We know this is not possible, but for a moment let's imagine I could.
Imagine I was a friend, to a girl who didn't really didn't have many.
Dear lovely,
You are that. Don't ever lose sight of that. As you look into the mirror, and see a girl with big teeth, and thin hair that's an average color and skin that will give you problems for the foreseeable future…never ever think you are less than a girl who the Lord rejoices over with singing.
When the thoughts seem to invade that no boy will ever love you -that you will never be like the other girls who have long, luscious hair. Surely they are the ones who will get everything, them and the girls with porcelain skin. Remember, He who does not miss a single detail. He wanted you the way you are, and He delights in you lovely. What a strong word.
I have watched you dear one, and I need to tell you, let go of fear. If you don’t lose it now, it will rule your life for years. Years that will be wasted, moments that will be lost and memories that will not come again. You lose so much when you fear. Don’t roll you eyes when someone tells you that God did not put fear into you. I know they are simply words, but instead of dismissing them, pray for them to become truth. One day you’ll discover that fear is a very real thing-but it’s not worth all the things you miss out on. And there will always be things to be afraid of, and some are very real things. But, you must keep walking. Forge ahead. Remember, it feels good to show courage.
Oh darling, families can be rough. Brothers will say hurtful things, sisters come at a sensitive age, and parents are human. Know this, family will always be there. As you grow up you’ll see, it’ll be clear, but for now-take my word for it. When you’re hurt, or you need to share somewhere safe, family is there. They have your back when it matters. They love you. Yes, they can hurt you and disappoint you in ways that no one else can. They know you, and that is not always a good thing. Or at least that’s what it feels like.
Be free lovely. That’s what I urge the most. Cut your hair. Get your ears pierced. Spend money to get a manicure, go horseback riding, sprint down next to a busy road-simply to feel the burn of your lungs. You are alive-and that is a glorious thing. There will be times where it doesn’t feel like that. Where you want to hide from life. You want to go and build a life in somewhere far-like New York and be a girl who knows no one. Because maybe then life would stop hurting. Because people move and leave. Whether physically or just by changing. There will be times dear one, where you will think you can’t take another step, or breathe deep and free again. But fear not, you will. In the meantime-help yourself and be. Simply be in the moment. Dye your hair, wear a completely different style. Learn how to play guitar (you’ll want that so badly later). And yes, boys are confusing. Boys will make your heart feel things that come no other way. And the hurt of a heartbreak is not exaggerated-there is no other pain or void like that.
Lastly love…never stop writing. Write letters to yourself, comforting and strong. Telling yourself what no one else will. In a way that no one else can. Write stories, poems, songs. Write on the napkins, the back of receipts, on your hand. Anywhere. It’s the thing that lasts. When you move (for you will do that many times), you’ll carry it with you. You’ll always have it as a friend. Written words last. They can be re-read. They can carry your through hard times, they can rejoice in glad times.
Please dear one. Take these words to heart. Keep your head up-you eyes carry the excitement you see in life. Remember to always see the good in everything and everyone. There are many hurts to come-this life is a hard and unfair one…but there are immeasurably more joys ahead. And they are definitely worth sticking around for! Carry on, look up, He will get you through and it will be glorious!
and psst, a secret question you always ask…yes, it will be okay ;)