I am a mom of two sons. But, if I had a daughter, this is what I would tell her. And, if I could go back in time and sit down with my teenage self, this is what I would tell her too.
My friend, plant these words deep in the soil of a young woman’s heart that you love – may they be words that grow into sturdy and steadfast character.
Dear Daughter,
When you realize how powerful emotions can be…
Remember to always elevate your faith above your feelings.
Why? Because what you elevate highly governs you.
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Feelings change, but the precepts of faith are unchanging. Feelings change, but truth changes you. Always allow yourself to be governed by that which is eternal, rather than that which is so temporary.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
When you come to a sudden bump in the road…
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Never allow your life circumstances to define you, but instead, let them refine you. Hard things are like heavenly sandpaper upon your life. God uses them to shape and mold you into a work of art. When you feel the pressure of trials, remember that God won’t allow them to crush you, he intends for them to make you beautiful.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
When you feel afraid…
Always exercise courage even when you don’t feel confident. Courage is a choice, confidence is a feeling. Remember that courage and confidence are not the same thing. Be brave, for bravery broadens you. Fear limits you.
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Ask God to help you overcome earthly fear by developing reverence for Him. The only fear that brings you wisdom is the fear of God. Fear Him, reverence Him, and nothing else will shake you.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
When you don’t like what you see in the mirror…
Look into the mirror of God’s Word. When you do, you will see how incredibly beautiful and valuable you are.
Merely glance into the bathroom mirror, but gaze into the mirror of God’s Word.
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It will always show you the truth because it is the Truth. Trust God’s opinion of you more than you trust others opinions – or even your own opinion of yourself.
Only the Word of God is eternal and worthy of your gaze. To look into the mirror of God’s Word is to see the face of God, and in doing so, you are better equipped to see who you really are – beautiful and dearly loved.
Then the King will desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, bow down to Him. Psalm 45:11
These are the words I’d tell my younger self, and they’re truths that I remind myself daily. Store up the Word of the Lord and hide it in your heart. When powerful emotions, bumps in the road, fear, and discontentment arise, you are grounded in truth.
Question: What other wisdom would you share with your younger self?
