The One Where I Finally Tell You About My Book, Love Idol
This could be the year we say goodbye.
Goodbye to the inner critic and the scorecards and the mirrors that accuse us. Goodbye to the trying harder, and the working faster, and the performing better, and the digging deeper. Goodbye to the crusade for someone’s approval, or someone’s applause. Because really?
There’s a better way to a new you. It doesn’t begin with a list of promises you’ve got to fulfill, but a list of promises already fulfilled for you.
God made a New World’s resolution — to save us — and He kept it. He’s the only God who keeps His promises, and then doesn’t require you to add to it — only to RECEIVE it. He loved us to death, and He loves us to life.
But we can’t receive the fullness of His promise, if we don’t let go of the idols. This could be the year we deliberately lay it all down:
Lay down every mirror, every tally sheet, every report card, everything that tells you that you’re not (______) enough. This year, say it loud to the world, and loud to your very own self: “I’ve had enough of the Not-Enoughs.”
Then, watch how that one lifeless idol crumbles at the foot of the cross.
This is happening, friends:
Back Cover: “You’ve felt it—that deep longing for people to value you, respect you … and love you. You’ve worked hard for their approval. You’ve wanted to make people think you’ve got it all together, but on the inside, you’re falling apart.
Jennifer Dukes Lee knows exactly how it feels to be chained to an approval rating. Jennifer has spent plenty of time and energy trying to earn others’ approval—at work, home, and church—all while wondering what would happen if the facade dropped and everyone saw her hidden mess. She’s made the same mistakes many on of us make as we try to sprint for significance—and wear ourselves out pursuing human love and acceptance above all else.
And now Jennifer leads you on a journey to rediscover the joy found in the unconditional love of God. Through her own life journey, she gently invites you to make peace with yourself and to stop working overtime for an approval that is already yours in Christ. Love Idol will help you dismantle what’s separating you from true connection with God and rediscover the astonishing freedom of a life lived in authentic love.”
Friends, My heart broke wide open with this book. I have been tapping out this story for more than a year. And I offer these words for you, for any one of you who wants to really know she’s loved and approved. Because you are — more than you ever dreamed.
This book, releases April 1 (Tyndale Momentum), with a four-week discussion guide:
Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval—and Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes.
The foreword is written by Lisa-Jo Baker, social-media manager to DaySpring and author of Surprised by Motherhood. Lisa-Jo’s words are life-giving, and I consider it a great privilege to have her beautiful prose shining on the first pages of my book.
Lisa-Jo and I want you to know this:
God’s fathomless love changes how we will live in our moments, how we’ll love in our neighborhoods, and what we’ll be known for in eternity.
I have decided. I want to slay the love idol. I want to be about the cause of Jesus. I want to follow Christ, not the crowd. And I will fight for that until the end.
You in?
“That endless, exhausting crusade for approval? Ends here. A brilliant writer, Jennifer Dukes Lee takes you to the foot of the Cross—and takes one stunning hammer to the foot of the Love Idol. Read this book—and walk free.”
~ Ann Voskamp, author of the New York Times bestseller
#loveidol
#slaytheloveidol
#preapproved
I’m in! Slay Away!
Let’s do this. #karatechoptheloveidol #slaytheloveidol #dropkicktheloveidol
🙂
LOVE this! Putting this book on my wish list! 🙂
I pray, Lori, that the words will bless your precious soul, and that God will whisper His love to you today. 🙂
Hi Mom. Yay! You got the book information out. Love Anna
Thank you, Anna! You and Lydia and Daddy have been THE BEST cheerleaders. Love you so, so, so much.
What Anna said. So proud of you and to be in any way associated with this wonderful book. So much love. LJ
Smooch. Love you back, girl. #preapproved
So, so exciting. I’m looking forward to reading this.
Such fun to finally share the details here, Kristin. Love you to pieces, friend .
Ah! Love the topic. Thanks for writing on it. Can’t wait to dig in!
Sarah,
Thank you for dropping by and offering encouragement. Praying for all of the women (and men who are daring enough to pick up a book with lipstick on the cover! 🙂 ) … praying that we’ll slay the love idol with one bold hammer.
I’m in with you Jennifer! As I read your post here, I remembered (not that I really forgot) that my phrase for this year is…Let go. Not a coincidence, I’m sure!
Oh, friend … Thank you for jumping in with me. It means so much. This community here? It’s the one that gave me the courage. I really appreciate you.
It’s also no coincidence that my guest post at your place today deals with a key piece of the Love Idol … comparison.
http://laurarath.blogspot.com/2014/01/when-you-stop-comparing-and-start.html
Thank you for hosting me today. I’m so excited about your series. I’ll be over to touch base soon!
Oh my friend… you KNOW I am in! I can. not. wait. for this!
Yay! Love it that you’re in. Love it that you’re here. So grateful for your words and your encouragement.
First, congratulations!
You wouldn’t believe what verse God gave me today. Galatians 1:10. Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I’m still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
I’m learning, slowly. Can’t wait for this book to be a part of my journey!
Amy! Thank you so much for being here, for encouraging, and for plunking down the verse that is the spine of the whole message. Galatians 1:10 is so central to the message of the book. How cool is that, that you would mention it here, on this day?
Thank you so much!
I thought I’d come back and share the post I wrote based on the verse. God must be on the move inside the hearts of people-pleasers! http://www.amyjbennett.com/2014/01/07/please-god-not-man/
I pre-ordered my copy last October…CAN. NOT. WAIT. I know this book will minister to me exactly where I need it. Thank you for writing it Jennifer!
I’ll never forget that moment, in the hotel room, where you all had your phones out and ordered. It meant a lot. God has surrounded me with great friends. You are among them!
So exciting! And a book I desperately need to read! Thank you!
OH Cori … Me too. It was a book I desperately needed to write. It was a game-changer for me, what God showed me as I studied and wrote and experienced life in a new way. It’s been a long road, and as you might guess, I had to share some parts of my life that aren’t very pretty.
PTL, friend! This is gonna be a goodie, no doubt. Can’t wait 🙂
Yay! Thank you, Sharita. You are such a dear soul. Love you.
Definitely – you are not in it alone, sister!
It’s so interesting how God winds and weaves lessons He so wants us to hear, aye?
I have an image of the sun shining bright through the woods with these words printed across the shadows: “Who you are has nothing to do with what others think about you. Instead, you are has every single thing to do with what you believe God thinks about you.”
This must be it – time to kick our collective idols to the curb!
Blessings. (& congrats!)
Darlene, I LOVE that quote. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing. That is definitely the essence of the book. You are such a blessing in my life. Grateful to have you here, celebrating today.
ack! even with the typo of the missing word in the quote? 😉
I am sure this book is filled with life giving words…congrats and I look forward to reading and hearing more about it…I pray you feel His refreshing grace after this labor of love!!
It’s been a long process, and God used those words in the book to take me on a life-changing journey of the heart. I pray that the words will be a game-changer for women who read them.
Oh yes! I’m in!
Woot! Thanks friend. xo
Yay! I’m pre-ordering mine. Can’t wait to read!!! So excited for you. 🙂
Oh Beth… That means so much. Thank you for having God-fidence in my words.
I need to read this!!!!!!!!
And I needed to write it — for my own love-idol-ridden heart. It was a path toward freedom, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Yay, Yay, Yay! Cartwheels, jumping jacks, fireworks!!! I am SO excited for the official announcement, Jennifer. I know this is a big day, both for excitement and trepidation – praying for you and LOVING you, girl!
A friend asked me yesterday what she could do during this whole marketing process. I told her, “Remind me to breathe.” (I think you probably know what I mean!)
Another friend Voxed, and reminded me to have FUN. I can be so dramatic, and nervy, and her voice on the other end was a needed reminder that I don’t have to take myself so seriously.
Praying for you, too, Michelle.
What an important topic for today, Jennifer. For one thing, so many of us are preoccupied with how people respond to our posts on social media. I like the provocative title and cover imagery. Good decisions were made, starting with you writing the book!
Hi Jeff, Yes. Social media is like a quick-hit drug for the approval junkie. And it’s creating new addicts, I’m afraid. We are so impatient for someone to tell us *now,* right now, now! NOW! — that we matter. The refresh button is like popping another pill. “Did anyone else comment?” …
Thank you for stopping in to say hello. It means so much. Truly.
IN!
((((SHK)))
Well done.
Thanks so much, Shawn.
I’m So in and grateful for your words that are always an encouragement. Thank you for bravely following the call on your life, Jennifer!
Big hugs, Amy! Thanks for your encouragement.
So excited for you and those of us who will read the pages of your book and be transformed by them. I’m cheering for you from the sidelines, believing in your voice, loving you all the way to the finish line.
It’s as if you read the epilogue! (The sidelines, finish line imagery here… )
Love you, Shelly.
So happy for you Jennifer! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Thank you, Lori. So grateful for your encouragement. And I pray that the book encourages you in your journey of faith.
Love you, three cheers. No 3 hundred cheers. Joining hands in joyful hand squeezes (())
Oh, how you make me smile. Love you, Elizabeth. God bless.
How very exciting! For you AND for each of us touched so deeply by all of the words you share. Yay, you!
Grateful for your words here. Thanks so much, Laura.
Well done. Can’t wait to read it.
Fondly,
Glenda
Thank you, Glenda!
Jennifer,
So very exciting. I know this is going to speak to our deepest fears and insecurities. I’ve been refreshing your page all morning in anticipation of this annoucement…and it’s even better than I expected. To God be the Glory, and Way to GO!!
Chelle
Oh, Chelle. That is my heartfelt prayer … that the words will speak to fears and insecurities. Thank you.
Wonderful, lovely lady. I cannot WAIT to read this! Congrats and blessings to you and all who read it!
Thank you so much, Erin. I hope I get to see you again, in 2014. Meeting you in 2013 was a real treat. Keep up the great work on your websites. You’re doing amazing stuff!
Did you write this just for me?? I believe so. Can’t wait!
And for me. He did a number on me with this one. Thank you, Barb, for being a very special part of this book. Can’t wait to share that piece soon!
I am so proud of you for writing a book, Mom. This is so exciting! Yay! I know God will use this book in amazing ways. His plan for you is good… 😀
Lydia
Lydia, Thank you so much for your kind words. You and Anna and Dad are the very best cheerleaders and encouragers. Let’s do this, OK? Let’s keep reminding each other how much we’re ALREADY LOVED and APPROVED by the King of Kings.
I sense a spirit wind will accompany this book, JDL. 🙂
May we all see the catastrophic in us become beautiful again. I’ve got deep gratitude and joy for your hard work on this project. Not to mention for your wide-open heart and far-reaching wisdom. 🙂
Let Him stir and move. And watch what happens. 🙂
“the catastrophic in us become beautiful again”
Love that, Matthew. Thanks for this.
Excited to read this. Thank you for this.
Appreciate your words here. Thanks, Lorilee.
You are welcome.
Very much looking forward to this!
Thanks, Rachael!
FINALLY is right! 🙂 Fantastic news dear Jennifer! Let’s put on our Iron Maiden gear and go slay that thang! 🙂 Congratulations!
This has taken approximately FOREVER. 🙂 … And April 1 is still a fair way off, but I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to share. 😉
I have been waiting and waiting for this Jennifer. I am all in. Praying now that the Father will use the words He’s given to speak His unending love to the hearts of us who have tried so hard to be enough. I am crying happy tears for you.
You are so dear to me. Thank you. Indebted to you. All of your prayers. I’m just … very … grateful.
Thank you for those prayers for the women who will read this book. I pray every day for those women, and am positively in love with them, even though I can’t see their faces!
I am so excited to finally read this! I can’t wait to get my copy!
Oh, Cari! Thank you. I pray that the words wrap a gentle hug around your heart, reminding you how much your loved by the King.
JLD, so happy for you, my friend. I know the labor you’ve gone through for this baby..Cheering you on~!
Longest. Pregnancy. EVER! Thanks for your encouragement along the way.
I’m just so giddy about this. Will you sign a book plate for me in February? I love you–
Yay! Yes, yes! So glad to be on this journey together with you.
I am so proud of you! And I can’t wait to read, and share, and give away, and promote, etc! 🙂
Oh Ann … This means so much. Thank you for your friendship and your encouragement.
It looks wonderful. Congrats on being another step closer!
Thank you, Kim. Another step closer indeed. April 1 will be here before we know it. No joke. 😉
Congratulations! I’m happy for you, sister! May our Father use the words He placed in your heart to break the chains on all the reader’s hearts.
Thanks, Floyd. Thank you for that prayer. Means so much.
Thrilled for you Jennifer and even more for us, the reader! Cannot wait for this much needed book. Congratulations!
Audra! So great to see you here. Thank you for your encouragement.
Can’t wait to get my copy, but I want an autographed copy! Will I be able to get one from you?
That would be such a privilege to autograph a copy to you, my dear friend. xo
When we lay our idols down, especially at the foot of the Cross, then we raise Him up. Without even having read your book yet, Jennifer, I know unequivocally that this is what you have done….layed your idols down, and raised up the name of Christ through the words and message that He has given you. I will be so pleased to read this book, and to know Christ deeper and dearer as a result. God bless you for your obedience, Jennifer–first to smash and then to share. I rejoice in what the Lord has done.
All my love,
Lynn
Uproot idol. Plant with Christ. Uproot idol. Plant with Christ. Repeat as necessary. Daily.
^^^^
That up there?
That is what God is teaching me. So grateful for His direction, and His unending grace.
Love you, Lynn. So very much, my beautiful friend.
Oh this is the Hosea & Jeremiah message for sure: uprooting the weeds in fallow ground. I’m there, Jennifer; Oh, i’m there!
I’m so excited for you and proud of you, like a big sister. 🙂 I KNOW this book is going to bless many, many hearts. Praying for you as you launch this heart-book. And cheering you on as you do both the easy and hard, large and small things that go along with book promotion–in His strength, for His glory. HUGS!.
You are like a big sister, and you’ve held my hand, friend. Love you so. You lead well … by following Christ.
Thank you so much, Jennifer. You warm my heart. 🙂
Jennifer, you are such a reflection of the love of Christ to this world. Can’t wait to see what he gave you to share with us! So sweet to see your girls cheering you on. Congrats!
Seriously cannot think of a nicer thing to hear tonight. Humbling words. Love you, Dea.
Eeek! This sounds amazing! You are amazing! I am doing the happy dance now for you!! I am so excited and ready to read this!!! Woot! Praise God for His life-giving, soul-freeing truth, and for Him using you to bring it to the Body of Christ. I love you!!! I can’t wait to see you in February!
Yay! This is happening. Can’t wait to catch up with you in Texas. One month! By then, you’ll have come back from the trip of a lifetime. Cannot wait to hear all about it.
I think a lot of us need this book’s message for our love-hungry hearts…I pre-ordered my copy! Looking forward to a great read, Jennifer.
“Love-hungry hearts.” That is it, exactly, Lynn Diane. And to fill our hearts with the only love that will filll, yes? So grateful for your trust and confidence, with your pre-order. It means so much. I pray that the words in the book are a blessing to you.
I’m right there w/ you, too, Lynn Diane…..w/ a heart hungry for HIm!
Love
Lynn Diane
Yes! You make me smile 😀
Two Lynn Dianes!
Congratulations on finishing this, Jennifer… God shines in the words He puts in you, so I know this will be a book that leads others to Him, to His healing, to His grace. I’m excited for you… and to read your words on the pages of a real book. 🙂
Pam, apples of gold
Pam! So grateful for your words here. Thank you for cheering and encouraging. Praying today — and every day — for the women who will read Love Idol. I pray that they know, in the deepest parts of their souls, how dearly they are ALREADY loved.
Oh Jennifer…no words for how BIG God is going to use this. I just know it. I am so SO cheering for you and this message for our hearts! With so much love, friend…xo
So much love to you, Jacque. Thanks for joining me on the journey. Hope I get to see you again soon. You are so delightful online, and it was a great joy to meet you in person in 2013.
So. In.
Yay! I love being where you are … in the places where you are. Love you, Amy.
Jennifer, you are a brilliant writer and a beautiful woman being used by God to point so many others to tell the wonderful story of the gospel and to lay down idols and to love the Lord wholeheartedly. I look forward to someday reading the words that you have birthed in your book.
“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
Oh, Rebekah. Reading those verses in the KJV? Brought a huge wave of relief and truth to my heart. Yes. That is the essence of the book. So grateful for your sharing.
Yeah, so excited for you!
Thank you, Lisa.
Can’t wait for this. So exciting.
Me, too. Thanks, Sharon!
So excited!! Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Jen!
I am so happy for you and I can’t wait to read your book!!! The cover is perfect. I’m here to help in any way I can.
I am so excited and so happy for you!
Jennifer! Congrats, what an important message. I will be happy to share and order the book! Maybe I can save for an extra and give one away. I wish you much success
You know I love your words. And now to be able to see them shared to even more people…this makes my heart so happy. I am cheering for you and cannot wait to see all that God does through this book and His truth of LOVE! XO
Congratulations again, Jennifer. Love the cover. This story is going to encourage a lot of people.