Jackson, Eli, Em, and Parks.
You are not me. You are not expected to be me.
Though people might put pressure on you by expressing their pride in me, don’t ever feel less-than because of it. There is no standard you must measure up to.
Not for me. Definitely not for the Lord.
I just travelled the world for 9 months. That’s a pretty crazy lifestyle to live at 18. But you are not any less worthy than me. My life doesn’t accumulate worth based on how many stamps I have in my passport.
You are not expected to “live up to Alyssa.”
Please don’t ever try to be me. I’m BEGGING you. Don’t try to be me. Please don’t strive to fulfill a standard that is impossible to fulfill. You have so much worth, and I never want you to fail to see that. Who you are is more than good enough. Each one of you the Lord looks at and goes, “THAT one… that one is very good. That one is mine. That one is going to do great things.”
But if you’re constantly trying to live in my shadow, you will fail to walk in the greatness the Lord has set out for you. If you’re trying to live in anyone’s shadow, you will be met with lack and dissatisfaction. Because God didn’t create you to live someone else’s life. He created you to live yours.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Each and every one of you has talents and gifts and passions that I don’t have and never will have. Don’t rob yourself of joy by trying to live someone else’s life.
Jackson, I look at you and I see a man filled with intellect and influence. You don’t even know how much I look up to you. You never take what people say at their word, but you seek understanding in everything. You are fearless and unafraid to challenge opinion for the the sake of discovering truth. I am proud of the man that you are. You will never be me.
Elijah. You are creative and filled with talent. You extend kindness to everyone around you. You create a space that people feel comfortable and confident to walk into, never fearing rejection. I admire your desire to exist loudly. Don’t ever stop living a life that demands an explanation. You will never be me.
Em. Sis. You’re younger than me, yet sometimes I swear you have more wisdom than I ever will. You’re spicy and sassy and beautiful. I see a spirit of fearlessness inside of you. Don’t allow insecurity and fear and anxiety to kill that fire. I’m glad we look alike, because people always ask me if I’m your big sister – every time I’m filled with honor and pride to claim that title. You will never be me.
Parks. My MAN. You are one of the funniest people I know. You can instantly light up any room that you’re in and lighten any atmosphere. Your very presence brings me joy. You’re just YOU, and that is enough. That will always be enough. You grit your teeth and do hard things with perseverance. You are strong. You will never be me.
You each hold a part of the Lord’s heart and character that nobody else on this Earth carries. If you fail to be yourself, people will miss out on the glory of God. I never want to miss out on the glory of God.
Be you. Discover who God has created you to be by discovering who God actually is. I pray that you guys will never seek to live my life, but will be filled with zeal and passion to live your own. I see Jesus in each and every one of you, and I will refuse to sit back and watch you try and live under my shadow. If I have ever made you feel belittled or less than because of my Race – or anything in between – please forgive me. If anyone has ever made you feel that way because of me, please extend grace and forgiveness to them.
To anyone who read this, first of all, thank you. That’s pretty cool. Second of all, please don’t look at my life and make it seem grander and more beautiful than yours. Don’t put that standard on anyone. Know Jesus. Seek him out. Ask him how you can be a part of what he’s doing.
Also, these words are not my own because I can do nothing apart from Jesus. Thank him for anything you get out of it.
I love you, sibs.
-Lyss.
