Comparison Girl

Women compare constantly--on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, "How do I measure up?" All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy. Satan would like women to strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can't ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first--and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other. Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal--all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they're meeting with a trusted friend. Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!

"This is the book we wish we had when we were teens! Comparison is such a deep struggle, and the seeds are planted so young. Learn to find your worth in Jesus, not in what others say." —Bethany Beal and Kristen Clark, authors of Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity We get it—comparison can feel like a never-ending struggle. The whole measuring up to friends and influencers on social media? It's a lot. Everyone has their own idea of what teen girls should be like, and knowing who to listen to is overwhelming. Comparison Girl for Teens is your go-to guide for navigating these tricky waters. Join best-selling authors Shannon Popkin and Lee Nienhuis as they team up to help you break free from the comparison trap and embrace the incredible life that Jesus has in store for you. Get ready for a journey of self-discovery with forty readings packed with quizzes (they're actually fun!), evaluations, and discussion questions. Plus, there are plenty of heartwarming stories to keep you company along the way. Whether you've been walking with God for a long time or you're just exploring your faith, we invite you to discover new freedom, confidence, and influence by adopting Jesus's "me-free" mindset in this crazy, measure-up world. Ready to dive in? Let's do this! "Comparison Girl for Teens graciously points to the only one who can cure all our comparison issues and insecurities: Jesus." —Heather Creekmore, author of several books including Compared to Who? "Shannon and Lee have written a beautiful book filled with relatable stories, personal prayers, and on-point teaching. It's a rich gift to any teen girl who's ready to live 'me-free.'" —Paula Hendricks-Marsteller, author of Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl

Little fights with your husband and kids. Unhappiness when things don’t match your version of perfect. Tension, anger, fear—it all begins with a heart that craves control. When your vision of how life should be replaces God’s vision, you doom your quest for security, peace, and joy before it even starts. Thankfully, there is a better way. Join Shannon as she shares what she has discovered about her own control struggles and about God from studying Control Girls in the Bible. Learn how you too can lay down this burden and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control. “In this funny, tender, and truth-telling book, Shannon Popkin peels back the layers of our control problem.” —Erin Davis, author, blogger, and recovering Control Girl “In the style of Liz Curtis Higgs, Control Girl is an easy and entertaining read, yet Shannon Popkin packs a punch where we so need it if we are to be set free from the stressful habit that robs our joy and ruins our relationships!” —Dee Brestin, author of Idol Lies “With personal vulnerability, biblical depth, powerful personal illustrations, and pointed application questions, Shannon Popkin reveals how seven women of the Bible can teach us how to surrender our will to God’s design for our future.” —Carol Kent, speaker and author of Becoming a Woman of Influence “Control Girl is a penetrating look at how selfishness and self-protectiveness wreck lives—and why surrender and trust are God’s life-giving pathways to true freedom and joy.” —Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author and Revive Our Hearts teacher and host

A thoughtful, helpful workbook to delve even deeper into understanding the dangers of comparison

The multi-million bestselling novel about a young girl's journey towards healing and the transforming power of love, from the award-winning author of The Invention of Wings and The Book of Longings Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted Black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of Black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

This varied and impressive volume is a record of the major presentations at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on the Development of Sex Differences and Similarities in Behavior held at Chateau de Bonas, Gers, France, July 14-18, 1992."