Finding Freedom From Comparison
Interview Series
Series Introduction
We are beloved. There is nothing we can do to earn or lose this inherent truth. However, it can be difficult to live this truth in our daily lives –especially in a world filled with ever new and constant demands and influences that require so much of us, to be more: more accomplished, more fit, more popular. In fact, sometimes, we’ll look up and find ourselves stuck in the false reality we have created for ourselves instead of living into the belovedness He desires for us.
Whether we’re trying to lose weight, be noticed for our Instagram posts, or make it look like we have a perfectly fulfilling life, we’re constantly striving to be “better,” when we should be aspiring to be made whole.
When comparison strikes, we limit our capacity to engage our belovedness –to love and to be loved. We cannot give of ourselves when we fail to recognize who we are. Likewise, we cannot fully receive the gift of another. We pray these interviews help bring you into an ongoing conversation about a very familiar issue. Freedom from comparison can be a lifelong battle for many of us, but in spending our lives remembering who God is to us, He’ll remind us who we are to Him.
This interview series was compiled and edited by Ashley Hinojosa
Part I:
Accepting My Belovedness
Interview with Megan Lass
“I would classify myself as the queen of comparison. The more I grow in my relationship with God the less I struggle with it, but the temptation is still there. The devil loves comparison. One of my catch phrases could probably be “comparison is the thief of joy.” It is present in everything and I think that everyone struggles with it starting with Adam and Eve.
I think that comparison continues to be more and more prevalent because of our access to social media. Online sites are like a breeding ground for comparison. People are constantly putting out the ‘best’ version of themselves and their lives. Edited pictures, perky captions, and life’s highest moments flood our feeds. While these things are not inherently bad and it is great to share life’s joys with others, it often lacks authenticity.”
Part II
Becoming Free In My Individuality
Interview with Emily Burt
Growing up I was always an odd kid. I didn’t learn how to properly read until 5th grade, I had unique interests, and I was the only girl amongst my 3 brothers, making it hard to understand and relate to other girls my age. Those whispers of self-doubt festered throughout adolescence and still to this day, can creep into my mind with false insecurities. “You’re not bright,” “You don’t know your career path,” “You’re not a ‘traditionally feminine; Catholic woman”... The last one makes my eyes roll to the back of my head.
My relationship with social media has drastically changed with time but during high school, it became my encyclopedia for learning how to conform to the mold of acceptance. I specifically looked up to three girls at my high school and attempted to mimic their mannerisms on social media all for the sake of approval. It’s safe to say, I failed and thank goodness I did.
Part III
Discovering the Truth of Who I Am
Interview with Kaitlyn Callahan
“This past year I found myself in a vulnerable head and heart space. I began comparing myself to people on social media without even realizing it. I only noticed that I was doing this when I had trouble feeling happy about the success of even my closest friends, almost as if I had trained my mind to put myself down even in the face of the people who love me the most. When I did this, I isolated myself more. It seemed like I couldn’t escape the idea that everyone was thriving except for me, and even worse, that God had forgotten about his promise of abundant life for me. These lies arise from a gap - an absence of goodness and affirmation. So I grasped for affirmation and fulfillment in places that ultimately cannot satisfy: social media, my fiance, shopping, the idea of my “perfect wedding day,” or from venting to friends. I found that when I did this, however, I was ignoring the gaping hole in my heart. Similar to when you have a hole in your pocket, and no matter how often you try to fill it, everything still gets lost anyway.”
Part IV
Finding Myself in My Relationship With God
Interview with Mary Peters
In my experience, comparing myself to others has been an exhausting pursuit that has left me feeling void of everything that makes me unique.
While my insecurities and social media, at times, have left me feeling ungrateful for the many wonderful things in my life, there’s a beauty in it too. Every time I see a photo of a newborn baby, a friend who just graduated/or got promoted, or wedding photos of life long lovers, I am reminded that God wants my life to be filled with these breathtaking/joyful moments