Hey little girl. It’s me. The future you. The 26-year-old you, to be exact (stop saying “ew,” I’m not THAT old). And I’m here to let you in on a few things. No, not like a lecture, relax. More like a cheat sheet—a few insider tips that’ll help you on the road ahead. Yes, you need it. Trust me.
First thing’s first: You. Are. Enough. Did you hear me? Just as you are, wherever you are, flaws and all, you’re enough. But I know you don’t always feel enough. So here’s a new perspective: instead of picking yourself and your body apart while envying other girls, think about all the things God has instilled in you that set you apart from the crowd. Think about your character, your talents, your dreams—things so unique to you that no amount of makeup or exercise can change them; things that never really depend on your outward appearance. That’s because God only cares about your heart. He doesn’t measure your worth by the size of your waist or the
number of pimples on your face. And you shouldn’t either. Because with Him, you’re more than enough. So quit being so hard on yourself. Remember, to love others, you gotta love yourself first. Get it? Got it? Good.
Next up is your least favorite thing to hear: be patient. Or as Brother Frank Natoli puts it, “Don’t rush the cake.” AKA don’t sprint ahead frantically trying to grab everything you want in one fell swoop. Instead, sit back and let yourself grow in God’s perfect timing. He knows what you want—everything from finding your career to meeting your mate. But if He gave it to you all at once, you’d learn a whole lotta nothin’ and you know it.
It’s all about trusting the process, my friend. Trusting HIS process. I mean, He did say He’s going to mold you. Oh, that’s right, you’re not there yet. Get this: in the future, God sends Brother Billy Buffa to your branch to have a vision while you get anointed. Brother Billy sees an old potter’s wheel next to your chair and the Lord tells him He’s going to mold you. YOU. Yes, you. True story. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s gonna feel good. It’s like pruning a tree—you have to cut off all the rotten parts before they stop the tree from growing. Same idea. God wants to ixnay anything in your life that isn’t helping you thrive. It’s better for you in the long run. So the next time you’re doubting your future or your worth, trust that He’s shaping you into something awesome. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Finally, when you grow up, there’ll be something called social media. It’s way bigger than MySpace and AOL Instant Messenger. And it’s taking the world by storm. It’s great for sharing, sure. But beware, it can trick you into thinking you’re not good/happy/pretty enough (sound familiar?) compared to everyone else. Most importantly, all the mindless scrolling and meandering on your phone can distract you from hearing God’s voice. Just proceed with caution. That’s all I’m saying.
So if you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said, just remember this: God has the power to take you from the lowest valley to the top of the highest mountain. And if you tap into that, you’re golden.
Keep that spiritual chin up, girl. God’s got big things in store. Just you wait.
Now You: Leave a comment with some advice you’d give to your younger self!
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
Awesome Article. Great topic.
To my younger self: It is 100% fact that thing Grandma and Grandpa (Brother Roy and Sister Jean) always say, put GOD first and everything else WILL take care of itself!!!
Great article. Reminded me of the Mercy Me song, Dear Younger Me. I would tell myself, the grass is not greener on the other side and you never missed out on anything. Real life is not a harlequin romance.
Such a great a post sister!!! I love this. I would tell myself it’s worth the wait… all of it and anything worth having. A tiny crumb within Gods will is greater than anything you can try to make happen yourself.
Awesome, awesome blog!! Great job! A lot of what you said is what I would say to my younger self. I would add to not wait to break away from anything that is bringing you down.
Such a great blog. Where were you when I needed this advice. Even being older this is great advice.
How wonderful and oh so true! If only I would have believed this when I was 26! God bless!
This is so wonderful! I’d tell my younger self that being patient and trusting the process might actually feel like the “long-suffering” that scripture talks about, but to recognize that while it may feel like suffering in the moment, His burden is (in reality) so very light!
Dear Younger Me,
Remember that there will be an older you in the future. Do the things today that will make the older you proud. Don’t do things that the older you will be ashamed of. You create you! Go out and be a blessing to others, shine your light! Shine it so bright that it will remain shining as you transform into the older you. Tread gently, be kind to all, cast your bread upon the water, because one day that bread will be a blessing to you and the lives of those you touch along the way. Make me proud and thankful to be the person I am. Hold on, hold on tight! It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but with God’s help, you can do it!
Love Older Me
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