-old problem. Shannon Popkin exposes the crippling effects that comparison has on our forward-motion in the Kingdom, yet also demonstrates how healthy comparison can inspire us to rise and walk free. Discover how to exchange feelings of superiority for a lifestyle of service and feelings of inferiority for a lifetime of belonging.
Katie M. Reid

Author of Made Like Martha, speaker, co-host of The Martha + Mary Show podcast

Comparison Girl is a needed resource for today’s women. I love how Shannon takes us through comparison in Scripture, acknowledging how normal it is for us to compare, but also providing biblical principles for how to manage it and take our eyes off of others and direct them to Jesus Christ.
Brenda Yoder

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Author, Speaker

I remember exactly when this happened for me. Suddenly I wasn’t as amazing and talented and beautiful as I once thought. Suddenly my eyes opened to the world of comparison—where I didn’t measure up. If that’s happening to your girl, we wrote a book for her called Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World That Compares. We hope it will introduce her to the security and confidence and joy that Jesus wants her to have. ❤️ ...

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This is our dream for your teen girl. It’s why we wrote Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World That Compares. Who’s the teen in your world who needs this message?

Visit www.comparisongirl.com 💕
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Have you ever felt unworthy, because of your sin? Have you comforted yourself by comparing with someone who sinned in worse ways that you? In this series on the Live Like It’s True podcast, we’re looking at comparison stories that Jesus told, and this one is a story about comparing sin.

But it’s a story with a twist that might surprise you in the best way—especially if you’re the one feeling unworthy.

Thanks so much to @lindsayschottwatercolor for this amazing, truth packed conversation!

https://www.shannonpopkin.com/bible-podcast/ or check the link in my bio.
...

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Have you visited www.comparisongirl.com? If you’re interested in our new book #comparisongirl4teens come visit and:

🌸get the conversation starter
🌸take the quizzes
🌸sign up for our breakout at TGCW
🌸read endorsements
🌸listen to interviews
🌸buy the book🙌🏻

My co-author @leenienhuis and I love your teens and long to see them thrive beyond measure in a world that compares!!

Drop a ❤️ and I’ll send you a link!🙌🏻
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POV: You tap through stories and find #nothinbutlove and support from your friends!

Thanks for all of the amazing support with launch of Comparison Girl for Teens!!

@leenienhuis and I love you all and thank God for your godly influence! 🙌🏻❤️😊

Visit www.comparosongirl.com for more on our newly released teen book!📕
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Happy Launch Day! 💕🎊🎉 Go to comparisongirl.com for more! ...

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My ministry assistant @katiecveenstra joins me to encourage moms, grandmas, leaders and friends who want to invest in the teen they love, using Comparison Girl for Teens! Find the Conversation Starter at www.ComparisonGirl.com !

#comparisongirl #jealousyjealousy #teencomparisongirl #comparisongirl4teens
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I’m so glad God gave me the gift of being a mom to three sweet, amazing kids ❤️❤️❤️. And I love that one of them is a daughter, who treated for Mother’s Day pedi’s! (Thanks @lpopkin98 !!)

So fun. So grateful. 💅😍
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Riverbank run ‘24! Proud of you @lpopkin98 ! ...

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The servant. The one you look past. The one you don’t even think about. That’s the one Jesus calls great.

Which is pretty encouraging if you’re the one serving!

Listen to this interesting and freeing conversation with @kellyneedham on the Live Like It’s True podcast, in an episode titled, “Jesus’s Backward but Foolproof Way to Be Great.”

We’re celebrating Kelly’s new book #purposefooled - which is a MUST READ.(No lie - I just texted a friend this morning and told her she should get a copy.)

Also, we’re excited about my new teen version of #comparisongirl co-authored with @leenienhuis It’s starting to show up in people’s mailboxes and on store shelves! Is there a teen you love who needs to hear the truth about comparison?
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NOW AVAILABLE!* Order now for a teen you love:

Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World that Compares.

Go to www.comparisongirl.com for more info and to take our fun comparison quizzes!
#comparisongirl #comparisongirl4teens #livemefree #preorder #newbook
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I dedicated this book to my sweet daughter. @lpopkin98

God is good all the time, but the teen years can feel not-so-good, amiright? Whether a girl is driving herself to measure-up exhaustion or retreating to the shadows, the pain, sadness, anxiety and stress is real.

Get the truth-saturated answers that both she and you need in “Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World that Compares!

And guess what?? I heard that Amazon books are ON THE WAY! Have you ordered yours yet??

https://amzn.to/3uXrfUo for Amazon or check the link in my bio!
...

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Wait. Jesus admits that in heaven there will be greater than and less than? And is he okay with us being motivated by this?

If your heart recoils to this idea, I get it. Comparison is so baked into our world and causes so much pain. But there is a way to compare that is so different than the world. Come learn what Jesus had to say when his disciples asked, “Who’s the greatest?” Hint: He didn’t say, “Stop comparing.”

Listen to this interesting and freeing conversation with Kelly Needham on the Live Like It’s True podcast, in an episode titled, “Jesus’s Backward but Foolproof Way to Be Great.”

We’re celebrating Kelly’s new book #purposefooled - which is a MUST READ. And also anticipating the launch of my new teen version of #comparisongirl. Coming soon!
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Didn’t want to embarrass myself in the middle of the store, but how could I NOT do a little happy dance when I found this on a SHELF today???!

What a fun surprise!!! Thanks for being on the ball, @kregelparable ! Grandville shoppers—go beat the rush and get Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World that Compares, co-authored with @leenienhuis —now AVAILABLE at Parable Christian in Grandville!

And if you’re not in Grandville, go pre-order today, because it’s releasing in two weeks!!! WOOO HOOO!
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What a gift to play this song “highest hallelujah” as I walked and enjoyed the beautiful lakeshore at Palm Beach, Florida this week!

I got home from speaking at a retreat last Sunday evening, and Ken called and said, “Honey, this place is amazing! You should come.” So I packed a bag and got on a plane the next morning! #thingsineverdo !!

Such a special time with my husband. Thanks to Amway for letting me tag along! It could not have been a more beautiful week or a more restful break. Praise the Lord!!

PS Check out this beautiful worship song by my new friends at @moderndaycure !
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What if Jesus could read your thoughts about other people’s sins? And what about your own sins? Do you have shameful secrets that seem too awful to even confess? In this episode, we’re going to consider a story Jesus told at a dinner party where someone was comparing sin. It’s a story that exposes our false narratives about sin, and invites us into a beautiful story of forgiveness.

Joining me for this fabulous conversation on the Live Like It’s True podcast is Tasha Calvert, who serves as the Women’s Minister at Prestonwood, in Texas. Tasha is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and the host of the “Digging In with Tasha Calvert” weekly podcast.

Follow Tasha: @tistashcalvert
Visit www.ComparisonGirl.com for more info on my teen book (co-authored with @leenienhuis ) releasing soon!!
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life Me-Free in this Measure-Up World 

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