Tuesday, January 2

Here's to an incomparable new year


It's 2018! Time to ring out the old year and ring in the new.

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may have already seen my big news for this year. I just signed a contract with InterVarsity Press to write a book!


The working title for my book is Mythical Me: Escaping the Trap of Comparison. You see, comparison has been a lifelong struggle for me. Here are the first words of the book's introduction:

"I've lost count of how many years I've struggled with constantly comparing myself with other people. I'm not certain about this—I'd have to do a thorough comparison to be positive—but I'm pretty sure that I've contended with comparison more than any other woman in North America, perhaps the world.

Maybe I could be the winner of a comparison contest. Maybe this is the one way I could win at the comparison game.

Or maybe not."

I've written some about this here on my blog, and I'm thankful to tell you that God has been working with me on this issue, and I think He's given me something new to say on this problem that has plagued me for so long. I'm excited to get it all written down so that I can share it with you, too.

Meanwhile, the struggle continues. I wanted a quick photo to share on social media; it seemed that it would be more fun to share a picture of myself signing the contract rather than just sharing the news about the contract. But here's what happened when I asked my husband to snap a photo with his phone.

First, my hair hid half my face as he tried to get a picture:


Then he tried the other side, but my hair was still falling all over the place:


So I tucked my hair behind my ear, and looked up at the camera, but all he managed to get was this surprised and somewhat pained look. Not what I was hoping for!


And this doesn't even show the ones with my eyes closed; he deleted those immediately.

You know, I have friends who post gorgeous photos of themselves to social media all the time. Why can't I be more like them? Why do I struggle so much to get one decent shot?? UGH!

Oh, dear. Even when I'm writing a book about comparison, that old comparison issue raises its ugly head.

Can you relate?

With God's help, I'm going to beat this monster. I'm on a journey to stop comparison in its tracks, and I surely would like for you to come along.

I've already written an introduction and three chapters of the book. I have seven more chapters to research and write, and my manuscript is due in August. Will you pray for me as I work on this? It would mean so much to me!

And for now, do you have any stories about comparison you'd like to share? Any resources you've found helpful? Or is this not an issue that's ever troubled you? I'd love to hear!

7 comments:

  1. Richella, I feel like you are writing this book just for me-because even being saved by grace and a precious Daughter of the Most High, I constantly battle with comparing myself to others-look how pretty they look, so in shape, what a great quilter they are etc etc. I truly believe this is one of the issues in the U.S.-that plagues women. Thank you dear one and I also think your photos are gorgeous and you are truly beautiful.
    Congrats and big hugs,
    Noreen

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  2. I am so happy for you, Richella! I also compare myself to other women frequently. I look forward to reading your book!

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  3. Richella, there is one thing that will be certain. A very genuine person is writing a book that we women will need to read. You are not alone. I look forward to it. You will have my prayers.

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  4. How exciting for you!! I think it is just HUMAN NATURE! We all have insecurities and envy within us and will always find someone who possesses qualities we wish we had, or a talent we alway wanted, or a skill we can't perfect. Every now and then I make myself do a "reality check" just to appreciate everything I have, the good and the not-so-good! I don't know anyone who doesn't compare themselves to another, and sometimes it can be a strength, working to improve ourselves - it is not always a bad thing!........as you can tell, this subject is definitely of interest to me and I look forward to your publication!! Wishing you good luck in your writing!

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  5. Congratulations, Richella!! This will be a wonderful book. I have no doubt!!

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  6. You made me smile!
    Congratulations!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  7. Congrats Richella! I will be in prayer for you during this endeavor!

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