This could be the year we say goodbye.
Goodbye to the inner critic and the scorecards and the mirrors that accuse us. Goodbye to the trying harder, and the working faster, and the performing better, and the digging deeper. Goodbye to the crusade for someone’s approval, or someone’s applause. Because really?
There’s a better way to a new you. It doesn’t begin with a list of promises you’ve got to fulfill, but a list of promises already fulfilled for you.
God made a New World’s resolution — to save us — and He kept it. He’s the only God who keeps His promises, and then doesn’t require you to add to it — only to RECEIVE it. He loved us to death, and He loves us to life.
But we can’t receive the fullness of His promise, if we don’t let go of the idols. This could be the year we deliberately lay it all down:
Lay down every mirror, every tally sheet, every report card, everything that tells you that you’re not (______) enough. This year, say it loud to the world, and loud to your very own self: “I’ve had enough of the Not-Enoughs.”
Then, watch how that one lifeless idol crumbles at the foot of the cross.
This is happening, friends.
Back Cover: “You’ve felt it—that deep longing for people to value you, respect you … and love you. You’ve worked hard for their approval. You’ve wanted to make people think you’ve got it all together, but on the inside, you’re falling apart.
Jennifer Dukes Lee knows exactly how it feels to be chained to an approval rating. Jennifer has spent plenty of time and energy trying to earn others’ approval—at work, home, and church—all while wondering what would happen if the facade dropped and everyone saw her hidden mess. She’s made the same mistakes many on of us make as we try to sprint for significance—and wear ourselves out pursuing human love and acceptance above all else.
And now Jennifer leads you on a journey to rediscover the joy found in the unconditional love of God. Through her own life journey, she gently invites you to make peace with yourself and to stop working overtime for an approval that is already yours in Christ. Love Idol will help you dismantle what’s separating you from true connection with God and rediscover the astonishing freedom of a life lived in authentic love.”
Friends, My heart broke wide open with this book. I have been tapping out this story for more than a year. And I offer these words for you, for any one of you who wants to really know she’s loved and approved. Because you are — more than you ever dreamed.
This book, releases April 1 (Tyndale Momentum), with a four-week discussion guide:
Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval—and Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes.
The foreword is written by Lisa-Jo Baker, social-media manager to DaySpring and author of Surprised by Motherhood. Lisa-Jo’s words are life-giving, and I consider it a great privilege to have her beautiful prose shining on the first pages of my book.
Lisa-Jo and I want you to know this:
God’s fathomless love changes how we will live in our moments, how we’ll love in our neighborhoods, and what we’ll be known for in eternity.
I have decided. I want to slay the love idol. I want to be about the cause of Jesus. I want to follow Christ, not the crowd. And I will fight for that until the end.
You in?
Want to read more by Jennifer? Check out The Person At The Side Of Your Road
Jennifer Dukes Lee used to cover crime, politics, and natural disasters as an award-winning news journalist in the Midwest. Now, Jennifer uses her reporting skills to chase after the biggest story in history: the redemptive story of Christ. Her words are touching hearts in her exciting new Christian book, Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval – and Seeing Yourself through God’s Eyes.She and her husband live on the Lee family farm in Iowa with their two daughters.
To learn more about the author, please visit Jennifer Dukes Lee
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