Dear Future Daughter

Dear Future Daughter,

I’m writing this letter as I sit back and reflect on my own Christian walk. At 20 years old, I’ve already experienced so much. Endless trials and tribulations, doubt, lack of confidence, frustration and so much more. But, at the end of it all, I always have to take the time to thank God because He has TRULY been a keeper.

If there’s anything I want you to always remember and carry with you, it’s this simple piece of advice: God’s opinion of you is the only one that matters. Even now, this is one concept I’m trying to embrace and live by. I have beat myself over the head and made myself sick over the opinions of others, especially in the past year alone. Never get so caught up in what man says about you, that you forget what God says about you. His thoughts of you are beautiful and His grace is sufficient. I’m preaching to myself even as I write this to you. I’ve wasted so much time and cried so many unnecessary tears because I lost sight of what truly mattered.

That brings me to my next point. It’s always important to go back to the Word and allow it to be your guide. If we look at John 8:7, we are reminded of one of the most common scripture references, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” I am the FIRST to admit that I am the furthest thing from perfect. I make mistakes time and time again and I have certainly fallen short of the glory of God. But, if there’s one thing I am completely confident in, it is my love for the Father. Even when I mess up, I genuinely believe that He knows that my heart is for Him. Once you’ve experienced a love relationship with God, it’s hard to completely run away or turn your back on Him because trust me, I’ve tried; and every time, my love for Him and desire to please Him outweighs my desire for the things of the world.

Finally, always forgive yourself. Once you repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, you have a clean slate. He’s not like man, he doesn’t hold our wrongdoings over our head, He doesn’t “blackmail” us and He doesn’t desire to see us hurt. It is actually his desire to see us walk in the freedom his forgiveness provides for us. The shame we feel from the people around us hurts, but the shame we bring on ourselves hurts even more. So, accept His freedom baby girl. There is no sin so large that will cause God to ever stop loving you.

I pray this letter is able to help you one day. I am so grateful to have a mom who makes it a point to constantly remind me of the same things I am saying to you right now. Although she was always pouring into me, there were some things I just had to learn on my own. I experienced a lot of pain and heartbreak in the process, but it’s made me the woman I am today and I believe that’s something I can be proud of. I already love you so much and I can’t wait to see the awesome things God has ordained for your life.

Love always,

Mom