Shannon Popkin - Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World

In a sideways-glancing, elbow-jamming, status-grasping culture, Comparison Girl supplies an upside-down approach to an age-old problem. Shannon Popkin exposes the crippling effects that comparison has on our forward motion in the kingdom, yet she also demonstrates how healthy comparison can inspire us to rise up and walk free. Discover how to exchange feelings of superiority for a lifestyle of service and feelings of inferiority for a lifetime of belonging.

Katie M. Reid, author of Made Like Martha and cohost of The Martha & Mary Show podcast

If you struggle with measuring up, if youre worried about what people think, if you dread someone seeing you in a less than ideal situation, then youre human. We all struggle with comparing ourselves to others. That means we all need Shannons honest and wise words on the pages of this book. I know I did, and Im betting you do too!

Jill Savage, author of No More Perfect Moms

In Comparison Girl, Shannon combines Jesuss teachings with brilliant spiritual insights and powerful tools like the Disgust Factor Challenge that invite you to leave comparison behind in favor of freedom in Christ. If you want to love people more, let go of beating yourself up, and shake off our cultures me-first mindset, then grab Comparison Girl and gather some friends so you can share this experience together.

Barb Roose, speaker and author of Surrendered and Winning the Worry Battle

What youre holding in your hands isnt a much-needed book; its a desperately needed battle plan! With a humble pen and a bold honesty, Shannon invites us to look closely at our subtle comparison game and recognize the truth behind it: comparison is not just a harmless habit but an all-out attack on the life weve been created to live. Using the very words of Jesus, Shannon shows us how to trade the exhaustion of measure-up comparison for the exhilaration of me-free living. If youre tired of letting the enemy use comparison to confiscate your joy, steal your significance, and destroy your relationships, this book will equip you to fight back!

Alicia Bruxvoort, speaker and writer with Proverbs 31 Ministries

Shannon Popkin has masterfully written another must-read to speak to the struggles of our soul. Like a dear friend she sits with us and soothes us with the truth of how purposefully we were created, how intentionally we have been gifted, and how infinitely we are loved. Inviting us to listen to the tender truths of God and silence the enemys lies, Shannon shows us how to live freely in a culture of continual comparison. For every woman who wonders if she is truly enoughhere is your answer.

Erica Wiggenhorn, author of Unexplainable Jesus

Comparison Girl is a needed resource for todays women. I love how Shannon takes us through comparison in Scripture, acknowledging how normal it is for us to compare but also providing biblical principles for taking our eyes off of others and directing them to Jesus Christ.

Brenda Yoder, LMHC, speaker and author of Fledge

Shannon Popkin helps us take a fresh and challenging look at the everyday mindsets we wrestle with. Showing us Gods higher ways straight from the life of Jesus, she calls us from our me-focused thinking to His kingdom-focused purposes. After this study and with the power of the Holy Spirit, I wont allow those thoughts to stay around any longer.

Lynn Cowell, author of Make Your Move

Comparison is a sneaky issue that can work its way into almost any situation. But is all comparison bad? Through her in-depth study of the Scriptures, Shannon Popkin reveals two sides to this prevalent issue: negative, sinful comparison and positive, biblical comparison. This book convicted me of the sinful tendencies hidden in my heart and encouraged me to view myself and others through the eyes of Christ.

Kate Motaung, author of A Place to Land

I am a Comparison Girl. I never wanted to play into the enemys plan for dismantling my contentment and peace, and I suspect you dont want to either. So its high time we cast aside our measuring mentality and adopt a new way. Shannon Popkin expertly walks us through the markers and mistakes of this measure-up world and gently points us to a better way. With humor and brutal honesty, Shannon fights for her readers hearts with biblical wisdom, humility, and truth.

Lee Nienhuis, author and host of the Moms in Prayer podcast

Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World

2020 by Shannon Popkin

Published by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel Inc., 2450 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in reviews.

Distribution of digital editions of this book in any format via the internet or any other means without the publishers written permission or by license agreement is a violation of copyright law and is subject to substantial fines and penalties. Thank you for supporting the authors rights by purchasing only authorized editions.

The persons and events portrayed in this book have been used with permission. To protect the privacy of these individuals, some names and identifying details have been changed.

The reader who is in an abusive relationship is urged to seek input from a trusted pastor or friend, especially when making me-free applications of this book that would compromise personal health and wholeness. This book is not intended to replace professional care.

Author is represented by the literary agency of Credo Communications, LLC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, www.credocommunications.net.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CEV are from the Contemporary English Version, second edition (CEV). Copyright 2006 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked VOICE are from The Voice. Copyright 2012 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-0-8254-4621-4, print

ISBN 978-0-8254-7606-8, epub

Printed in the United States of America

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To my three kids: Lindsay, Cole, and Cade.
May you always find confidence, freedom, and joy in living by the spout, not the lines.

K EN, THANKS FOR encouraging me to pour out every last drop required to write this book. My writing would not be possible without your love and support. Im so grateful to have you by my side, making me laugh, helping me stay focused on our kingdom goals, and sharing the treasure of life. You are such a gift to me.