Dear Younger Me,
Where do I start? I wish you knew all of the things that I know now. I wish you could’ve seen the joy that comes from the suffering, and the fruit that grows from the pain. I wish you knew peace amidst chaos and the source of light among the darkness. Oh, how I wish I could teach you all of the lessons that I have learned along the way. I wish I could tell you what will break our heart, but if I did, would I still be me? I wish I could save you from the heartache, but the heartache is what shaped me.
Dear Younger Me, it’s not your fault. You are not the source of chaos, you are a bringer of peace. Darkness does not live inside of you, light radiates from you. And I know that joy is a foreign concept, and that all you see around you is pain, but joy truly does come in the morning. You are worth so much more than you think you are. You are a child of The King! You were handcrafted by the One who made the universe. You are beautiful. You are worthy.
Dear Younger Me, you are not alone. You are never alone, even if you think you are. And, oh, if you could see the friendships you will have, and the joy they will bring you. If only you could see the people that The Lord has put into your life, the people who will bring you such peace. The people who will always be a part of your heart. Through every new and every lost friendship you will see that each was shaping you for who you were meant to be.
Dear Younger Me, your worth is not based upon others. Your worth is not defined by your weight. Your worth is not defined by how many friends you have. Your worth is not defined by your grades or your clothes or your stuff. Your worth is not the product of your situation or your surroundings. Your worth is found in The God Most High. Your worth is defined by a God who is perfect, who never ends, and is above this world. You are set apart, you are holy. Your body is a Temple of The Lord; your heart His dwelling place. How I wish you would’ve treated it as such.
Dear Younger Me, you do not have to be so afraid. There is no fear in love, perfect love casts out fear. Do not be afraid to boldly step out into the unknown. Do not be afraid to try new things, to go new places, and to follow where The Lord leads. He’s going to take you to some pretty amazing places, and there’s no time to be scared. Be fearless. And I know that it’s easier said than done. I know that what other people think about you is scary and intimidating. I know that it’s hard to speak up for what you believe in. I know that it’s easier to sit back, and to let other people do the things that matter, that scare you. But if our God is for us, than who can be against us? You were created to be fearless with your walk with The Lord and to be bold with your faith. Do not let fear stop you.
Dear Younger Me, don’t worry quite as much. Everything turns out fine. All things work together for your good. Do not let yourself be anxious about anything, for what can you add to your life by worrying? Let yourself know peace. Let yourself trust in God’s provision, and in His plans. That math test you were worried about? Let’s be honest, it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, does it?
Dear Younger Me, I wish you could see me now. You are holy. You are righteous; you are redeemed. You have been set apart, you have been given a brand new heart. You have received a freedom that is unconditional, and absolutely free. You are beautiful and you are funny and you are you. You are who God made you to be. And I know that we will continue to grow as we continue on this adventure that The Lord has placed before us. But I am glad that I knew you, and I am glad that you were nobody else but you. Dear Younger Me, thank you for letting me become me. Thank you for all of the good memories nestled within the bad ones. Dear Younger Me, I am forever grateful for the roads that we have walked down, the roads leading to everlasting freedom.
Dear Younger Me, you are free indeed.
Love,
Katie
