Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You

by Donna Gibbs

Insecurity is easily the most pervasive struggle of women in America today. We have more ways than ever to compare ourselves to others--who are all prettier, thinner, smarter, more successful, and more put together than we are--and our sense of self-worth takes a serious beating on an almost daily basis. We're tired of simply commiserating with writers and bloggers who share their own struggles--we want real, workable solutions about how to find peace with ourselves.

This is what professional Christian counselor Donna Gibbs gives women with Silencing Insecurity . Drawing from her twenty years of experience counseling women, she exposes the many lies that produce insecurities in us starting from a young age, the result of letting those insecurities get the best of us, and, most importantly, the way out of insecurity--for good. Anyone who is tired of letting insecurity snatch away the joy from her life will welcome this practical and freeing book.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Audiobook

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2018

About the author

Donna graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993 with a BA in Psychology. She has post-graduate training in the specialization of School Psychology and an MS in Community Counseling which she earned in 1997 from Western Carolina University. She earned a Ph. D. in Christian Counseling and Psychology from Louisiana Baptist University in 2007. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor. She is on the professional referral networks for Focus on the Family and Crisis Care Network. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and on the professional blogging team for the AACC.

Donna has been in practice at Mud Creek Baptist Church since 1998. She directs A Clear Word Counseling Center, along with marriage and support ministries for Mud Creek Baptist Church. She frequently enjoys speaking and training engagements. Prior to full-time practice at Mud Creek, she served in various Community Mental Health Agencies as a Child and Family Therapist and school consultant. She co-authored Water From the Rock, a resource for those who are struggling with the grief of infertility, which was published by Moody Press in 2002. Donna is also author of Kiss & Tell: Truths that will Transform your Marriage, published in 2009, and Sacred Secrets to Healthy Relationships: Mary, How Did You Do It?, published in 2010. Becoming Resilient will be released by Baker Publishing in 2017. And, another writing project is expected to be released in 2018. Donna has been married to her husband, Mark, for 21 years, with four active and fun-loving boys.

Reviews

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 shining stars! This was so phenomenal it deserves more!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very impressed with this book. It is packed with practical information and workable strategies. I had no idea of the great influence insecurities have on our lives. Gibbs does an excellent job of identifying those things that impact our sense of identity, exploring the problems insecurities cause, and then giving great ideas to lead us to accept our identity in Christ.

I like how Gibbs identifies the many things that can hijack our identity. I was surprisingly shocked when she wrote that it was not the things that are the problems but it is when they are given control in our lives that they become problems. Suppose there has been a traumatic event. It becomes a problem when we form an attachment to that event, when we let it define us. We must separate our identity from the event. We are encouraged to understand that what God says about us is much more powerful than the negative impact of life experiences. Those events do not define us in God's eyes so we are not to let them define us in our own eyes. (532/2493) Easier said than done, perhaps, but Gibbs gives good strategies for identifying toxic thought patterns. She advocates an aggressive and persistent pursuit of the truth about us, leading to wholeness.

I was particularly struck by the importance of our growing to spiritual maturity. “And when we come to maturity in fully believing that God is who He says He is, we also mature in accepting that we are who He says we are.” (1519/2493 Italics in original.)

There are questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection. This book could be used as a group study but it should be with trusted friends as the questions delve deep into sensitive areas of life. There is also a great Appendix, filled with Scripture to help you as you work to wholeness.

I highly recommend this book to readers who struggle with insecurities or have trouble believing what God says is true about you. You'll find excellent information and a practical strategy for growth. You'll be encouraged to live for an Audience of One.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What at truly wholesome, informational, and healing read. Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth About You by Donna Gibbs is an excellent book on insecurity and self-worth. One that I one-hundred percent recommend! It dives into the gritty details of insecurity. It probes and reveals. And it continually points us back to Christ. And our identity in Him.

I think that is what makes Silencing Insecurity stand out from other books on this topic. It is so richly rooted in Biblical truths and identity found in Christ Jesus. I was impressed and refreshed. I learned a lot and I found renewed healing within these pages! I'm truly thankful that I picked up this book, and am excited to share it with my fellow women.

This self-help/Christian Living book is divided into three parts: IDENTITY THIEVES // UNNECESSARY PROBLEMS // and THE NECESSARY SECRET. It talks about the different insecurities we struggle with, the deep problems they cause ( emotional, mental, relational, and developmental ), and the way we can find freedom and embrace healthy self-worth.
One section I found especially interesting was on the mind. Thought patterns, talking negatively to yourself, and embracing harmful, false identities.

If you are a woman who struggles with insecurity and identity crisis, I encourage you to go buy a copy of this beautiful book right now. It's an inspiring, thoughtful, and interesting read. It's a book you can read again and again, and page through to find practical, insightful passages (use your highlighter while reading!) when you find yourself struggling with the same old problems. The author is a wife, mother, counselor, and former victim of insecurity. I think her story and her insights will help you break free from your lifestyle of bondage.

I received a copy of Silencing Insecurity from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate that she focused on the topic of insecurity and spoke the truth about God, this book isn't for me. It is very surface level and doesn't go very deep. Perhaps this would be great for someone who is just starting out in exploring the topic. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend this one. Full review coming soon.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You is a great read. I think many who have insecurity issues would find inspiration within the pages. Donna Gibbs has a way of showing readers how to see a new look at their life, to have a way of finding joy, and to feel better about themselves.
I give Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You four and a half stars and highly recommend it for others who want to feel free again.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Chattynatty Van Waning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be at the top of my reading list if I was a part of a Christian women's bible study group or "growth group" within a Christian setting. Donna Gibbs has done a wonderful job of really writing what I think so many women these days are dealing with- insecurity in self.

The book is not just a book, but really a study guide/workbook with some great question sections and verses of the Bible that tie in the themes of each chapter. There was a lot of underlining that went on while I read this book as so many great lines/quotes/ideas spoke to me. Here are a few:

pg. 36 "The problem lies when approval and rejection are given control in our lives. Being overly attached to the approval or rejection of others brings destruction and opens the door for a thief."

Pg55 "Roles will inevitably change. If we're attached to those roles, we'll fell empty and purposeless in their absence...". Great reminder of how if we live life based on roles we may struggle with what happens when that role ends: kids grow up and leave the house, jobs change, relationship with friends/family members change, etc.

pg 75" psychological pain related to insecurities is at the core of all the other struggles we face."

pg 90 " The irony is that our strengths can become our biggest messes."

pg 145 " The formula for wholeness is more like building blocks than it is a formula. Submission of Thoughts leads to Stability of Emotions leads to Purpose in Action culminating in Freedom from Insecurity".

Donna does a great job interweaving Bible passages, Bible stories and Christian perspective throughout her writing. It flowed nicely and didn't feel forced. Despite all the good stuff in this well written book I give this book 3.5 stars as I kept on thinking throughout the reading "what if you aren't a Christian woman"? She addresses this question in a half page, which I appreciate her being up front with in seeing that a reader of her book may not hold the same religious beliefs or any at all. Her answer is spot on with her belief system which she should be applauded for standing by. She writes, "Don't think because you are not a Christian that this discussion doesn't apply to you. It does. Perhaps the enemy is just successful in separating you from God." Totally honest Donna answer, but I found it to be exclusive and not something I personally agree with. So I don't think this book will be at the top of my Jewish, Agnostic, Atheist Friend's TBR, however it would be a great read for any Christian "sister".

Thanks to Revell Publishing a division of Bake Publishing Group for sending me this book to read and review.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believing God's Truth about You

Appearances and comparison, success and failure, approval and rejection, life experiences and trauma, roles and responsibilities, background and origin, these things can all cause us to feel insecure at times. But are you lingering in those feelings of insecurities? Are you allowing those audiences to define who you are, to drag you down and make you feel worthless? If you are, then I think you need two things: the Bible and this book. I felt like Donna did a really good job of bringing out the insecurities we all face, how they affect us emotionally, mentally, relationally and developmentally.

And then she ties it all up in the end with some really good thoughts. My favorite part of the whole book, the part that resonated with me, the part that I know I need was her chapter called an Audience of One. God is the only Person we should be worried about pleasing. He is the one who determines our self-worth. We don't need to jump on the other altars and run through the hoops seeking our identity. God is the one who gives it and He loves us and is willing to help us.

"Life lived for an Audience of One is much the same. It is seeing life as an opportunity for worship. You'll never receive enough glory from the world's stage for you to feel innately significant. Instead, seek to impress God, and let the resulting light shine on the world so that others will see your goodness and lift God up. Let God take the stage. Incredible freedom is found there."

"He {Jesus} defined Himself. He longs to define you. Let His be the solitary voice that declares your worth."

At the end of the book, there is an appendix with many Bible verses that can help you when you experience rejection, when you feel alone, or when you feel overwhelmed, etc. Many of these verses, if not all of them, would make excellent wall art to hang around your house for constant reminders. It's on my list of things I would love to practice my handwriting skills on. You can't go wrong with Bible verses.

I felt that Donna had a lot of good things to say. I was especially blessed by the Audience of One as I already mentioned.

I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.

[Jessie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone struggles with insecurity... but everyone deals with it differently. If I don't have my beliefs solidly planted in God's truth I just might find myself free falling off the cliff of defeat, discouragement, and demise. Silencing Insecurity by Donna Gibbs is a great resource. The book moves from Part 1 about Identifying identity thieves to Part 2 which dives deeper into the different things that can cause identity questions and then on further to Part 3 which covers how we can look to God for our security and for defeat of our identity thieves. Each section has an intro which gives the reader a great summation of what they will be learning in that section. I feel like when I am done reading this section I will know all these things... and that is a great addition to this book! Each section finishes with some questions. They start off more focused on past and present thoughts and I wished they would have extended more into application but I found that the questions in Part 2 and 3 were more of those type. There is a great balance of scripture, commentary, personal experience, and the experience of others in this book! I think that is one of the greatest things about it. It's not condemning at all. I loved the material in Part 3 and the questions were well thought out and very helpful for self-reflection and application of the material. I struggled a little bit with the layout of the book. I kind of wished the 3 sections were mashed together a little bit more so I didn't have to wait til Part 3 to get to that material. This is just my personal preference though and not something I want to get nitty gritty about. Overall the material is great and pushes the reader towards Christ! The book might be considered geared towards young adults but anyone can read it and glean valuable insights.

I received a copy of this book from Revell. This has in no way influenced my review. I was under no compulsion to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that you will want to keep on your shelf in order to refer to it and the truths that it contains repeatedly. Who hasn’t walked into a room and just had a feeling that everyone was talking about you and you just weren’t “good enough” to be there? This book tackles the insecurities that all of us feel in different situations. Written with total respect for each individual’s need to feel that they are accepted by their peer groups and colleagues at work, this book is a must-read for all of us because there is no one who does not have some kind of insecurity. Based on the premise that Satan is an identity thief, each chapter addresses different ways in which a person may feel insecure, asking questions that make the readers ponder how they can feel more secure in their relationships. After encouraging you to ponder your life, the author then tells you with Scripture how God sees you. God created you and wants you to walk with your head high, not with your identity stolen by the thief who wants also to own your soul. Anyone and everyone should read this book and treasure it for the great truths that it contains, that God loves you just as you are and you can rest in His love. I really enjoyed the organization and the Biblical references that the author used throughout the book. It can be read from beginning to end or it can be used as a reference when you are feeling insecure in one or more areas of your life and need to hear God’s Word to you about that feeling.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you like me and battling insecurity? I have a wonderful book recommendation for you, Silencing Insecurity by Donna Gibbs. I think that we all too commonly know about Insecurity, as it seems to be human nature. Within the first chapter, she gives relate-able examples of insecurities that we all may feel especially as young adults. I love her comparison to a noblewoman in Proverbs 31 and how her beauty comes from the Lord, not what she does or doesn't wear!

The Freedom questions are outstanding! Its the perfect way to end the chapter by tying everything together into the questions that truly get you thinking about your underlying insecurities. Then she equips you with approaches backed by scripture to silence those thoughts of insecurities!

I answered yes to the questions more times than I can count, this book is about healing and freedom from the things that weigh you down.

She has it broken into three amazing sections Part one is the Identity thieves, Part two is Unnecessary problems, and part three is The necessary Secret. Out of all of the parts in the book, I related the most with Unnecessary problems. I love how she starts out part two reminding you that Satan is a liar and an accuser. We sometimes forget that when we are knee deep in situations that makes us feel like there isn't a way out. I love how she looks at thought patterns and ways of explaining the thinking of how we rationalize being insecure.

She wraps the book up well talking about freedom and wholeness, which are found from the Lord. She gives biblical examples to help you understand more about freedom from a biblical point of view.

I think that this is a great book for any women to read, it has helped me tremendously to reevaluate the insecurities that I have in my own life.

I was sent this book by the publishers but the thoughts are all my own!

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that for most of us, is needed. It's so easy to compare ourselves in this social media laden world. Seeing other's beautiful homes, perfectly cooked meals, or other things that make us feel insecure about ourselves is something that we all struggle with from time to time.

In this book, Donna helps us to understand where these feelings of insecurity come from - where the root of the problem started. I thought this was so helpful in understanding where these feelings actually started. Where did the belief system start in my mind that I was less than others? I loved the "Freedom Questions" at the end of each chapter, as well.

My most favorite thing about this book is that it's truly grounded in Biblical truths. Truths about how God sees us and how He wants us to see ourselves. I loved the encouragement and hope that I felt as I read through this book. I also felt that, because Donna is a professional counselor, she dealt with this issue of insecurity in a professional, yet compassionate way. Most of all, she shows us the tools, through Scripture, for laying aside those feelings of insecurity.

This is a wonderful book and so helpful! I really enjoyed reading it and love that it gave me a lot of help in the area of insecurity. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Revell. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book I think every teen girl and woman should read! In the first section Donna talks about identity thieves such as appearance and comparisons or approval and rejection. She explains how we might have bought into the lie that our identity is based on how we look or on whether we have people's approval, etc. There are many different things we can base our identity on rather than on where it should be, which is who God says we are. He says we are His masterpiece, his child and He loves us and will never leave us. The next section talks about problems insecurities can cause, from mental patterns we might fall into to emotional issues to relational or developmental ones. Are you thinking negative or positive thoughts towards yourself? The third section talks about how to fight the thieves and that's by trusting what God says about us and not listening to the lies. She shows what characteristics a healthy sense of self-worth will have and illustrates her points with Esther, a great example from the Bible. Each chapter has a victory verse and questions, making this ideal for a group study or on your own. Some things she pointed out I had heard before and I try to examine what I'm telling myself but there was just so much vital information in here that I needed to read and so many others do, too.. I highly recommend this life-changing book!

I received this book from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silencing Insecurity
Believing God's Truth about You
by Donna Gibbs
Revell
Christian
Pub Date 18 Sep 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Silencing Insecurity Through Revell and Netgalley:


Insecurity is essily the most prevalent struggle facing women im America today. With media and social media giving e Of today ways to compare themselves to others, we have more ways than ever to look for whose prettier, whose smarter, whose more sucessful or more put together than we are causing our sense of self worth to take a beating on an almost daily basis. We have become tired of simply listening to writers or bloggers say about their struggles instead we want workable solutions.


Professional Christian Counselor Donna Gibbs gives women workable solutions in Silencing Insecurity. She exposes the many lies that causes insecurities starting from an early age. If you are one of the many who are tired of letting Insecurity take away your joy then our will find Silencing Insecurity to be just the freeing book you need.


I give Silencing Insecurity five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing writing and compelling to read with that also had fully insights in a practical, biblical guidance with all the greatest tools to help all of us that had been struggled with thoughts or emotions feel worthless, feel inadequate and feeling not to be healthy enough for all those feeling that trap us vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy. This book will help you experience freedom to live, to thrive, to grow and to love yourself as God love you. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads for this review”.

[S.M. Boren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book from Amazon to read. I started this #buddyread with my friend @kaylasonlyheart who has been a wonderful supportive friend that I met through the Modern Mrs. Darcy Bookclub. We have read a lot of books together! I started this one with her and got side tracked due to holiday hustle and bustle but I did manage to get it finished up today and what a great message! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Silencing Insecurity by Donna Gibbs. With the world moving so quickly and everything being so competitive there are hundreds, literally hundreds of influences that can effect the way you think about yourself. Some wish to be skinnier, so wish to be faster, some want to write and some want to run bottom line is our sense of self-worth takes a daily beating. This book relates back to the way God created you to be you and how to embrace that and stop all the negativity the rest of the world feeds you. Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter @jason_stacie, and my blog at readsbystacie.com

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Call me crazy, but this book flopped for me. I already know what insecurities are and how they impact my life. What I was hoping for was a way to combat them and feel better about myself. Instead this book was very repetitive of the same information, just written in a different way. I paid $14.99 for this book to tell me to "be determined and pray"? Seriously, what a waste.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like counseling without counseling. The beginning better than the end, but a lot of helpful/practical ways to grow in this.

[Teeana Caraballo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman needs to read this book. It's life changing!

[Kaelin J Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great outlook on the battling of insecurities or addictions.

[Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

That bedside handbook that you pick through the different seasons of life as a reminder to return towards the truths about your identity in Christ. Solidified by references to scripture, this is a must have on your shelf.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

Oof, insecurity. It is one of those struggles that seems to keep coming back and making life difficult. But in her book Silencing Insecurity: Believing God’s Truth About You, Donna Gibbs offers hope that it can be overcome.

As a professional Christian counselor, Gibbs has accumulated a wealth of insight regarding insecurity. With this as her basis, she outlines in Silencing Insecurity the roots to insecurity, the problems it causes, the freedom that can be found, and so much more. This exploration of the aspects of insecurity incorporates a biblical perspective, as well as real-life experiences and questions on which to think.

While all the information that Gibbs presents was not necessarily new to me, I still found her presentation and consideration in Silencing Insecurity to be refreshing. It is definitely a relatable, interesting, thought-provoking read.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of Silencing Insecurity and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You" is a practical book that is a great tool and resource with amazing information and resources to help people with their identities. This book does a great job at helping the reader understand that having a right identity is so important. We need to accept our identity in Christ, first. Once we do that, we are able to move towards have a right identity. However, there are so many things in this world that will try to derail us and give us a mistaken identity for something else. Often events in our lives will form as a attachments and those can be the things that we grab on and make our identity.
We need to go to God about our identity. He has so many things to say about who we are and we want to have a right identity. When we believe God for who He is, we will believe God for who He says we are and that is something that is paradigm to be all that He has created us to be and to walk out our purpose.
This book is a great book for all readers who struggle with identity and understanding who God says they are. It also serves as a great reminder.

[Lori Wasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book did a lot in suggesting ways that people can break free from the insecurity that keeps so many women in bondage…including me :). The book discussed many relevant topics and did an excellent job discussing how each can influence insecurity. I especially related to the chapters on comparisons, life experiences, and how developmentally, we can become insecure over time from infant to adulthood. I really liked the “Audience of One” concept. How we need to focus on how God thinks of us, not so much as to what the world says or thinks about us because the world is often wrong! Things that are so popular in society these days really play into the insecurities that many of us battle.

[Truly Trendy PR]

Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You is an inspiring and uplifting read full of suggestive ways to help overcome insecurities. Each chapter focuses on a different topic and includes scripture, reflection, and personal stories.

[Lovely Loveday]

Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth about You is a touching and uplifting book that is full of helpful ways to help you overcome insecurities that are holding you back in life. Each chapter gives you a different topic which includes personal stories, scripture, and reflection. The perfect addition to your weekly time of reflection.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews]

Insecurity. It’s a topic most, if not all, of women can relate to at some point in their lives. Author and counselor Donna Gibbs’ new release from Revell Publishers wades into the discussion, helping us say goodbye to insecurity and change how we think about ourselves. “Silencing Insecurity: Believing God’s Truth About You” is a well-thought-out book that will likely inspire many readers. But... for me, it lacked the depth that I was hoping for.

“Silencing Insecurity” is divided into three sections: Identity Thieves (how different aspects of our lives, such as appearance, approval, trauma, etc. can steal our identity); Unnecessary Problems (mental, emotional, relational, developmental); and The Necessary Secret (we live for an audience of one: God). The appendix also contains a useful tool of Scripture verses arranged by category of insecurity.

“Silencing Insecurity” speaks of strategies for overcoming the different ways that insecurity has gained a foothold in our lives, causing us pain, confusion, heartache, and drawing us away from our faith in God. Somehow, however, I just couldn’t connect with this book, or feel compelled to action even by the question and answer sections at the end of each chapter. Honestly, the message felt a little watered down and did not pack the punch it could have. It’s not that the author’s message was ineffective, but I think I have perhaps already learned and integrated a lot of the information she shared and am no longer in her target audience demographics. Likely this book would be more effectual for readers who are “newer” in their realization of insecurity in their lives, such as teenage girls or someone who has just come out of a life-altering situation.

In the end, I do recommend this book to readers who have not previously worked through the topic of insecurity. But for those who have already been through some of the learning and growing phases in this area, “Silencing Insecurity” will likely be more of a review than anything else.

I received this book courtesy of Revell Publishing, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.