Women compare constantly–on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, “How do I measure up?” All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy.Satan would like women to … strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can’t ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first–and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other. Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal–all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they’re meeting with a trusted friend.Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!
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This has been a really good book for me. I’m guilty of comparing myself to other women. I can even say I am jealous of other women. We all ask the question “Why can’t I be as pretty as her, or as thin as her or as outgoing as her?” We get so caught up in the “why” we forget that God made each of us in His own image. The enemy loves to divide us and spread ugly gossip about others just so we can feel better about ourselves. Isn’t that what a bully does? Oh Lord do I did help in this area. I feel inadequate and point out faults in other women just so I don’t have to look at my own faults.
I loved every chapter of this book and how it spoke to me. I could feel a sense of peace come over me as I discovered that I am important and God has given me gifts to reach others. We are a part of a big family and need to start encouraging each other instead of trying to divide ourselves. The book has scriptures and Bible stories that help us understand that we are equal in Gods eyes. This would be an excellent book for a Women’s Bible Study. I loved this scripture the author used, “The person who exalts herself will be humbled, but the person who humbled herself will be exalted. (Luke 18:14).
The book asks some hard questions and lets us see deep into our heart. What areas in our life do we need to change? Are we lifting each other up with encouragement or tearing them down with jealousy and pride? “Living by faith is what God rewards. Living by sight-fixated on the here and now-is how we let the rewards skip through our fingers.” God knows what is in our heart. We can’t hide anything from Him. Through this book I have seen areas I need to work on. I can’t do it alone, but I can pray and ask God to change my thoughts. I would encourage every woman to get a copy of this book. Take your time as you read it, look up the scriptures and answer the questions to go deeper with God. He loves us unconditionally and never compares us to each other.
I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blog Program.
I am amazed how much I got out of this read. Not only did it help bring to light different areas where comparison can lurk and steal our joy, but how to consider and work through those emotions in a healthy, biblical way. I appreciated that it not only recognized but discussed how women can handle their emotions and ways of comparison differently based on their own personalities, and so how they need to address them may look differently as well. The author also made sure to say that not all comparison is sinful, but the heart behind it along with the voice we are listening to is what makes the difference. There was a lot of good material to ponder and mediate on in this read and I’m sure I’ll be processing it long after I’ve finished. I would highly recommend this to any and all women. Because whether you think you might have a problem with comparison or not, you might learn something about yourself and what to do about it. I’m glad I picked up this read and am interested in reading more from this author in the future as well.
*I received a copy of this book through I Read with Audra Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Have you ever been made fun of, judged, and talked about because you didn’t measure up to someone else especially their achievements in life? Like the awards they get, how a lot of people follow a certain person in high school around making fun of others because of their station in life. I’ve had this happen to me and it’s no fun. Being compared to others does hurt.
I think this book speaks to many of us men, women and children alike.
After reading this it made me remember many times in my childhood because of comparisons.
I enjoyed this book and it has reminded me that we are each different just as God has intended for us. It wasn’t meant for us to compare or be compared to each other. That’s Satan at work.
Jesus teaches us to love one another and to help one another out.
I can see Him up there just shaking His head at what’s going on down here today. I’m sad too.
In my opinion this is a great six week Bible study that can be used as study guides for Wednesday nights or you can read straight through it like I did. I had to laugh at some of her paragraphs though. She tickled me pink so to speak.
I really like the Bible references that she has added in along with her stories.
This is a wonderful thing to have
I’ll be looking for more by her.
My thanks to Read with Audra for a complimentary copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
“Wow, I will never be like her!” Do you remember thinking this about another teenage girl who had pretty hair, a perfect complexion, or a great figure? Well, the comparison game doesn’t end with maturity. Adult women see other women who appear to be terrific mothers and “June Cleaver” homemakers and what happens? Comparison once again!
Most of us are guilty and author Shannon Popkin wants to help us change. Comparison Girl is a six-week Bible study based on lessons that Jesus used when he was showing his followers the evils of comparing themselves with others. Conversations and parables from Jesus are shared and Poplin uses her own experiences to inspire us to stop being a “Comparison Girl”. Popkin also reminds us that it is Satan who is the ruler of the “Measure-Up World” and, by causing us to feel hurt by comparing ourselves with others, he is able to continue his attack on God. It was, after all, Satan’s prideful comparison of himself to God that caused his expulsion from Heaven!
Comparison Girl encourages us to think less about ourselves by doing more for others. It is a wonderful resource that can be used individually or in a group Bible study and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications but I wasn’t obligated to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Do you ever feel like you just don’t measure up? Of course, you do! Me, too. Shannon Popkin’s study peels away our selfish hearts and shows us how much God loves us. He knows that if we pour out ourselves to others, we will forget about those measuring lines that keep us dissatisfied. I guarantee there will be at least one chapter you will resonate will — and be able to share the concept with other women. It will bring joy and contentment to your hearts!
God used this study to speak both encouragement and correction in my life. I was genuinely unaware of how much time I spent comparing myself to other people before reading Shannon’s book. While it was uncomfortable at times to admit comparison struggles in myself, I could also celebrate growth in places I have matured as well as feel God’s grace in areas that need improvement. I applaud Shannon for offering a much-needed discussion on this tricky subject.