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Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison
MP3 CD Format Do you ever find yourself stuck in the comparison trap? Speaker and author Richella Parham knows what this feels like. ""I couldn't break free from admiring one person's achievements, someone else's personality, another's skills, yet another's relationships. And don't get me started on how I looked at other people's appearances,"" she writes. ""I was haunted by the admirable attributes of other people, certain that I could never match their worthiness. No matter how well-intentioned the teaching or pithy the advice, I found that most of it didn't help me change my thoughts, feelings, or actions."" While there are no easy answers, Parham has identified cultural and spiritual myths about others, God, and ourselves that keep us trapped. From there the journey is a spiritual one. We can pick up practices that help us walk in the freedom of Christ with confidence in ourselves. If you've ever suffered from tortured moments of comparison on Facebook, in the office, or in the hallway at church, you'll benefit from this fresh perspective.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published January 21, 2020
14 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Richella Parham
3 books10 followersRichella Parham is a writer, speaker, and the author of A Spiritual Formation Primer. She serves as vice-chair on the board of directors at Renovaré, and she is also the worship coordinator at The Gathering Church and a member of the Redbud Writers Guild. Richella lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, Jack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 23, 2019
When is the last time you walked into a room full of women and just fully enjoyed everyone?
The talkative and the more reticent?
The natural leader and the sweetheart with the gift of helps?
The carefully coiffed and manicured and the all-natural girl without a speck of makeup?
My natural tendency is to compare, contrast, and to find myself lacking. In a conversation with the natural leader, I feel fluffy and not very bright. Standing beside Nature Girl, I’m overdone, but listening to Mrs. Loquacious, I’m a wall flower.
Comparison is a no-win game, and it’s a habit most of us take for granted. It’s the way we measure our worth in the world, our contribution to the Body of Christ, and even our role as wives and mums in our families. If, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of contentment,” the Apostle Paul must have wrestled comparison to the ground on his way to writing his letter to the Philippians:
… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
Richella Parham realized one day that she was deep into the comparison game, and had taken on an impossible opponent: “the mythical composite woman.” (3) Focused on the best features of everyone she knew, she came up short every single time because she was holding herself to an impossible standard. Her imagination had created a “situation” in which it was impossible to be content because she was always striving to measure up on every front.
Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison is the record of Richella’s journey away from the distorted vision comparison fosters. In recognizing the problem, she was challenged to acknowledge truth about God that corrected her vision and to find the path of self-acceptance, well-lit by the love of God and well-watered by his grace. Of course this did not happen overnight…
6 Habits of Daily Living
Drawing on the rich resources of classic works on spiritual formation by the “Giants” including Richard Foster, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Henri Nouwen, doing the hard work of excavating painful memories in the presence of praying friends, and making peace with her own particular God-given set of physical, intellectual, and spiritual equipment, Parham found that changing her mind would involve changing her habits. Thomas á Kempis taught that “habit overcomes habit,” and so she set out to address the underlying insecurity that kept her in the loop of comparison by redesigning the habits of her daily living in ways that are straightforward and yet profoundly helpful:
The habit of regular rest: This included a routine bedtime set, by faith, with full assurance that God was able to run the universe without her input for a few hours. A cheap alarm clock on the nightstand is a much wiser choice than a phone.
The habit of handing the day over to God: Richella starts the day with the Lord’s prayer. Instead of looking in the mirror and coming up short in her own estimation every single day, she is cultivating the habit of acknowledging God’s power and glory, his Fatherhood, his nearness, and his acceptance.
The habit of an open Bible: When words fail us, God has provided a book of 150 glorious poems to express whatever emotion we bring to the breakfast table. Reading a psalm and praying its truth reinforces God’s presence and his goodness. He is able to enter fully into my day with me.
The habit of pausing and pacing: Trying to make it through a long day on the remnants of truth remembered from a mindful morning is risky. A pause for prayer, a few minutes of contemplation on the way to the mailbox, or a whispered thank you to God for the beauty of a road side view on the commute home from work are all little boosts to the understanding that every single day, we stand on holy ground.
The habit of “help me” prayers: When Paul exhorted his readers to “pray without ceasing,” he may have been thinking about the expulsive power of prayer over temptation. Even a short “breath prayer” has often re-calibrated my own thinking away from sinful patterns, and if comparison is a product of envy, Richella recommends sincerely praying for the person you envy: “Lord, please continue to bless [name] and help them use your gifts well.
The habit of fellowship: As we engage with other believers, our mythical composite person is shattered by the reality of other Christians with genuine struggles that, incredibly, look very similar to our own.
Struggling to present herself to the world as incomparable did not provide the solution Richella Parham sought for shattering harmful and demoralizing comparisons. The reality that only God is truly incomparable freed her to embrace her connectedness within his family and to put aside the habit of comparison. You and I, too, can embrace the better habit of resting in God’s love while delighting in the glorious comparability of all that he has made.
Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
The talkative and the more reticent?
The natural leader and the sweetheart with the gift of helps?
The carefully coiffed and manicured and the all-natural girl without a speck of makeup?
My natural tendency is to compare, contrast, and to find myself lacking. In a conversation with the natural leader, I feel fluffy and not very bright. Standing beside Nature Girl, I’m overdone, but listening to Mrs. Loquacious, I’m a wall flower.
Comparison is a no-win game, and it’s a habit most of us take for granted. It’s the way we measure our worth in the world, our contribution to the Body of Christ, and even our role as wives and mums in our families. If, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of contentment,” the Apostle Paul must have wrestled comparison to the ground on his way to writing his letter to the Philippians:
… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
Richella Parham realized one day that she was deep into the comparison game, and had taken on an impossible opponent: “the mythical composite woman.” (3) Focused on the best features of everyone she knew, she came up short every single time because she was holding herself to an impossible standard. Her imagination had created a “situation” in which it was impossible to be content because she was always striving to measure up on every front.
Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison is the record of Richella’s journey away from the distorted vision comparison fosters. In recognizing the problem, she was challenged to acknowledge truth about God that corrected her vision and to find the path of self-acceptance, well-lit by the love of God and well-watered by his grace. Of course this did not happen overnight…
6 Habits of Daily Living
Drawing on the rich resources of classic works on spiritual formation by the “Giants” including Richard Foster, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Henri Nouwen, doing the hard work of excavating painful memories in the presence of praying friends, and making peace with her own particular God-given set of physical, intellectual, and spiritual equipment, Parham found that changing her mind would involve changing her habits. Thomas á Kempis taught that “habit overcomes habit,” and so she set out to address the underlying insecurity that kept her in the loop of comparison by redesigning the habits of her daily living in ways that are straightforward and yet profoundly helpful:
The habit of regular rest: This included a routine bedtime set, by faith, with full assurance that God was able to run the universe without her input for a few hours. A cheap alarm clock on the nightstand is a much wiser choice than a phone.
The habit of handing the day over to God: Richella starts the day with the Lord’s prayer. Instead of looking in the mirror and coming up short in her own estimation every single day, she is cultivating the habit of acknowledging God’s power and glory, his Fatherhood, his nearness, and his acceptance.
The habit of an open Bible: When words fail us, God has provided a book of 150 glorious poems to express whatever emotion we bring to the breakfast table. Reading a psalm and praying its truth reinforces God’s presence and his goodness. He is able to enter fully into my day with me.
The habit of pausing and pacing: Trying to make it through a long day on the remnants of truth remembered from a mindful morning is risky. A pause for prayer, a few minutes of contemplation on the way to the mailbox, or a whispered thank you to God for the beauty of a road side view on the commute home from work are all little boosts to the understanding that every single day, we stand on holy ground.
The habit of “help me” prayers: When Paul exhorted his readers to “pray without ceasing,” he may have been thinking about the expulsive power of prayer over temptation. Even a short “breath prayer” has often re-calibrated my own thinking away from sinful patterns, and if comparison is a product of envy, Richella recommends sincerely praying for the person you envy: “Lord, please continue to bless [name] and help them use your gifts well.
The habit of fellowship: As we engage with other believers, our mythical composite person is shattered by the reality of other Christians with genuine struggles that, incredibly, look very similar to our own.
Struggling to present herself to the world as incomparable did not provide the solution Richella Parham sought for shattering harmful and demoralizing comparisons. The reality that only God is truly incomparable freed her to embrace her connectedness within his family and to put aside the habit of comparison. You and I, too, can embrace the better habit of resting in God’s love while delighting in the glorious comparability of all that he has made.
Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
October 22, 2019
Mythical Me is easy to read and full of time-tested wisdom. Parham’s voice is relatable and kind while gently challenging the ways we treat ourselves as far less than the beloved, unique reflections of God we are. I particularly loved how she grounded her whole argument in God’s nature as a community of love, three particular persons in perfect union. Freedom from comparison isn’t found in our individuality but our relationship to one another as distinct-yet-connected bearers of God’s love.
Also, gotta say, I love how short this book is.
Also, gotta say, I love how short this book is.
December 29, 2020
I heard Richella J. Parham being interviewed on a podcast, and I was intrigued with her book subject and title so I bought her book. I have to chuckle about reviewing a book on comparisons because when reviewing books, a common way to do so is to compare it to another book. So, let me try and keep this review to what Parham's book brings to the literary table. I will struggle a bit with this because I started this book early in 2020 and then did not finish it until here on the 28th day of December. I didn't quite realize why I was struggling with finishing it until I reached chapter 9 when I realized that generally speaking not much in this book was new to me only because Parham and I had attended the same Renovare Institute (at different times) and had the same teachers. For someone who has not had the same classes and same teachers, this will be fresh and amazing. I think I would enjoy revisiting all these topics again if I were to do this with a small group. Others may find it helpful to use this book as a study book as well. When I did get to the last chapters, I did find new-to-me material. I appreciated Parham's take on social media -- very balanced. While Timothy Keller's small book on comparing brings to the table a concise scriptural reason why we need not fall into comparing, Richella Parham's book brings to the table her personal experiences and some answers to "but how?" The book is Christ-based, scriptural based.
September 22, 2019
In a social media world where we're tempted to compare our ordinary lives to the best moments of others, Mythical Me invites you to reconsider who you are in light of who God is. This is one of those important books that will help you break decades-long habits by unpacking the origin of comparison, how it can be beneficial (and not), and how you can find freedom by understanding your position in Christ. I can't recommend this highly enough...Richella is a thoughtful, engaging writer who builds a framework to help you see what you might've always missed. (Note: I read an early manuscript of this book, and I will re-read it again when it releases. It will be a joy!)
October 17, 2019
As a clinical neuropsychologist, one of the greatest issues I see among patients is that of comparison. We compare who we are, what we've done and what we want to those we know and those we aspire to be. But how much more peace we would have if we'd focus only on being who God designed us to be and what He says about us. Richella shares her own journey as she comes to realize she's created a mythical me, a woman she can never measure up to instead of the woman God created her to be and loves her completely as she is. I suspect you'll find a bit of yourself between the covers of Mythical Me as well.
October 18, 2019
Such a welcoming and honest voice! I've long struggled with comparison and perfectionism... though, I feel I've been able to release that more as I've gotten older, it's still pops up at the most inopportune times. Richella gets it and is passionate about pointing toward a way of freedom.
November 7, 2019
Firstly: this is just the BEST book cover. Brilliant!
But since we're not supposed to judge books by their covers, let me add that there is time-tested and accessible wisdom in this book which my own soul—buffeted as it is by seeing the shiny sides of every one else's life—desperately needs.
But since we're not supposed to judge books by their covers, let me add that there is time-tested and accessible wisdom in this book which my own soul—buffeted as it is by seeing the shiny sides of every one else's life—desperately needs.
December 10, 2022
Parham is relatable and articulate. She structured the book in an orderly way that supports her building argument. Approachable yet practical, highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with comparison.
November 23, 2019
First, I'm not a big non-fiction girl. I like to read historical fiction about strong women and about far away places that sound exotic. But, with that said, this book is so worth reading because it will honestly change how you see yourself, how you see others, and the truth about it all when seen through God's eyes. I LOVED it!!
It took me a while to finish it because I would read sections over and over because they were so good and I could so totally relate. The heavy theology kicked in around the 4th chapter, but Richella made even difficult concepts understandable. I had never had the Trinity explained like she described the three parts of the one God in community. I still find it really hard to wrap my mind around but her word pictures were perfect and beautiful. Mythical Me would be an excellent study group book as well as an individual read.
Thank you, Richella, for your transparency and vulnerability. I see you as practically perfect in every way! It’s so easy to see the beautiful package (you) and compare myself as I’m sure others do. So for you to open yourself to your struggles is really, really powerful to so many who see you as perfection. What a testimony you have to give.
Here are a couple of things I’ve done since starting the book:
Moved my phone out of the bedroom, which is a biggie
Stopped to think before judging people by the car they drive or the house they live in or the clothes they wear.
Start my day with the Lord’s prayer instead of scrolling through social media or news apps
Started a gratitude journal
Started doing push-ups :)
I have bought copies for my daughter and daughter-in-law and then more to have in my bag to give to friends. There is so much more to say about Mythical Me, but I'll let everyone discover on their own. Buy this book!
It took me a while to finish it because I would read sections over and over because they were so good and I could so totally relate. The heavy theology kicked in around the 4th chapter, but Richella made even difficult concepts understandable. I had never had the Trinity explained like she described the three parts of the one God in community. I still find it really hard to wrap my mind around but her word pictures were perfect and beautiful. Mythical Me would be an excellent study group book as well as an individual read.
Thank you, Richella, for your transparency and vulnerability. I see you as practically perfect in every way! It’s so easy to see the beautiful package (you) and compare myself as I’m sure others do. So for you to open yourself to your struggles is really, really powerful to so many who see you as perfection. What a testimony you have to give.
Here are a couple of things I’ve done since starting the book:
Moved my phone out of the bedroom, which is a biggie
Stopped to think before judging people by the car they drive or the house they live in or the clothes they wear.
Start my day with the Lord’s prayer instead of scrolling through social media or news apps
Started a gratitude journal
Started doing push-ups :)
I have bought copies for my daughter and daughter-in-law and then more to have in my bag to give to friends. There is so much more to say about Mythical Me, but I'll let everyone discover on their own. Buy this book!
October 19, 2019
In Mythical Me, Richella Parham talks about the comparison problem she had. Parham created a “mythical” perfect other woman who consisted of the best traits she saw in other women and then compared herself to this. In the first part of the book the problems that are caused by unhealthy comparisons are laid out. The middle section discusses how God sees us and the final section gives suggestions as to how we can overcome the comparison trap.
I really found this book to be useful. I have perfectionistic tendencies and can be easily discouraged. As I write on my blog, social media and in local publications it is too easy for me to get demoralized. My reach is small in comparison to so many. But Parham reminds me to focus on those that I am connecting with, not on other writers.
I highly recommend this book to any woman who has struggled with anxiety or envy. Each chapter includes discussion questions that could be helpful either for individual study or small groups. The guidelines that Parham developed for the healthy use of technology were a great help to me. I am currently teaching a spiritual gifts course at church. Mythical Me reemphasized to me what I am teaching about spiritual gifts. God has gifted each Christian with one or more gifts, but he hasn’t given us ALL the gifts. Mythical Me can help you develop appreciation for your own gifts and release any unhealthy comparison with those of others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really found this book to be useful. I have perfectionistic tendencies and can be easily discouraged. As I write on my blog, social media and in local publications it is too easy for me to get demoralized. My reach is small in comparison to so many. But Parham reminds me to focus on those that I am connecting with, not on other writers.
I highly recommend this book to any woman who has struggled with anxiety or envy. Each chapter includes discussion questions that could be helpful either for individual study or small groups. The guidelines that Parham developed for the healthy use of technology were a great help to me. I am currently teaching a spiritual gifts course at church. Mythical Me reemphasized to me what I am teaching about spiritual gifts. God has gifted each Christian with one or more gifts, but he hasn’t given us ALL the gifts. Mythical Me can help you develop appreciation for your own gifts and release any unhealthy comparison with those of others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
The book Mythical Me: Finding Freedom From Constant Comparison has helped me understand that the correct way we see God, helps us understand how we see ourselves and others.
Because we were made in the image of God, we are image bearers. And as image bearers, what we believe matters and determines our behaviors.
I love how the author brings the importance of the Trinity into this topic, reminding us that there is no subordination in the Trinity because they don't need it. God reveals himself to us in terms of relationship.
My favorite aha-moment from Richella Parham is this: "We were created for relationship because we were created by relationship. At the heart of our faith, we can trade our myths for mystery."
Richella reminds us of an age-old problem we all have ... She lovingly calls us and herself out on the fact that we project myths onto other people and then we turn around and doubt their motives and love toward us! And that in turn, gives us wrong ideas about God.
As you can probably tell, this book is about way more than comparing ourselves to someone prettier or smarter than us.
You won't want to miss out on seeing the life-changing freedom that the author found in her relationship with God, mirrored in the Trinity! This deep, but very easy to read book is a must-have for any woman I know right now. Add it to your night stand collection!
Because we were made in the image of God, we are image bearers. And as image bearers, what we believe matters and determines our behaviors.
I love how the author brings the importance of the Trinity into this topic, reminding us that there is no subordination in the Trinity because they don't need it. God reveals himself to us in terms of relationship.
My favorite aha-moment from Richella Parham is this: "We were created for relationship because we were created by relationship. At the heart of our faith, we can trade our myths for mystery."
Richella reminds us of an age-old problem we all have ... She lovingly calls us and herself out on the fact that we project myths onto other people and then we turn around and doubt their motives and love toward us! And that in turn, gives us wrong ideas about God.
As you can probably tell, this book is about way more than comparing ourselves to someone prettier or smarter than us.
You won't want to miss out on seeing the life-changing freedom that the author found in her relationship with God, mirrored in the Trinity! This deep, but very easy to read book is a must-have for any woman I know right now. Add it to your night stand collection!
October 22, 2019
Have you, like me, ever struggled with comparing yourself to others? Does social media fuel your insecurity and lack of contentment? Do you ever think “If only I had that person’s figure, or job, or house, or talent, or faith, or...fill-in-the-blank?” Richella Parham understands first-hand what it’s like to live a life of comparison. In her new book, MYTHICAL ME, she shares her journey from comparison and insecurity to confidence and compassion. She skillfully weaves passages from Scripture and research with personal, vulnerable stories to illustrate how the tendency to compare ourselves with others can take root and influence our relationships. She gently challenges us to confront the lies and myths we have believed and helps us break the comparison cycle by relying on God’s strength and grace. “The fact that another person has a gift or talent I do not possess does not indicate a deficiency in me-it demonstrates the beauty of God’s design.” Oh, how those words resonated with me. Read MYTHICAL ME and discover how to let go of comparison and learn to celebrate your unique, authentic self.
I received an advance digital copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.
I received an advance digital copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.
October 22, 2019
I could instantly relate when Richella Parham wrote that she grew up feeling “different” and developed a habit of comparing herself to others, always coming up short. The author shares many examples of times she felt insecure, less-than, or just plain lacking when she observed others around her.
If you’ve ever struggled with insecurity or comparing yourself to others—the “perfect” mom, the gorgeous friend, the accomplished family member—this book is a breath of fresh air. It helps point out the subtle ways that we diminish the individual gifts and talents given to us by God and encourages us to remember the truth that we are created in God’s image, rather than the lies of our own distorted vision.
Parham combines vulnerability, Scripture, and compassion in a book that never feels preachy or judgmental. Rather, it feels like sitting down with a friend who only wants the best for you. From the minute I literally saw myself in the reflective cover of “Mythical Me” to the many times I found myself thinking, “Yup, me too,” as I read, this book was a comforting reminder of God’s ultimate love.
If you’ve ever struggled with insecurity or comparing yourself to others—the “perfect” mom, the gorgeous friend, the accomplished family member—this book is a breath of fresh air. It helps point out the subtle ways that we diminish the individual gifts and talents given to us by God and encourages us to remember the truth that we are created in God’s image, rather than the lies of our own distorted vision.
Parham combines vulnerability, Scripture, and compassion in a book that never feels preachy or judgmental. Rather, it feels like sitting down with a friend who only wants the best for you. From the minute I literally saw myself in the reflective cover of “Mythical Me” to the many times I found myself thinking, “Yup, me too,” as I read, this book was a comforting reminder of God’s ultimate love.
January 11, 2020
- I received this book from the publisher. This review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
Have you ever read a book you liked so much that you could hardly review it? That’s Mythical Me, in my mind.
This book came to me at just the right time in my life and it delivered just the right wisdom.
Insightful, inspirational, and raw Richella delivers her wisdom from a personal struggle with comparison. Her battle with it really struck a chord with me. Her gentle way of moving you through the struggles and into freedom leaves you feeling that it is achievable. It’s a book full of hope.
My copy is full of dog eared corners (which I do not normally do, but I couldn’t pause to find something to mark the page with.) I was engrossed, yet I couldn’t hurry. It felt like I need to take the book in breaths, hold it in, breath it out and then go back for more.
Bottom Line:
Buy this book, read it, share it. Have a study with some of your close friends. Suggest it to your women’s ministry and church library. This book is full of wisdom for today and it needs to be heard.
Have you ever read a book you liked so much that you could hardly review it? That’s Mythical Me, in my mind.
This book came to me at just the right time in my life and it delivered just the right wisdom.
Insightful, inspirational, and raw Richella delivers her wisdom from a personal struggle with comparison. Her battle with it really struck a chord with me. Her gentle way of moving you through the struggles and into freedom leaves you feeling that it is achievable. It’s a book full of hope.
My copy is full of dog eared corners (which I do not normally do, but I couldn’t pause to find something to mark the page with.) I was engrossed, yet I couldn’t hurry. It felt like I need to take the book in breaths, hold it in, breath it out and then go back for more.
Bottom Line:
Buy this book, read it, share it. Have a study with some of your close friends. Suggest it to your women’s ministry and church library. This book is full of wisdom for today and it needs to be heard.
October 22, 2019
So beyond a self-help perspective, Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison reminds us of the loving relationship we were created to have with our Heavanly Father.
Richella breaks down the myths our society and our selfishness have taught us to believe and returns us to the reality of our creation. We have been created uniquely by God and for specifically designed purposes. Our confidence should be found soley in His word. Recognition of the talents and gifts of others is not a sin; the longing for those and allowing that recognition to become negative self-talk is.
Often, books tell us what we should or should not do; how we should or should not feel. These chapters walk through the biblical principles with personal examples. I was pleasantly suprised and the authenticity of this message.
If you are seeking hope in a world run by a device that we hold in our hands - but that holds us hostage in so many ways, there are treasures to be found and followed in Mythical Me.
Richella breaks down the myths our society and our selfishness have taught us to believe and returns us to the reality of our creation. We have been created uniquely by God and for specifically designed purposes. Our confidence should be found soley in His word. Recognition of the talents and gifts of others is not a sin; the longing for those and allowing that recognition to become negative self-talk is.
Often, books tell us what we should or should not do; how we should or should not feel. These chapters walk through the biblical principles with personal examples. I was pleasantly suprised and the authenticity of this message.
If you are seeking hope in a world run by a device that we hold in our hands - but that holds us hostage in so many ways, there are treasures to be found and followed in Mythical Me.
October 29, 2019
I was so happy to read Mythical Me since I've heard Richella Parham speak before and have followed her on social media for a while and knew she was a woman with a lot of wisdom and insight. This book hits the mark addressing issues that so many of us face (actually who doesn't) regarding how often we waste time comparing ourselves to others instead of 1. embracing who God made us to be, 2. embracing community, 3. living with vulnerability that comes with acceptance of both weaknesses and strengths and 4. allowing ourselves to experience joy for the accomplishments of others… among so many other very thoughtful and practical words of wise advice. This would be an excellent book for a small group. Richella both challenges and encourages and I think in a small group setting, there would be so much to discuss and learn from each other as well as walls broken down. It is a slim book but packs a BIG punch. I would highly recommend it.
November 1, 2019
I don’t feel like I can do justice to “Mythical Me.” I got lost in this book several weeks ago, and finished it in one sitting (neglecting any household responsibilities along the way). Reading Richella’s thoughts on the topic of Comparison felt like we were sitting together on my sofa, drinking coffee and having a heartfelt conversation. Richella doesn’t shy away from sharing her own painful history of comparing herself to a distorted, unrealistic, mythical, composite woman. She thoughtfully dives into a discussion of WHY we compare ourselves, how to correct the problem by focusing on God’s Truth, and how to move forward with a new outlook. Richella’s words will be a balm to many hurting hearts. I cannot recommend this book enough if you (like me) struggle with comparing yourself to others.
November 14, 2019
I have followed Richella's blog for many years and when I learned that she was writing a book about comparison, I was eager to read it. Like Richella, I have struggled with comparing myself to others which many times left me feeling inadequate. Reading how Richella compared herself to a mythical composite woman sounded all too familiar to me and as I read I was encouraged by how Richella learned that there is no such thing and how she freed herself from the trap of comparison. If you struggle with feeling the need to be "perfect" or if comparing yourself to others is a problem for you, I recommend reading this book.
October 22, 2019
If you've ever struggled with comparison (and let's be honest - who hasn't?), you will find Parham's Mythical Me a relatable, challenging, and necessary read. The book is saturated with biblical truth and real-world insights to shed light on what constantly comparing ourselves to others does to our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. Then she helps us replace lies with the truth and find a way forward that is healthier for us and those in our lives.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and this is my honest review of the book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and this is my honest review of the book.
September 30, 2019
For every woman who has struggled with comparison (and let’s face it, that’s all of us), there is hope. Richella Parham shares her life-long struggle with comparison and self-acceptance in a vulnerable yet hopeful way. This is not a self-help book—it’s a God-will-help-me book. Parham is a clear and careful theologian as, throughout the book, she points to Scripture as a way to transform our minds, to remind us who God is, and to encourage us to rest in His love for us.
October 17, 2019
Comparison is a daily struggle. It is that feeling that you will never measure up and that somehow you are not enough. In a world flooded with social media posts that show only part of the story, we can often wonder why our lives seem lacking. Richella offers us hope in finding freedom from comparison by remembering whose we are as God's beloved children. We are fully known and fully loved by God.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. The author shares her personal struggles with comparisons throughout her life. This book flows as if she is next to you telling you her story over coffee. The book goes into different ways that we compare ourselves to others, how these comparisons hurt our relationships, and the truths God tells us. This is a great read if you are constantly comparing yourself with others.
October 24, 2019
Mythical Me isn't a book to be taken lightly. Richella shares with wisdom and uncanny honesty the dangers of comparison in a culture that thrives on it. But she doesn't stop there. She walks through the journey of letting go and rising up to embrace our God-given design. Mythical Me is the beginning of a conversation we should have with ourselves, our friends and family, our communities.
I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher.
November 5, 2019
Richella Parham shared such incredibel insight and personal struggles in her book, Mythical Me. I have compared myself to others since I was a little girl and it only got harder. Richella shared her own journeys of comparison and its effect upon her life. She also wrote of the power of bible verses and stories to help us combat our own battles of insecurity and comparison. Thank you Richella for helping us feel not so alone and to feel understood.
November 7, 2019
Mythical Me is a refreshing escape from the pixel-crazed comparison trap called the Digital Era. Richella J Parham's thoughtful book is rooted in truth and vulnerability, something in short supply these days. She draws on the wisdom of many faithful people who've since moved on--Henri Nouwen, Eugene Peterson, Thomas a Kempis, C.S. Lewis and more--and shares both her personal struggle and her victory with candor and compassion. This is a book to read and share. Thank you, Richella.
May 11, 2020
Let's face int today's world it is easy to get caught up in comparisons. With social media, it is easy to see what others are doing and want to keep up with them or become dissatisfied with your own life. This book helps to provide ways to find freedom from the cycle. Richella Parham explores how she escaped the comparison trap and found freedom as well as compassion for those around her. So check out this book for yourself.
September 11, 2019
This book was the honest reflection on comparison that I needed. Richella is so wise and faithful, but was very open about her own struggles. Not only did she give inspiring encouragement, but also helpful challenges that I have kept and applied to my life. This is not a book you read, put down, and forget about. It sticks with you and I'm glad it has.
November 21, 2019
I have read a number of books on comparison, but this one by Richella Parham has a completely different feel to me. The focus on knowing who God is makes a huge difference. You really can't have an accurate view of yourself if you don't have an accurate view of God. Parham's book is easy to read and very insightful. I highly recommend it!
October 22, 2019
Super helpful book for any of us who struggle with comparison—meaning all of us! Richella vulnerably shares her personal experiences of comparing herself to others and how that deeply and adversely affected her life. The book explores the reasons behind our choices and then helps readers to realign ourselves to God's truth. It's a wise and liberating read. (Plus it has an awesome cover!)
October 23, 2019
This book is so timely and needed in today's culture. Because social media constantly displays everyone's greatest hits, it is so easy to fall into the comparison trap. This book speaks much needed truth: the truth about who God says you are in Him. Parham shares practical steps to be free of the need to compare
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