Book Review: My Own Worst Enemy by Janet Davis

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Women Everywhere!

My Own Worst Enemy: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back (Paperback)

If you are a Christian woman and unsure of your own abilities or doubt your competence you need to read My Own Worst Enemy, by Janet Davis, Bethany House Publishers, 2012.

Perhaps you feel like your opinion doesn’t matter or, maybe you’re convinced your ideas aren’t good enough to bring to fruition, or what if you believe that you don’t measure up to others? Through the author’s transparency and confession of her own deepest fears the reader has no choice but to listen and believe that, maybe, just maybe, “If she can do it, there might be hope for me.”

The author uses Biblical scriptures to affirm her assertion that God made us to shine and God gave us talents that He wants all of us to use. Through chapters such as: The Unlived Life , Identity, Choosing to Say No and Choosing to Tell your Story, the author further identifies common themes experienced by women who mistakenly believe they are only to help others achieve their goals and thus end up hiding their own God given gifts.

This is an excellent book for women to re-read over again when they doubt their place in this world and it will certainly help them to answer the question “Why did God Create Me and How Can I Use My Gifts In Service To God.” I highly recommend this book.

I was provided this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for writing a public book review. The publisher’s did not include any expectation as to how they wanted me to review this book.

Mark 4:40 And Fearlessness

And, He said to them, why are you full of fear? Have you no faith?

Obedience a ‘la Thomas Merton

I didn’t sleep well last night.  I’m tired; sitting in front of my computer screen debating whether I have anything important or profound to say… perhaps not.  I know since my resolve to pray, read my devotions and study my Bible no matter how I feel, it’s been more difficult on some days than others.  Today is one of those days. I skim over my daily devotional, perfunctorily read a few Psalms and say a brief prayer. It’s supposed to rain, the sky is gloomy and I’d rather be reading my Emails and checking Google news than writing.

Luke 10:21 And Child-Like Grown-ups

Luke 10:21 …I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth that You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will…

Since I’ve moved to South Carolina I’m surrounded by Theologians and people who know the Bible inside and out.  If I’m involved in a discussion I usually keep my mouth shut for fear that others will immediately realize that I cannot quote Scripture passages from memory or recite little known intricacies of Jewish life or customs as well as they.  Although my faith has grown in these past months, I’m realizing that my Scripture study and memorization will take many years before I am  on equal footing of those around me.

Giving Thanks in all Circumstances: 1 Th 5:18

 1 Th 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God, Christ Jesus in you…

It’s very easy for me to thank God for His goodness when things are going well in my life… in fact, I love to give testimony when he reveals His generous hand.  It’s when the challenges appear and I have to struggle through my days with misperceptions of others, tedious duties, anxious waiting, and anger and hurt directed at me that it’s difficult, if not impossible to say “Thanks, God for this negative situation I’m experiencing right now.” I can count the times on my fingers when I have been grateful for trying circumstances in the midst of their unfolding.  In fact, my “thanks” usually comes in retrospect, sometimes years later… after the passing of time and a comfortable distance allows me to say “Wow, God was there the whole time, teaching me and making me a better person.”

Matthew 5:44 and Our Enemies

 Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

There is a person  in my life who makes it obvious that she is jealous of me.  Just recently, this revelation has come to me that no matter what I do or say she isn’t going to like me the way I want her to.  In fact, the more I try to please her the more it seems that she makes cutting remarks and holds me in contempt.

My prayer has been, “Please Lord, change her heart… soften it so she will care for me as much as I want to care for her.”  My prayers have not been answered.  I continued to pray  for her to change.  Then my prayers slowly evolved into something new… I started to ask God to grant her peace, confidence and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ so she might be so secure in His love and nothing would threaten this security.  Continued silence from God.

Grateful for my Trials…

We serve a merciful and compassionate God.  Since I last posted over a year and a half ago much has happened in my life:   I lost two jobs in a year and a half and was almost homeless.    It’s a terrifying thing to watch your savings and resources dwindle to nothing at 61 years of age.  No one in my family up north could take me in as they all have their own hardships and trials.  I called my son who lives over a thousand miles away and asked if he could help me.  He unhesitatingly said “yes Mom, come live with us”.  Joy and relief gave way to another despair, I discovered it would cost more than what my belongings were worth to transport them that great distance.  I gave away almost all of my possessions… some favorite clothing, many books that had been my friends for many years, trinkets, mementos and  furniture from my three room apartment.  Why was I being subjected to these harrowing trials and tribulations?  I came to South Carolina with what could fit inside my four-cylinder car to start a new life where I knew no one  and to begin a relationship with my son that had become estranged over the years.