I started writing this blog post a while ago, only to let it lay dormant after closing the Google Docs tab. I kicked around some other blog post ideas, thinking that this post wasn’t very important. That is, until one of my small groups. 

Let me just say—I adore my small group. There’s an unparalleled authenticity, vulnerability, and welcoming nature to this group of women that has forever marked me. 

On this particular night, almost 15 of us squeezed into the back corner of the White Rhino patio, forming an intimate circle to muse about our weeks, the Bible, and Jesus. The sky faded from bright blue to a soft lilac as we chatted, and a gentle breeze kept the humidity at bay—a luxurious gift as we approached summer in Texas. 

Throughout our time together, women chimed in with their insight and perspective on various topics. We started sharing the things that hold us back from actively, consistently seeking God. 

Different girls with very different backgrounds and circumstances shared their hearts, and as they did, one thing became clear—there is a universal female struggle of believing we aren’t good enough. That we aren’t smart enough, capable enough, pretty enough, thin enough, funny enough, talented enough, desirable enough… and sadly, the list goes on. 

My so-called “this-can-wait” blog post I had started wasn’t just a hunch or a nice idea—it was something much bigger. Something that hits close to home. A universal struggle. Not just something we read or hear about, but something that you and I both wrestle with in the shadows of our minds, even if it’s not a conscious battle. 

Because even without a conscious thought, these beliefs can rule our minds and lives:

The idea I shared in the meeting that no one else seemed to notice? Maybe I’m not smart enough.

The wave of shame that rises when my favorite jeans are a little snug. Not thin enough.

The embarrassment when my joke didn’t land quite right. Not funny enough. 

These examples are top of mind because, like you, I’m not immune to the cultural idea that I am not enough. It seems that everywhere we go, our flaws, shortcomings, and weaknesses are called out, nagged on, and highlighted. Like there’s a spotlight on the places we need to get better—where we need to become enough. 

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to this conversation. I’ll start with the not-so-great news: Sadly, most of this happens in our minds. While there are always exterior voices and inputs at play, we are active contributors to the insecurities and self-image pits we walk through.

The good news?

We have the power to make a change. To go another way. To mute the lies and doubts as they bubble up. We are not stuck, and we are more than enough. After all, God has the final say on who we are. And thank goodness for that. 

So where do we start?

If you’ve been around here long, you know I’m deeply passionate about health and wellness. Not just in the physical sense or to hit a certain number on the scale—that will never fulfill us or equate to a tidy, healthy life. I’m passionate about the heart posture that takes us from sick to healthy, hurting to healed, insecure to free. After all, we are much more than our bodies. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are vital pieces of the puzzle—each area contributing to our overall health and wellness. 

Maybe the idea of not feeling enough seems connected to our overall health and well-being, or maybe it doesn’t. But I believe this idea of not feeling enough is connected to our mental well-being. And it’s greatly affecting our spiritual health. 

Believing the lie that we aren’t good enough is unraveling us from the inside out. Letting negative, self-doubting, shameful thoughts or beliefs is squashing our spirits. This isn’t just a big deal—it’s a gargantuan issue. And it’s taking place in our minds. 

I think many of us say we believe God’s Word, but when it comes to who we are and how He made us—and the good gifts and passions He’s given us—it’s easy to minimize the truth. To downplay the reality that we are daughters of the King, that nothing and no one could ever change our eternal status as dearly loved by God. It can be easy to think He meant it for the girl next to us, but not us. 

This might come as a surprise, but these are lies. Anti-truths. Roadblocks. And if we want to fight this battle, we must take God at His word. John 10:10 tells us that the devil comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I’d say that distracting nearly all women with the idea we aren’t good enough is a pretty strategic way to do just that. 

Thankfully, John 10:10 doesn’t end with the evil one. It ends with Jesus declaring He has come to give us life to the full. Ah, abundant life—another one of my deepest passions. 

I don’t think abundant life includes insecurities or negative self-talk. I think it means freedom from the things that hold us back from being who God created us to be. Freedom from the things that keep us feeling small or not good enough. 

These lies must be uprooted. They’re poisoning fertile ground that the Lord wants to use for good. Getting the bad stuff out isn’t enough on its own—we then need to be nourished with life-giving words and truth. 

Sometimes all it takes is one person to remind you that you are smart, beautiful, and lovely. That’s all it takes to help you get back on track. One person or conversation. 

I would love to be that person for you. 

If you’re not already, I’d love for you to sign up for my newsletter on my blog’s homepage. You’ll get snippets of Kingdom-minded encouragement and coaching. You are valuable, strong, and beautiful, and I don’t want you to just know it—I want you to live like it, too. That’s when you change the world and feel fulfilled in your calling. 

Jumpstart your mental wellness journey 

I challenge you to take one minute—right now—and think about what you’ve been thinking about yourself. Literally, think about your thoughts. Specifically, the ones about you. 

Write down each thought. Look at it. Dissect it. Analyze it. Hold it up against God’s word. Does it line up? Is it in agreement with what God says about you—is it in alignment with His heart and the good names He’s called you—daughter, beloved, precious, valuable? 

Then, replace any icky thoughts with beautiful truth. Take a minute to let these verses soak into your heart. You are oh-so capable, loved, and adored by the One who defines love. I pray you believe it so deeply that you start to live it in a new, glorious way. 

Psalm 139:14

Genesis 1:27-31

Zephaniah 3:17

Ephesians 2:10

Psalm 23:6