I recently had the opportunity to speak at my schools Baccalaureate and I wanted to share with you, what I shared then!
At the end of eighth grade we made time capsules to open at the end of our senior year. In out time capsules we had letters from our friends and family but we also wrote a letter from yourself. I got mine back a few weeks ago and I was shocked by what I read. I wrote things such as
“I have become very negative.” “People have made fun of me and brought me down a lot this year.” “I just feel worn down and I’m not comfortable in my own skin” “There’s days I wanted to skip school because of what people would say to me” “I don’t really have a true best friend right now”
I remember not having the best year but I was shocked by how miserable I was then, especially compared to where I am at now. Today I try to make the best out of situations. I don’t dwell on the hurtful things people say about me because I know what God says to be true about me. I have amazing friends who support me and overall, I am a really happy person.
I couldn’t figure out how I got from where I was to where I am, until I started reading my letters from my friends and family. While I was writing about how miserable I was and how alone I was here is what people said to me
“I can only imagine the amazing things you’re about to accomplish”
“You have a love for things like I’ve never seen before”
“You’re a leader and you’re a role model”
“You made me smile when I felt like I never would again”
“You have the personality of a person who will change the world”
“You are the one person I call my best friend”
“I love you for being the wonderful person you are”
“I’m so proud of you, always have been, always will be.”
“God has big plans for you girl”
I became the person I am because of other people speaking life into me. God saw me and my all my misery and he sent me sweet friends and family to pour life into me.
Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who live it will eat its fruit”
I don’t know where I would be now without people pouring life into me.I encourage you to look for those people in your life and if you can’t find them, learn to be one. As I get ready to leave these walls here at ELCO HS I hope I don’t forget that in all situations and at all times, what I say matter. Every word we say matters and that we should always choose to speak life.
To everyone who has poured so much love and support into me the last few years, thank you. You’re kind words are heard and so much appreciated.
– Abby 🙂
