The past few months have been an interesting time in our nation, to say the least. In my lifetime, I don't think I've seen as much fear, anger, hatred, and confusion. It's truly enough to make your head spin. As you can probably tell, this isn't my usual home décor post, but you can breathe easy because it really doesn't have anything to do with politics either. The times have just brought a realization, an awareness to my mind that I wanted to share with you. The last few days, my attention has really been drawn to my daughter, to my nieces, to the daughters of my friends, to the little girls who will one day be the women of this world. It's been drawn to the things that I want them to know in a world that seems dark and scary sometimes, a world that can be confusing and cold.
To these precious little babes, I want you to know that light pierces darkness. Be that light. Regardless of what you believe about God, regardless of what you know about him or think about him, he loves you fiercely. Don't be afraid. The one who lives inside of you is so much greater than the one who lives in the world. There is great beauty in femininity. It's not something to be afraid of or ashamed of. God created you in his image. Creation is like a crescendo with each day building upon and becoming greater than the day before it. God's creation was finished with Eve. As Stasi Eldredge says in her book "Captivating," woman is the crowning glory of God's creation. Is it any wonder then that Satan would do all he can to bring you down? Stand firm. You are strong. You are so much more powerful than you know. You are exquisite. Respect yourself and your body. If you don't, how can you expect others to? Take care of yourself. Eat nourishing food, exercise a little, get some sunshine, pray, laugh, play, read, meditate, breathe. Respect life. It's precious and indespensable. Be grateful. There will always be those who have less than you, and there will always be those who have more than you. Do what you can to help those who have less. Don't envy those who have more. Your worth is not found in your possessions, in your looks, or in your intelligence. Your worth is intrinsic, God-given. It's okay to disagree. To me it's as much a part of being human as breathing. No matter what anyone tells you, disagreement is not the equivalent of hate. Know what you believe, and if you don't know, ask God for wisdom. I promise he'll give it. Stand up for your beliefs, but don't attack those who disagree with you, instead listen. Be slow to speak. Be gentle. Show grace. Don't let anger turn into bitterness. Do not harm those who harm you. Revenge is not sweet. Forgive. What is right won't always be what is popular. Do what is right. Realize that brokenness manifests itself through jealousy, anger, bitterness, loneliness, and confusion. Do not let the brokenness of others break you. Guard your heart. Be the hands that bring healing. Do not return hate with hate. Love disarms hate. Be kind. Be patient. Smile. If you hurt someone, say you're sorry. Take responsibility for your actions. Don't be impulsive. Make your choices carefully. Every choice you make has a consequence. Love is a choice. Always choose it. Know that joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is fleeting, circumstantial. Choose joy. Fight for it. Fight for others, but don't forget to fight for yourself. You can do this. Above all, know that you are so deeply loved. Precious little one, these words are for you. These words are for all of us.
