There has been a lot on my mind lately, and I have been distracted from blog writing (and writing in general) because of it. So, in today’s Life: Unmasked post, I am writing a letter to me in senior year in H.S. …A reminder of what I’ve been through, and an encouragement that I can get through what is happening now.
Dear CandiAngel:
Lose the nickname. It will be a bit of a hindrance in the future.
Take heart in the darkness, for Christ has overcome. It seems as if the darkness will last forever, but it won’t. Open your hand, let it go. Your Abba will take it and make you new. The world does have color, and you can breathe, I promise. Right now, it’s hard to see past today, let alone into the promise of tomorrow. The fights won’t last forever, the lying will end. You won’t always be trapped in a toxic environment, and God will use this to help others. Wanna know how? Well, you know that book you started? I finished it, and, it’s nothing like you picture it now!
Your story is important. Oh, and you are truly beautiful and truly loved. You just can’t see it yet because of all the pain that is crushing your heart. But, God is still holding that heart, and He will heal it, making it “beautiful in His time” (You know what I mean by that).
The loneliness will fade. It won’t always be gone, but it will be lessened. You will find friends who love you, and you will learn to trust them. Trust will eliminate much of the loneliness you feel. And, your Abba will take care of the rest. Be open, love, let others in.
You don’t always have to be strong. You think now that it is expected of you, and you are strong. You will always be strong, that never changes. Let God take your load, He cares for you. Five years from now, most of the bad stuff doesn’t even matter anymore; it’s barely even a memory. But, when times get tough, cry out to your Abba. In your weakness you will see His strength. I know you want to make everyone think you are super strong, and don’t want to hear the “I told you so”s and the “What were you thinking?”s, but sometimes, it’s ok to show you’re scared. Let God know, and you will find a strength you didn’t know was there, because it isn’t yours. (Trust me, I know, I’m going through this now).
You won’t be married by the time you thought you would, but that’s ok. We both still have A LOT of growing up to do. Like you, I want to be prepared when he comes across my path. You are not even close to being ready to find someone. If you found someone at your age, you would give up so much that will make you who you become. So, slow down, guard your heart, and know it will be ok. One day, he will find me, and I will be ready.
Finally, just remember, you are precious. Most days you don’t believe it because you don’t hear it. Most of the words you hear & believe are lies. Try not to let them in so deep. (Too late, I know). Lucky for you, I know & believe the truth now.
You are strong. Not on your own, but because of the power within you from your Abba. You are a survivor, and you thrive on.
Love,
Candice Jenee’
Letter to Me
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Is there something you wish you knew back in High School? Or even a year ago?
This post is linked with Joy in this Journey and Joy’s Life: Unmasked series.
Also an On Your Heart post, Shanda over at Shanda Oakley Inspires.
I love this. What a great idea to write a letter to our high school selves. Oh the things I would tell myself!! 🙂 Goodness, even a letter the 25 year old me would be full of wisdom. Blessings,~Rosann
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This letter means so much to me! (I'm a current high school senior) It takes a LOT to give it up to God; I want so much to be the strong one…I don't want to ever admit defeat, and I want to solve all my problems on my own. But we CAN'T. Give it all to Him and He will be glorified! It's OK to ask for help!Thanks for a great post!God Bless.
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Rosann: Thank you for the encouragement. The past 5 years have been quite the journey :o)Alexandra: Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad someone else could use the lessons from my journey. It has been a long road, but completely worth it knowing God is using it to become something beautiful. Take heart, He will do the same for you.May God bless you both.
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How can I get my teen boys to read this? You are saying so what I try to say and they DON”T believe me:(
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This is so amazing. I long for young women to gain wisdom from those of us who have been there? I spend my days with teens, and I know their struggles. Excellent post!!!
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Candace:I love this letter. In my first writing class, our instructor had us write a letter to ourselves. She said, “hold nothing back”. It helped me to get over those inner thoughts of “I can't…” Oh, if I could go back to High School (not that I want to) but if I knew some things then that I know know, things could be different. However, to quote the Apostle Paul, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Many blessings,Joan(Thank you for linking up this week.)
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Thank you all so much for the encouragement. I didn't quite know how this letter would go when I started it, I only knew there were things I needed to work through & this was how to do it. I feel like God has brought me through so much, and I am so blessed.Thank you for taking the time to read it.
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