Friday Friend Giveaway! You’re Not the Only One

Sharon JaynesUncategorized 227 Comments

Hurray! It’s Friday and time for the Friday Friend Giveaway. Today, my guest is Holley Gerth. Holley is a precious soul, and one of my prayer partners. She can often be found at a quiet corner table in a coffee shop with a hot latte and her banged up, beloved laptop. She’s the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing and several other books as well as a counselor and life coach. Today she’s sharing from her newest book, Fiercehearted. You’re going to love her. I do.

I recently got invited to speak at a casual event, just an opportunity for women in a particular city to come together for an evening of conversation and connection. And, yes, of course dessert. Even so, at the last minute I still considered giving in to my fear. Letting someone else do it. Handing the microphone right over.

But then I remembered one little phrase: you’re not the only one. You see, I had been telling myself that the other women at the event would have it all together. Their hair would be freshly highlighted, lip gloss perfectly applied, and their lives (as well as kitchen cabinets) would be in proper order. They would show up overflowing with good cheer and never once think about hiding behind the cupcake tower. Unlike me.

Thankfully, Jesus had been showing me that we are all more alike than different. We are all broken. We are all beautiful. We are all in need of grace. We are all glory reflectors. We are the paradox people.

So I accepted the invitation to speak and now the big moment has arrived. I step away from the cupcake table and up to the microphone so I can share my heart with the women who have been brave enough to show up too. I say something like this to the crowd:

Look around this room.

You’re not the only one who has struggled with an addiction.

You’re not the only one whose heart has been shattered by a divorce.

You’re not the only one who is worried no one will like you.

You’re not the only one who wonders if God is still listening.

You’re not the only one who desperately needs a night away from dirty laundry and loud children.

This is what community means—it’s saying even if the specifics of our lives and stories are different, we both understand what it means to be human and we choose to do that with each other rather than apart.

I also share that I’ve begun saying “You’re not the only one” in another way too. I have said it to myself with capital letters, “You’re not the Only One.” In other words, “You’re not Jesus.” Last time I checked no one else on the planet is either.

This is excellent news because it means we don’t have to save the world. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to take care of everything and everyone all the time. There is only One who can do those things, and he’s quite good at them. It also means there is Only One who is truly deserving of our glory and our honor and our praise. Our lives are not about us. They are about Him. Yes and amen.

I eventually step on the stage to hug necks and, of course, find the coffee and cupcakes again. The frosting alone is worth not letting the lies and fears win.

So just in case we’re facing something hard or scary in our lives today, I’ll whisper the truth one more time: you’re not the only one. And the only One who can do the impossible is always with us. We’ve got each other too, the whole unseen sisterhood stretched out through history—an imperfect and unstoppable force.

Are you facing something scary today? If this devotion has helped you face it like the fierce hearted woman God created you to be, then leave a comment to say, “I’m a fierce hearted woman!” We’ll randomly choose one comment to win a free copy of Holley’s book, Fierce hearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely. 

Every day we struggle to find more freedom, joy and purpose. What if the solution isn’t trying harder or being better but embracing the fiercehearted woman already inside us? In her most powerful and personal book yet, Holley empowers and encourages women not simply through “how to” but by life-changing, heart-freeing “me too.” Join Holley on this journey to becoming a fiercehearted woman and discover what she did: the freedom and courage to embrace life, love, and faith to the fullest because your struggles can no longer hold you back.

Congratulations to Betty Martin who won a Free copy of Suzie Eller’s book Come With Me.

Congratulations to Jill Calloway who won a Free copy of Chrystal Evans Hurst’s book, She’s Still There.

 

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Comments 227

    2. Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good , and acceptable, and perfect , will of God. The best present that you can give God this Christmas, is yourself, and your family, with Love. Karen Wornath

      Reply

    1. Yes, I hear you, Sandy! You definitely aren’t the only one having a really rough life right now…me too! Let’s hang in there knowing the Only One has us in His hands. I’m constantly reminding myself to lift my eyes to Him!

      Reply

  11. I’m a fierce hearted woman who is so happy that I’m not the “only one” and is thankful to be reminded I’m not the ONLY ONE. Happy Friday.

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  12. I’m not the only one…sometimeso you have to do it afraid! This year has been the “just do it “year for me.With so much change and differences come lots of heavy emotions. Thanks for reminding me that I am not the only one dealing with “things ” in this world!

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  15. I’m a fierce-hearted woman!!!

    Wow, such a powerful message. Thank you, Holley, for sharing from your heart, and thank you, Sharon, for sharing Holley with us!

    Reply

  18. I’m a fierce hearted woman!
    Breast cancer is not going to get the best of me! I have already Overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony!

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  23. I’m a firece hearted woman! I needed that reminder as well. So much craziness from my oldest sister is going on right now. Still it is in God’s hands and not mine.

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  24. I AM a fierce hearted woman. Not always understood,not always accepted, but I am a Fierce hearted woman.

    Thank you for this devotion today. It seemed hand picked for my situation. May God bless you!

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  26. I am a fierce hearted woman! I would love to win this book,lots going on and I need this book as a reminder of all I can do through Christ who gives me strength

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  29. I truly needed to read this today!!! I’ve been struggling to break free from certain people and things that hold me back ftom emracing life, love and faith. So I’d love to join Holley on this journey to becoming a fiercehearted woman and discover what she did: the freedom and courage to embrace life, love, and faith to the fullest because your struggles can no longer hold you back.
    Yes and Amen!

    Reply

  30. I’m a fierce-hearted woman! My daughter has cancer and there are times I feel that she isolates and withdraws. In turn I find myself thinking I’m the only mother going thru this with an adult child. This devotion was refreshing as she has been withdrawing this week. Thank you for sharing!

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  32. I’m a fierce hearted woman but just started out on a new journey in my life……widowhood. I’m not liking it necessarily and I’m a bit scared BUT I am trusting God One moment at a time, one day at a time.
    May He be glorified!

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  34. I am a fierce hearted woman, and I do have a tendency to hide behind cupcakes, flowers, and even smiles rather than talk. I need to let the woman inside out more and more!

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  35. I’m a fierce hearted woman. God and I just completed breast cancer treatment and with no fear in each step. Thank you girls for your devotions, funny how every one touches home.

    Thanks, Patsy Grinstead

    Reply

  41. “I’m a fierce hearted woman!”
    Thank you for sharing this today. I really needed to hear that I am not the only one. Blessings.

    Reply

  46. I’m a fierce hearted woman!!!

    I truly needed your post today.

    Thank you for always being able to “shake” some sense back in me.

    Reply

  47. Thanks for the the “your’e not the only one statements” and the very valuable statement that stood out to me “our lives are not about us,but about Him. We are to keep our whole being focused on Jesus. Ephesians 2:20 -21″‘ Together, we are His house,built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself. We are carefully joined together in Him, becoming a holy temple for God.”

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  48. I am a fierce hearted woman. As a Pastor’s wife I needed to hear that I am not the only one who feels lonely and isolated, who sometimes wants to stay in bed and have my time with Jesus at home rather than deal with church people. I needed to hear this

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  50. Thank you for today’s post. It was just what I needed. I am a fierce hearted woman. Love the phrase “you’re not the only one”…very powerful.

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  54. My marriage has been a struggle the last few years…going back to work when my husband lost his job, learning to delegate my mom duties and subsequently dealing with my husband NOT wanting to take over those duties. But I am finding “my fierce-hearted woman”. I think 🙂
    Thank you for this lesson today. I needed it.

    Reply

  55. I was struggling with a project I signed on for that is taking place tomorrow (Saturday), so this was so very timely for me – I am not the only One is perfect !!

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  56. This is very much on time for me. I have been struggling with my position in the Lord sometimes comparing myself to others feeling like I am not strong as they are, or as efficient, and but I know that I’m not the only one that struggles with these things, but I also know that God can and will use me because I’m a fierce hearted woman

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  58. I’m a fierce hearted woman!

    God’s reminders even come in wonderful email devotions! Thank you for sharing your story and giving me the encouragement needed to continue growing in Christ!

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  60. Thanks for the message! As a mom we all try to do everything for everyone. Thank you Jesus for being our “Only One”…We need that reassurance today transitioning our child to sober living home from rehab. We have struggled with our daughters addiction for years but have finally released her to God for His Plan in His time…we hope this is the time she will grip God’s love go help her succeed through her addiction. She has to realize the “Only One” to help her is the One True Healer!

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  61. I am a “fierce-hearted” woman…in the face of a relationship ending, losing my job and possibly having to relocate…The one and only One will be right beside me as I travel this unfamiliar road. Blessings

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  63. Thru God the Father, Christ His Son, and The Gift of the Holy Spirit within me, I am a fierce hearted woman! Thank You, Lord!

    Reply

  66. I am a fierce hearted woman! This devotion spoke to me today. I am not the only one.
    I am retired, all my family (children and grandchildren) live very far away. We recently (2years ago) sold our home of 30+ years, downsized into a much smaller home and moved to another state to be near a brother as he was dealing with cancer. This summer I was blessed to be with him as his soul went to be with Jesus. So now what? Is this where God wants me? Trying to find a new community and get involved is difficult at any age but even tougher in the twilight years. I fell alone and yet I feel Jesus is with me and telling me to wait on Him
    I long for family, for a connection with my “sister” community, to feel involved again
    But, I know I am not the only one and I know Jesus is near

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  68. I am a fierce hearted woman!! This has been a struggle for me…so glad you helped me look at things differently! Thank you 🙂

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  69. I’m a fierce hearted woman and I will take the everyday struggles of life head on! God is by my side and He will be overcome anything!

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  70. This year has had a lot of struggles in my marriage .. Finances .. And a daughter fighting a battle against leukemia … A son and his wife fighting infertility .. And a bright side of a daughter expecting her first child … Being a fierce hearted woman has been important. Thank you so much for this word today it was exactly what I needed!

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  73. Wow! There are a lot of different messages in the phrase: You’re not the only one. Many messages and each one is a good lesson. Thank you for sharing her work. God bless!

    Reply

  76. I have adopted 5 girls and am legal guardian to another who is 17. Two of my girls struggle with who they are in this world to a much deeper degree than the others. This book sounds like it would be a wonderful thing for them to read and understand that they are wonderful women as they are and they should embrace their strengths and their weaknesses that also make them strong. coming from someone other than mom would be great.

    thank you

    Reply

  77. I have adopted 5 girls and am legal guardian to another who is 17. Two of my girls struggle with who they are in this world to a much deeper degree than the others. This book sounds like it would be a wonderful thing for them to read and understand that they are wonderful women as they are and they should embrace their strengths and their weaknesses that also make them strong. coming from someone other than mom would be great.

    thank you

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Reply

  80. Yep…that’s me…afraid to volunteer because someone else will do it better than me! I’m buying this book!
    And…eating a cupcake while I read it😍

    Reply

  83. I am a fierce hearted woman as I face the spinal surgery Mon the 13th on my only child. I have already prayed God will show me someone who is in the waiting room going through what I will go through that I will be a blessing to them.

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    1. Edit….I AM A FIERCE HEARTED WOMAN!!! I am battling PTSD and it is extremely difficult but I am not alone. I am not the only one!

      Reply

  90. Thanks for letting us realize that we all struggle with these issues – some more than others.

    Thanks for reminding me that its not up to me to fix everything and to be everything.

    That’s HIS job!!

    It was a much needed lesson !
    Thanks so much
    BW

    Reply

  91. “I’m a fierce hearted woman!” I have been dealing with work, home & my 86 year old Mother who had a stroke 4 weeks ago today. So yes I do feel like I am the only one. God had His hand on her and she is doing great.

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  92. Thank you for the devotion today. It encouraged me to know that I’m not the only one who is going through things but that I can lean on The Only One who is healing me with it all. I am strong through he Lord.

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  99. I’m a fierce hearted woman! It’s hard to be vulnerable and admit that we feel “less-than” but when we do, so many others join in the chorus.

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  102. I am a fierce hearted woman. I would love to read this book. I always think I am the only one who is struggling to live the Christian life.

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  107. Oh my goodness, goodness! As I read this I began to find comfort, and then massive waves of anxiety. Today, this very day, my life will change drastically. For the good, but I am so afraid.
    Your share reminded me I’m not the only one. Jesus, my Savior is here with me.

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  109. So comforting to not be the only one. Life can sure throw us curve balls, the next time one comes my way, I’m going to remember ( I’m not the only one.) Thank you

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  111. I so needed this this morning! I have been facing a lot of loss and my share of insecurities recentky, and this devotional ministered to my heart ❤. Thank you! We ALL need to know we’re not the only ones! Blessings ☺

    Reply

  113. “I’m a fierce hearted woman!” – My husband had Biopsies done yesterday on nodules on both sides of his Thyroid, results between today and tues am. I know Jesus is at my side waiting with me.

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  114. I very much want to be a fiercehearted woman – to the glory and honor of God! Thank you for sharing, Sharon and Holley. May God continue to bless you richly.

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  119. We had moved in to take care of my Mom and work is getting more demanding and trying to not give up my volunteer job of loving on teen moms . Lots piling on! Needed to hear that today! Not the only one! Not able me! Thanks

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  120. As soon as I read those words-you’re not the only one…my heart quieted. Ahhhh relief. Solace. I am a fierce hearted woman!!

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  122. I am a fierce hearted woman!
    Recently- through an unplanned chain of events- my 86 year old mother has come to live with us- to say this was a sharp right turn in my life plans is an understatement- but God is showing me that His plans are bigger than mine- and that I am stronger than I thought or ever imagined I could be- but not without His help.
    Thank you Lord for Your will in my life and not my own 🙂

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  124. Thank you for being so honest about your fears, if we as women were real about ourselves and lifted each other up every day it would make a difference one woman at a time. I have tried to teach my daughters to commend a woman who they run across who is talented or gifted, rather than first find her flaws because of our own insecurities in ourselves. We are all imperfect, and in that way it makes us perfect especially when we are honest.

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  125. I’m a thankful fierce hearted woman!!!!! As I’m drinking my prep for a colonoscopy!!!!!
    Yes, fierce hearted for sure!!! Praise you, Lord Jesus!!

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  130. It seems like I struggle every day but I hide it so well. I look so put together on the outside but feel so falling apart on the inside. I feel like a failure, I quit my job to try and help with my Mom then she moved in with my Sister and her family, now I still am without a job. I pray continuously and am trusting Him but that small.voice of doubt likes to creep.in and cause the fear and doubt. I want to be self sufficient again and depend on myself for my own support.

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  133. I need to be fierce hearted right now…my husband is in recovery for alcoholism and started a layoff today. I am working fulltime and caring for my daughter with down syndrome. I am loaded down with a need for God to empower me to give me some hope and strength. I am desperate for courage and strength to be a good supportive wife, caring mother and to find some time for self care.

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  139. I’m trying desperately to believe that “I’m a fierce hearted woman!” I’m so thankful the Only One is with me all the time!! ❤️🙏🏻

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  146. I am a fierce hearted woman! Struggling with anxiety and depression is hard to deal with, but my faith is stronger. I enjoy receiving these emails. They make me want to fight harder to win my battle.

    Reply

  150. I am totally blind & it’s very hard when I can’t go & do whenever I want to & when I have to ask for help sometimes. I am very independent but when I read this it made me sit down & think that Jesus is always here for me through the good times and the difficult times. He has made me a Fierce Hearted Woman!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

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  160. Wow, does our Lord Jesus know exactly what we need to hear at the exact time in our lives, to him be the glory! Amen!
    I am a fierce-hearted women through Christ who strengthens me. Amen! Amen! Amen!

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  174. “I’m a fierce hearted woman!”
    Through Gods grace and mercy, my marriage of 22 years, almost ended in divorce a year and a half ago. I had figured out that my husband was having an affair (with a girl from work and, she’s 16 years younger than him). I was heartbroken and still struggle but through Christian counseling that we both did and fervent prayers, our marriage has been better than it ever has. I can’t imagine my life or my marriage without God and my husband. And our beautiful daughter (22 yrs old) and amazing son (18 yrs old) The enemy will not win this battle!! It’s already been won by the blood of Jesus!!

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  182. I am a fierce hearted woman
    Jesus really cares about you.
    Jesus is my heart and soul
    My eyes are always on you.
    Bless these women every day.
    Take their cares away.
    You love us as we are.
    Because You love us so,
    I will never let go.
    Amen.
    This is my prayers for all.
    2006 Accident, lost my voice, Love, my language.
    Sylvia

    Reply

  194. Learning to be a fierce hearted women. Please pray for me and my sister in laws relationship. I really need the Holy Spirits guidance. There is bitterness and anamosity that she feels toward me that she shares with my brother her husband but won’t tell me. I’ve asked for forgiveness for whatever I’ve done to offend her. The stress of her constant outburst of her feelings against me are literally killing my brother. He is physically sick.Please please pray. ty

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  199. I’m a fierce-hearted woman!
    I’m learning to trust more in God’s sovereignty and His mercy and not try to figure things out on my own…knowing that He controls my life, this world, and everything that happens. That He is always working for my good and His glory!

    Reply

  204. If I had been the only one who struggled with addiction…The only one who wondered if God hears my prayers…The only one who wondered if He even cares !t all. If I had been the only one who needed Him, then He still would have done it….He still would have willingly sacrificed His life for mine. He still would have loved me….AND He still does

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  205. I AM A FIERCE HEARTED WOMAN! It’s not Friday but I just found the blog and have to say
    “Thank You”. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE and I’M NOT ALONE, I needed the reminder that I don’t need to solve every problem or issue. I serve an AWESOME GOD!

    Reply

  213. I am strong, but often guilty ridden. I am not fierce-hearted, but am gentle hearted. So I struggle with myself because I just can’t imagine just how much God loves me, yet the word of God testifies that He truly does. I loved the devotional on the rooster.

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  217. I am a Fierce hearted woman! Thanks for spreading his word! I enjoy reading your posts Sharon 🙂 I think I needed this reminder today <3

    Reply

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