In January 2010, I sold my first book to a publisher. Since then, I’ve written six additional full-length novels, and I’ve built a business. But over the last decade I also endured a MAJOR back surgery, seven additional surgeries, the breakup of my 29-year marriage, multiple moves, and bouts of depression. And that’s just the beginning.
Why list those events?
Because I need to remind myself of the truth. And I encourage you to do the same. Here’s why.
I signed onto Facebook yesterday and noticed another author’s post—she was celebrating the release of her fifteenth novel. Her debut novel was published the same year as my debut novel. She’s now written more than twice as many books as I’ve written. I also noticed another novelist’s post in her private readers group. I glanced at the number of participants in her group, did the math, and realized she has 90% more people in her group than I have in mine. Then I read of another author’s starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.
You see where this is going, right?
Downhill. And fast.
But I caught myself. Because I know what happens when you reach the bottom of the comparison hill—you crash. Hard. And a crash like that can leave a woman, a writer, paralyzed. Unable to move forward through her own perceived failures.
Instead, I’ve learned to put on the brakes. To stop. And to take stock. “What’s true?” I ask myself. Then I make a list, sometimes like the one above. Other times, I list all the tasks I’ve accomplished in a week, especially when one unfinished project tempts me to believe I’ve done nothing significant.
But more important than asking ourselves what’s true? is turning to the Truth. In those moments when we’ve compared our circumstances to those of another and ended up feeling discontented, what does Jesus say? I hear him whisper, his tone tender, “What is that to you?” (John 21:15–22).
Yes, what is that to me? What is that to you? God’s path for someone else is not his path for me, nor is it his path for you.
The question then comes, will I trust God’s path for me?
Will I trust that he loves me beyond fathoming? Will I trust even when I don’t understand? Will I trust that he works all things for good for those who love him, those he’s called (Romans 8:28)?
Will I trust him?
Will you?
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Truth, in perspective. Thank you for the encouragement!
You’re welcome, Peggy. Thank you for reading the post and for your encouragement.
A VERY welcome reminder.It’s so easy to drift into horizontal views instead of straight-up vertical! Thank you!
“Horizontal views” – YES! A great way of looking at it. Thank you, Linda.
Thank you, Ginny. The reminder I needed this morning. Your vulnerability encouraged me. I wrote down the question you asked, “Will I trust God’s path for me?” My answer came in a verse that has shaped my days this year, “You will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or you turn to the left.” Is. 30:21
I hadn’t seen it in light of comparing my path with someone else’s. But your words cast light on that truth and really expanded my understanding. Thanks again!
Marjorie, thank you for your insightful comment. Yes, Is 30:21 is another powerful reminder that the God of the Old Testament works the same way today in our lives, directing our steps. Yesterday morning, as I asked God to lead me through a busy day, step-by-step, this post came to mind. It wasn’t on my to-do list, I had many other things demanding my attention. But when we listen, we will hear Him behind us saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Blessings to you and your writing.
I woke up this morning feeling I’d wasted so much time. It’s my birthday tomorrow, which always brings out a little bit of comparison introspection. Well, to be honest I do some comparing at other times too. So the timing of your post was perfect. I needed the reminder to trust his path.
Happy early birthday, Ellen! There’s nothing like a birthday to get us looking in the rearview mirror, is there? I’m grateful the post spoke to you. God knew what we needed this week.
Wow. Why am I always surprised by a word directed to me at the very moment I need to read and receive it? I believe it is how God works, one of the many ways He meets us in our present, whatever that may be. And presently, I am struggling with lack of my own accomplishment… big time. So grateful for your revealing words this morning and your encouragement to look to the Truth… and to trust. Thank you Ginny.
And Jilliann, if you ever need a reminder of what you have accomplished, give me a call, I’ll make the list for you, and it will be long!
In my eyes you’ve accomplished a lot. I’m a new writer still trying to understand story structure! A published novel is still just a dream to me. See how that comparison circle can just keep going if we don’t stop it? Like you said, trust in God’s plan for us is key to make it stop. Thank you for this post.
Nicole, as I wrote the post I knew there would be others who may compare themselves to me and my journey. Crazy, isn’t it? We will always find someone who has accomplished more than we’ve accomplished. So yes, we must take our eyes off others and look to God.
Ginny, I love the thought of Jesus asking, “What is that to you?” Aaaagh!!! Such an important thing to ponder!! Thank you for your truthful, graceful reminder!!♥️
Teresa, I’m so grateful the lessons God is teaching me, also speak to others.
I sure get this, Ginny. After over 40 years of speaking and writing and feeling like I’m on the last legs of ministry because few opportunities come my way, I can choose to rejoice in how God used me. And also know if God wants me to have any opportunity even now, He will make it happen. God bless you, friend.
Wise words, Kathy! Thank you.
Ginny,thanks so much for your transparency, and for sharing a truth we all need to hear. God custom designs a journey for each one of us to turn us into the daughter after His heart that He desires. Paul tells the Corinthians that those who “compare themselves with themselves are not wise”. His admonition is still as timely for us today as when he wrote it.
Dorsee, thank you for sharing your wise words. Yes, I too believe this journey is more about our transformation than anything else. Blessings…
Thank you for writing this post, Ginny. I’m new to the publishing world, and I do struggle with the demon of comparison. Your post was a reminder to trust God’s plans and timing for me.
Welcome to the world of publishing, Mabel. When we finally arrive, it seems like those “demons” would disappear, but they continue to hound us, don’t they? So grateful we can look to Jesus for what really matters.
I needed this reminder as one who has worked on the first book since 2016. It’s in the beta reader phase and hope to be published by the end of the year.
Hang strong & long, Debbie.
The whole NCWA gang is behind you.
Ms. Yttrup…
I’d relish the ‘comparison mash’,
IF I could get rep’d/pub’d.
After, I’d regret it & let God.
I believe.
Thnx for your Words.
Hoping you continue to persevere, Mac! While the road to publication is long, and it seems others are passing us by, it is, I believe, one of the places we learn the most about writing, certainly, but also about ourselves.