So Long, Insecurity - Week 7Creating An Air of Indifference, But Feeling InauthenticYuck

photography by Anthony

Normally, it is rejection and insecurity.  Tied hand in hand for me.  I feel rejected... and then I feel insecure.  We will get into the car... and then I cry to Anthony about it... but ask him not to fix it.  Although I really do want to get over it.  I just can't.

Not this time.  It was different.  I anticipated the (perceived) rejection.  I kept my distance so as to not give opportunity to be rejected.  And strangely enough, I felt like a coward not facing my fear.  And I knew I was creating an air of indifference, but I was protecting myself.  And it did work.  By not facing the (perceived) rejection... I did not have to deal with feelings of insecurity.  But... I felt inauthentic.

Yuck.

But here's the good news... I am seeing progress.  And I've decided that I truly do not want to be held hostage by my insecurity any longer.  Won't you join me?

I am currently reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore and I am participating in the So Long, Insecurity Discussion Group on the Living Proof Ministries blog.  I decided to open my blog up to anyone who wanted to post their answers to the discussion group so that we can encourage one another in a somewhat smaller group.

These are my answers to the questions posed for Week Seven based on Chapters 12 & 13.

Italics indicate either the question that Beth Moore posed on her blog or that the passage is found in the book So Long, Insecurity.

1. Based on Chapter 12, name one “I already knew that” moment and one “that’s new to me” moment, if either applies. 

Insecurity had become automatic and unintentional for me.  It had become second nature.  And I have truly believed that there was nothing I could do about it.

I had become more concerned with my own insecurity... and having Anthony listen to my hysteria.  I had not even considered the fact that my insecurity was unattractive... and might cause a drain on our relationship.

2. Based on Chapter 13, how does a weak will play into our insecurity?

If we have a weak will... we can't make a choice.  We will tend to stifle insecurities rather than allow God to flagrantly tend to them.  We will stay on the roller coaster of our emotions... because we are too scared to get off.  We want someone else to make the decision for us... and then we are dependent upon them and not God.

If we have a weak will... we will let others walk over us.  We will not confront them.  We would rather live in a lie... then fight for the truth.  The alternative to practicing what Scripture calls "speaking the truth in love" is continuing to communicate a lie in fear (Ephesians 4:15)... Indecisiveness won't do... When done correctly and motivated by love, confrontation becomes an act of profound compassion.  Frankly, it's easier in the short run to look the other way. 

So do not throw away your confidence; 

it will be richly rewarded. 

You need to persevere so that 

when you have done the will of God, 

you will receive what he has promised.  

Hebrews 10:35-36

I wish I could write more eloquently about my thoughts on this book... I've practically highlighted the whole thing.  It is life changing, sisters.  You truly need to read it for yourself... and let the healing begin.

My favorite son. "Mommmmmm... I'm your only son." It's true... but you're still my favorite.

photography by... his daddy

He's been waiting about five years for this day.  And it was everything he expected and more.  There is a permanent smile on his face... and his mom's and dad's, too.

About five years ago, Christopher was the "towel boy"... he would assist Anthony with water baptism at our church.  He held the towels of those being baptized.  It was quite an honor to him.  At the time he was five years old.  He was in kindergarten.  Today he is 10... almost 11.  And he is in 5th grade... getting ready for middle school. 

And today was the day he publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ by being water baptized.  He was cheered on by his church family... including his Kindergarten teacher! 

So many thoughts have gone through my head today... seeing Christopher make a decision that will have a life-long impact.  Feeling blessed beyond measure.  Laughing to myself... how many times have I thought... "If I would have known it was Christopher, I would have had him sooner."  Being amazed that God could use someone like me to raise up such a wonderful young man.

My favorite son.
"Mommmmmm... I'm your only son."
It's true... but you're still my favorite.

Thank you, God... I'm thankful everyday... for the gift.

If you're curious about water baptism, 

stop by here for more information.

10 Things You Might Not Know... about sister sheri

blue-tiful

photography by Anthony

Beth Moore asked this question on her blog last week...

What are 10 things - right off the top of your head - that we would only know about you if we knew you really well? 10 random things ranging anywhere on your personal map that make you a tad distinctive? Or just plain weird? Think quickly. Don't go for deep. Go for quirky. Don't try to put them in any kind of order and don't make them long. Just start typing.

Here's my 10...

1. I can't wait for Monday mornings because killersudoku.com posts a new mind-bending puzzle for the week.

2. I have to eat breakfast and drink coffee first thing in the morning.  No skipping breakfast for me.

3. I have become obsessed lately with all things pink and green.

4. I like to do all my laundry on Saturday.  It doesn't mean it is all folded and put away on that day.

5. All the tests say I am extroverted... but my preference is to spend most of my time alone.

6. I use mechanical pencils.  Size .7mm only.

7. I don't keep my car very clean.

8. I find it difficult to not smile at everyone.

9. Most nights, I fall asleep to podcasts.

10. I love my Xyron 150. (Makes stickers out of anything with a width of less than 1.5".)  I'm thinking maybe I "need" the one that makes 5" stickers!

So, tell me something I don't already know... about you!

So Long, Insecurity - Week 6 Eggshells and ESP

photography by Anthony

Eggshells.  

I would think by this time... 

I would not resort to walking on eggshells... 

but I do.  

Sometimes it just seems safer 

to walk on eggshells 

than to find out what the real problem is.  

Did I say "safer"?  

Perhaps I meant "easier"?  

And that is ONLY for the short term.  

Because in the long term... 

the longer I walk on eggshells... 

the more eggshells I have to clean up.  

And really they are quite a mess.  

Sticky.  Smelly.  

And especially disgusting when wearing sandals.
~written by sister sheri

If you and I are going to develop into real, live secure women, 

it is absolutely imperative that we realign our mentalities toward men.  

We've got to get it through our thick skulls that 

men are neither gods nor devils... 

Maybe... you vacillate between the two, but this is the news flash:  

either extreme -- adoration or abhorrence -- 

always betrays the depth of our own insecurity. ~ Beth Moore, SLI

I am currently reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore and I am participating in the So Long, Insecurity Discussion Group on the Living Proof Ministries blog.  I decided to open my blog up to anyone who wanted to post their answers to the discussion group so that we can encourage one another in a somewhat smaller group.

These are my answers to the questions posed for Week Six based on Chapters 10 & 11.

Italics indicate either the question that Beth Moore posed on her blog or that the passage is found in the book So Long, Insecurity.

1. Based on Chapter 10, in all truthfulness, has your historical tendency been to view men (generally speaking) as gods? Or devils? 

Growing up I generally viewed men as "devils"... not trusting them.  I was abused by my father.  He divorced my mom... and I grew up in a household of women.  I always tried to have the upper hand in my dating relationships... if I lost that control... well, it was time to move on... that is... until I met him.  I've always viewed my relationship with Anthony to be a gift from God.  Not that it is all smooth sailing, but God definitely chose Anthony for me... because I did not have enough good sense at that time to do it on my own.

I am aware of how I tie my security to Anthony. If he is not happy... had a bad day... I can resort to walking on eggshells. Wondering if I can fix the problem... or am I the problem?

2. Based on Chapter 10 and your own day-to-day observances, what differences do you see between men’s insecurities and women’s?

Chapter 10 reminded me of the book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.  How husbands and wives get on "The Crazy Cycle"

... she reacts without respect he reacts without love she reacts without respect...

and so on.  How men crave respect (ie fear of failure) and women crave love (ie fear of rejection).  I highly recommend this book.

3. On p.208 in Chapter 11, I suggest that women who struggle with insecurity tend to be particularly taken with 2 divine attributes: omnipotence and omniscience. Did either of these resonate with you? If so, how?

Extrasensory perception - Honestly.  Christopher asks me quite often which super hero power I would choose if I could choose any one I wanted.  ESP.  That way I would know if I am upsetting someone or if I have hurt someone or what exactly they want from me.  Omniscience.. hadn't thought of it that way... and I much rather like that terminology, but I'll save that for God.  I've got enough to deal with in my own head.

The healing of the mind requires far more intimacy 

with Christ than the healing of mere bodies... 

Instead He chooses to transform our willing minds 

one reflection at a time... ~ Beth Moore, SLI

[You] may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Colossians 2:2-3

Something Beautiful

photography by Anthony

Something Beautiful

by NeedToBreathe

In your ocean, I'm ankle deep
I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out

 

Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will ya let me drown, will ya let me drown

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees,  I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

And the water is risin' quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

In a daydream, I couldn't live like this
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

Because I Was In The Garden... Again...

The weather is amazing today.  I went out to my garden to cut a pale yellow hyacinth to enjoy in my kitchen.  As I was feeling the sunshine and warmth, I noticed the perennials I planted last year.  They are budding and some starting to bloom.  And I was so glad I planted them.  I was so glad I took the time to plant them.  Knowing I might not experience their full beauty last year, but it was an investment.

And I thought about how that related to planting the Word of God in our hearts... and I remembered this post originally aired on May 16, 2009.  And I thought I would share it.... again.

(And since you all are totally enjoying Anthony's photos... I feel the need to let you know that this one was taken by yours truly.)

Start planting, sisters!

"Consider carefully what you hear,"
he continued.
"With the measure you use,
it will be measured to you—
and even more.
Whoever has will be given more;
whoever does not have,
even what he has
will be taken from him."
Mark 4:24-25 NIV

I've been lingering in my garden lately. The weather has turned to spring... and so it is the time to plant my annuals.

This year I have decided to plant a couple perennials that I am not familiar with, but I look forward to discovering what they look like.. how they blossom... and even what color they are.

I plant a lot of flowers. Because I love a lot of color and blossoms. The more I plant... the more I am able to enjoy.

There were years that I rarely entered my garden. Years before I truly understood how satisfying it could be to watch my garden transform into a sanctuary. I planted nothing... I reaped nothing... and decided to spend very little time there... because it brought me no pleasure.

And there it is... with the measure I used... it was measured back to me. Plant flowers... reap flowers. Don't plant flowers... don't reap flowers.

But the amazing thing was that when I started gardening, I did discover other plants in my backyard... that were trying to grow, but they were hidden by weeds and vines. Specifically, two roses. Hidden... unbeknownst to me. Having survived years of neglect... and admiration. But because I was out there... "measuring"... planting... I received even more.

And so, I have found this to be true in my relationship with the Lord. The more time I spend with Him... in His Word... in prayer... through Bible Studies... sermons... worship... the more I receive in return. Knowledge, wisdom, discernment, peace, joy, contentment...

What is the measure you are using? A pinch? A dash? A teaspoon? Tablespoon? Or how about a cup? Whatever measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more.

When you come to visit my garden, you will enjoy the beauty of all the glory of the flowers... but I will most certainly draw you to the two roses that were revealed to me because I was in the garden at all.

So Long, Insecurity - Week 5Fear. Hesitance. Resistance. Distance.

photography by Anthony

I have been wondering why I haven't been blogging lately.  

I have come to realize that... I am afraid.  There are some dear sisters who are heavy on my heart... and honestly I am afraid that they will see themselves in my posts.  And I don't know what that is like... And although they may not mind... And although it might bring healing to them... or someone else... I have been hesitant.

Words I want to post.  That sit in my head.  And in my heart.  But fearing that my words may be misunderstood... and worse yet... hurt a dear sister.  I can't bear it.  And so... in being hesitant... I have been resistant to what the Lord has been speaking to me... and my resistance has brought distance.

Fearful Existence.

Worried Hesitance.

Defiant Resistance.

Divine Distance.

And here I am... still not ready to post those words.  

And I can't help but think that this is all wrapped up in my insecurity... especially knowing that I have been praying for the Lord to completely reveal my insecurity to me.  I mean, really... what was I thinking?  Of course, He was going to answer that prayer.

And I thought I would share with you some of the prayer that was written in Chapter 9 of So Long, Insecurity.  Parts of the prayer that will so obviously reveal my insecurity... but I am praying that revelation will bring healing... and healing will bring obedience to write the words on my heart... and obedience will bring intimacy, again.

As You reveal Yourself to me, I ask that you also mercifully reveal myself to me.  Grant me insight into patterns I've developed, and give me answers that bring healing... 


Forgive me of the jealousy and covetousness that feed my insecurity... For being so fixated on what I don't have that I leave the gifts You've given me undeveloped and much less effective than You intended them to be...


Forgive me for my unbelief.  If I realized how valuable I am, my insatiable need for affirmation would be quieted... 

Forgive me for being such a perfectionist that I resist doing something good out of fear that it won't be great...


From now on, Lord, and every day for the rest of my life, heighten my conviction until I'm instantly aware when insecurity is my own making...


Help me to stop confusing a change in my circumstances with a change in my security status...


Use change to provoke what needs changing in me, Lord...


Father, help me to see where I am overly sensitive and where I put too much pressure on relationships.  

Help me to see where I insist on making a situation all about me...


Help me to cease being so easily wounded...


Help me to realize that it's pointless to demand that others love me more or love me better.


Help me to stop using a person as my mirror and start seeing myself as You alone see me.

I am currently reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore and I am participating in the So Long, Insecurity Discussion Group on the Living Proof Ministries blog.  I decided to open my blog up to anyone who wanted to post their answers to the discussion group so that we can encourage one another in a somewhat smaller group.

These are my answers to the questions posed for Week Five based on Chapter 9.
Italics indicate either the question that Beth Moore posed on her blog or that the passage is found in the book So Long, Insecurity.

1st & 15th Scripture Memory 2010: Verse 6

photography by Anthony

...being confident of this, 

that he who began a good work in you 

will carry it on to completion 

until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 

So Long, Insecurity - Week 4Uncut and Uncensored

photography by Anthony

I am currently reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore and I am participating in the So Long, Insecurity Discussion Group on the Living Proof Ministries blog.  I decided to open my blog up to anyone who wanted to post their answers to the discussion group so that we can encourage one another in a somewhat smaller group. 

These are my answers to the questions posed for Week Four based on Chapters 7 and 8.
Italics indicate either the question that Beth Moore posed on her blog or that the passage is found in the book So Long, Insecurity.

1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?

Actually, it was the letter from the pastor's wife on page 130: "Insecurity Can Make Us Give An Entirely Wrong Impression."  (I have included the excerpt of this letter at the bottom of this post.)

Why did it hit home with me the most?  Because I am the one who longs for this pastor's wife to acknowledge me. The way I think I need to be acknowledged or affirmed.  I naively think she has it all together.  She sure looks and sounds like she does.  It would never occur to me to think she is insecure in any area of her life or that I intimidate her (even if she told me so herself).  So if I think she is not interacting with me (the way that I want her to)... I think something is wrong with me... and I become even more insecure... and put even MORE pressure on her... and become even more desperate.  As a Christian woman, I want to have another Christian woman to look up to... perhaps be my mentor.  I immediately think it must be the pastor's wife. 

My heart hurts that I have thrown my weighty expectations on her.  And I am glad to know that perhaps it is not too late to make amends.  And that through my own stumbling I can shed light on this subject. 

2. Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it's time to deal with your insecurity. 

A.  I don't want insecurity to keep me from the abundant life and ministry that God has prepared for me. (Ephesians 2:10)
B.  I want to be an example to the women that are in my sphere of influence.
C.  I am tired of being held hostage by my insecurity.  Especially when it taunts me after the fact... "who do you think you are" or "why did you say that" or "NO ONE wants to hear what you have to say."

3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.

I recently shared some of my childhood experiences at our women's retreat.  As one woman said, "My heart leaped for joy while you were up on stage, because you were showing the pure you, uncut and uncensored."  Uncut and uncensored.... Yikes!  Almost every woman that attended the retreat has since thanked me or affirmed me or hugged me.  I have so felt the love.

But there was one... Well, at least one... that I know of... I found out secondhand (from a gal who had not attended the retreat) that one of the precious sisters that had attended the retreat was distraught.  The precious sister was under the impression that I was sharing my past under duress.  Which I assured this gal that I had volunteered to share, but then this gal said that experiences like my past should not be discussed in such a large group.  Oh, no!  Shame covered me like a blanket.  I could feel its weightiness.  I couldn't breathe.

See!  I shouldn't have shared... I was too sensational with details... I was only thinking of myself and not those listening.  How could I have been so thoughtless?  And then the tears... and almost the ugly cry.  It took a little time... some affirmation and prayer from my beloveds... reminding me that I wasn't the one who wanted to get on that stage... It was the Lord's plan.  I was obedient.  And He will handle the rest.

4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?  

Having value.  Being valued.  Respect for life.  I am God's "prized creation."  I am created in God's image.  Worthy of respect and high esteem.  "Our possession of dignity is not always something we feel.  It's got to be something we know.  Something we emphatically claim... She is clothed with strength and dignity.  Believe it, sister."

Excerpt from So Long, Insecurity:  Chapter 7 - "Don't Let It Fool You"

Insecurity Can Make Us Give An Entirely Wrong Impression.

I am a pastor's wife.  My insecurity can definitely get the best of me.  I'm not real good at small talk and tend to be standoffish because I don't think people will like me or want to get to know me.  Therefore I give off the wrong impression to the other women at church.  They see me as being a snob.  Oh, if they only knew I'm scared to death of them.  I feel so intimated by them because I don't feel like I have much to contribute to their lives or even the conversation.  I am trying to work on this, and it isn't as if it consumes me night and day.  It has been this way for so long, it is just who I am:  Hi, my name is ...., and I'm insecure.

Depression Can Meet A Need

 

photography by Anthony

I read something the other day... something that I have tried to put into words... something that I had never heard anyone else express.  Perhaps you can relate.

I still "flirt" with depression; I can feel it coming on.  I look for the warning signs of what I call the slippery slope of depression.

When it comes near I have a choice.  Sometimes you can feel like you don't have a choice and you can feel like a victim.  But you do have a choice.  Once you are in depression you can't get out of it easily.  I believe it can become an addiction.  Depression can become a comfort.  You hate the low feeling, but there is something about despondency that is comforting.  Depression can meet a need.  You have to make a choice not to give in to it.

~ Anonymous Christian leader from California
Excerpt from Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion by Wayne Cordeiro

Some of you won't understand.  And that's okay.  Sometimes I just have to talk about it.  It doesn't mean that I am currently suffering with my depression.  Actually, I have been thanking God daily... okay, hourly... for all the sun this winter. 

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD. 

Psalm 40:1-3 

We need to know our slippery slopes.  We need to know that sometimes our pits can seem to meet our needs. We need to know we have a choice.  We need to know we are not alone.   

As for me... I am putting my trust in the Lord.

"Well, either that or I'm just plain stupid..."

photography by Anthony

I volunteered to do it.  Later when people would call me brave... or courageous... I would joke and say, "Well, either that or I'm just plain stupid."  But they wouldn't let me get away with it.  No, to them I was brave and courageous... and they were thankful for it.

When the event was over and I had gotten off the stage... they were lined up to hug me.  To thank me.  To affirm me.  To tell me that I am loved.  Later would come notes and even today a card in the mail.

It was our women's retreat just this past weekend... and our speaker -- an amazing and dynamic communicator -- needed a volunteer.   She had warned us ahead of time that we were going to do something dangerous... and again, this is where I wonder if I was truly courageous... or tremendously naive.  But in all honesty... obedient to the prompting of the Spirit.

I had agreed to step up on stage and reveal three different times in my childhood where I felt something was wrong, or I didn't belong or I knew I was on my own.  Then we would discuss how I responded to those feelings and see if there was a consistent theme... and from that theme is there a way I respond today in my relationships that is reflective of how I responded to my past.

It is always painful for me... no matter how much healing has occurred... to delve into my past.  And sometimes I feel for that little girl who was lost... or sometimes I get engulfed by shame.  And I'm sure you'll give me grace on the fact that my thoughts are all a jumble.  But here's the deal.  I was vulnerable.  Raw.  Real.  Authentic.  In front of 90 women.  Some could relate to me.  Some could sympathize with me.  And some... now seeing past the veneer, find me safe enough to be a confidant.  And they have bestowed upon me... love, grace and encouragement.

And then on Tuesday, I was lovingly reminded that I am not my past...

"But you are not like that, 

for you have been chosen by God himself--

you are priests of the King, 

you are holy and pure, 

you are God's very own--

all this so that you may show to others 

how God called you out of the darkness 

into his wonderful light.  

Once you were less than nothing; 

now you are God's own.  

Once you knew very little of God's kindness; 

now your very lives have been changed by it." 

1 Peter 2:9-10 TLB

From the devotional called His Princess: Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd:

My Princess...
I Will Redeem The Time For You


I know that sometimes you look back on your life with anguish and regret--so much time wasted on things that did not matter.  But take heart, My love.  I am your Redeemer, and today is a new day.  So start now by seeking My plans, which are to give you hope and a future.  Just as I used hardship in Joseph's life to lead him to a position leadership, influence, and blessing, I've also called you.  I will use your past to carve into your character everything you need for the here and now.  I want you to let your past experiences teach you and not torment you.  Remember, My princess, I will always turn into good what others meant for harm.  I will redeem what was lost and place you on the narrow road that leads to an everlasting life.

Love,
Your King and your Redeemer

"For I know the plans I have for you," 

declares the LORD, 

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future."  

Jeremiah 29:11

Praying you will find strength in Your Redeemer.

So Long, Insecurity - Week 3I had found security in my insecurity.

Consider how the lilies grow...

photography by Anthony

Perhaps... just perhaps... there are some who think that I do not struggle with insecurity.  When I spoke at our ladies Bible Study two weeks ago, I thought my comfort zone had grown to the size of Texas.  But now... just perhaps... over the weekend... at our ladies retreat... it grew to the size of the United States.  Mind you, I still struggle with insecurity.  But I have found the benefits of being open, vulnerable and even a little "dangerous" to be much greater than the security I had found in my insecurity. Did you get that?  I had found security in my insecurity. 

I am currently reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore and I am participating in the So Long, Insecurity Discussion Group on the Living Proof Ministries blog.  I decided to open my blog up to anyone who wanted to post their answers to the discussion group so that we can encourage one another in a somewhat smaller group.  These are my answers to the questions posed for Week Three based on Chapters 5 and 6.


Italics indicate that the passage is found in So Long, Insecurity.

1. After reading these two chapters, what do you believe to be the TWO primary roots of your struggle with insecurity? Keep in mind that more may apply but try to lock in on two that you believe to be most impactful.

Basically... what happened in your past that might have contributed to your sense of insecurity?
The choices were:  Instability in the Home, A Significant Loss, Rejection, Dramatic Change, Personal Limitations, Personal Disposition, Our Culture, Pride.

The two primary roots of my struggle with insecurity would be:

A. Instability in the Home ~ "The disintegration of a family can jerk the rug of security out from under a couple of generations... No one wants to reflect on times we were abused or misused, but as we take this journey together, look at it this way:  those of us who share this background can rest assured that we didn't conjure up our insecurities out of thin air..."  

Even when you are old, I will be the same. 

Even when your hair has turned gray, 

I will take care of you. 

I made you and will take care of you. 

I will carry you and save you.  

Isiah 46:4 NCV

"If you've lived your life looking for someone to take care of you but always end up taking care of everyone else, your search is over.  God has what you need, and you'll never wear Him out."

B. A Significant Loss:  "It could be the loss of anything that you genuinely prize or derive stability and self-worth from... because of their impact on developing belief systems."  
 For me, it was the loss of innocence.  ~ "Simply put, if you didn't get to be a child when you were young, you suffered a loss of innocence."

 Each heart knows its own bitterness... 

Proverbs 14:10a

2. What, if any, insight did you gain about the roots of insecurity and did you sense that God was trying to speak to you in any specific way through it? (This answer does not need to be limited to the two roots you identified in the previous response.)

A. Even though someone may appear to me to be very secure in all areas of their life, they  still struggle with insecurity in areas that may not be apparent to me.
B. Even though someone struggles with insecurity, it can look very different than my insecurity.
C. How I respond to my insecurity affects my relationship with others... and how they respond to their insecurity affects their relationship with me.
D. My personal disposition predisposes me to insecurity.  "In other words, the more tenderhearted we are, the more vulnerable to insecurity we'll likely be."

Please feel free to leave your answers in the comments section.