Dear Justin Bieber,
Wow, okay, hey, how’s it going? You have no idea who I am, but I know a little bit about you. I guess that’s how being famous works, huh? You’ll probably never see this, and I know it sounds crazy, but the Lord has put you on my heart a lot lately, so I figured I’d write you a letter. Why not, eh?
You see, I’m currently in South Africa helping lead a group of women, between the ages of 18 and 22, on a three month mission trip. Needless to say, we are all about the perfect age to have watched and followed you from when you were first discovered as a young YouTube star to where you are at today, and dang your transformation has been incredible. Thus you seem to get brought up in random conversation every few days.
To be honest, the majority of what I know about you is from social media—and that probably isn’t the most reliable source—plus, I don’t really listen to your music either… sorry? Although, since last August I have been traveling to a different country each month sharing the love of Christ with people all around the world and your song “Despacito” has all but followed me and my team everywhere. We heard it in every single coffee shop in Albania; we heard it played through loud speakers in the Little India streets of Penang, Malaysia; we heard it played in the grocery stores in the Dominican Republic; and we even heard it being played in the fast food shop in the mountains of Lesotho. Why am I telling you this, you may ask? After all, there is a good chance that you already know this information. Well, I want to just remind you that you have power and influence over this, and the next, generation.
Your story and your sphere of influence are so powerful that it is mind boggling. You have truly been given a gift by the Lord and it is incredible to see how you have come full circle in using it to bring Him glory. You really are an inspiration for many people; especially young Christians who feel as if they are not worthy of God’s love and acceptance. You are a reminder (in a good way) that God will use anyone and everyone who is willing to let Him transform their lives; no matter how far it seems that they have steered off course. So I want to thank you for being an example for the next generation of believers.
In addition to this, on behalf of all Christians who have ever made you feel judged, I want to say I am deeply sorry. I have heard many times before—yes, on social media, so I take it with a grain of salt and realize that not all of it may be true—that there are many, many Christians who didn’t/don’t believe you when you say that you have become a Christian and that you now have a true relationship with Christ. Honestly, that makes me so sad—and mad. Who are we to judge? The only difference between you, and me, and the next Christian is that you are constantly in the spotlight for the world to see each and every time you might mess up. Honestly, it pisses me off. Again, who the heck are we to judge? Some of the most judgmental people I know are Christians—and it is when they are judging other Christians! After all, Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” We all have our “ish.” We all have our struggles. We all have our own personal sins. The difference between you and me? I can probably hide mine and not let anyone find out, but you are constantly in the media—and the media loves a “good” story.
So yeah, I’m sorry that people doubt you when you say that God has transformed your life. I’m sorry that people expect you to automatically be a perfect Christian. I’m sorry that Christians seem to hold you to a higher standard than they hold themselves. That’s it, I’m so sorry—it breaks my heart.
My heart goes out to you. I can’t even imagine the pressure that the (sometimes hypocritical) American church has placed upon your shoulders. But I want you to know that, at the very least, there are 12 women in Africa right now who are rooting for you, respect you, are proud of you, love you, and are praying for you as our brother-in-Christ.
With lots of love and prayers,
Your Sister-in-Christ,
Bethany Grayczyk
