"I'm Not Good Enough"... and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves

Sharon Jaynes
Harvest House Publishers (2009)
ISBN 9780736918701
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/09) 

“I’m not good enough… I’m worthless… I’m a failure… If only I were [insert your own bane here… younger, thinner, blonder, cuter, smarter…], I’d be happy…” Does any of that sound familiar? Or more likely, do all of those sound all too familiar to you? Chances are, particularly if you are a woman, that you’ve said them to yourself so many times already they’ve became nearly a mantra by now. Let’s face it, people tend to be overly critical of their selves, and we women are particularly good at this. And the more we repeat those things, the more we tend to believe them. Our minds are very powerful weapons, and our souls as well as our self-esteem are far from immune to them.

“I’m Not Good Enough’…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves” by Sharon Jaynes is an illuminating book,  and true to the first chapter of it, called the “House of Mirrors,” one that hold a relentless mirror in front of us and fairly forces us to take a good look at ourselves. It is also a very freeing book, one that teaches us to be as forgiving and accepting of ourselves as God is of us, and one that shows us the truth behind such harshly uttered statements. Strangely enough, the truth is very freeing and immensely empowering. And what is that truth? Simple enough, it is one that teaches us that we are chosen by God, that we are worthy and that we are loved by God.

Divided into easy to follow, clearly outlined chapters, dealing with various lies we tell ourselves, filled with relevant quotes and exercises which teach us how to replace those lies with truth, “I’m Not Good Enough” shows the reader how to spot those lies and how to deal with them. Certain parts really hit the spot with me, particularly the one about “swollen imaginations” and “I’m not _____ enough.” I was also deeply touched and intrigued by the “Why Do Bad Things Happen,” a chapter that addressed some of the fundamental issues that I’ve always had trouble with.

Clearly geared towards the Christian woman, this book would nonetheless be immensely beneficial to everybody, since practically every single one of us is guilty of such harsh assessments of one’s self. Therefore, if you would like to become more confident and happier, more accepting, and more accepted, make sure not to miss the valuable lessons taught by “I’m Not Good Enough” by Sharon Jaynes.

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