As a gift, a friend wanted to give her daughter a book of letters written by women in her life that were filled with years of wisdom.
I want to share my letter:
Your mom
asked a few of us to write down some wisdom about what we wish we had been told
as a young woman around the time of entering high school. I’ve been a Christian
since I can remember but serious about my faith since about age 14. I’ve always
been blessed with a close family and a few great friends. A good foundation is
helpful but perspective, wisdom and an open heart toward God through prayer are
the things that keep you going. I’m writing what I’ve known and how it has been
tweaked through maturity and a lifetime of lived faith.
·
I used to believe I was cute, but I’ve learned I am a true beauty in the
ways that are important—a life of purity, a desire to serve God and a heart
that want to encourage downtrodden people.
·
I used to believe I was smart, but I’ve learned I’m intelligent—it only
matters to me that I’m thoughtful.
·
I used to believe I was intimidating, but I’ve learned that people sense
God’s power in me—and that I will follow His leading.
·
I used to believe that I was unique, but I’ve learned that individuality
just means I’m a leader—I’ve also learned that leaders are often lonely so I
need to take extra good care of myself.
·
I used to believe I was observant, but I’ve learned that I’m able to
really know people and I care about them—I’ve learned that noticing small
things opens doors for the Holy Spirit, too.
·
I used to believe I was introverted, but I now know I’m introspective
and reflective and most people are not wired that way—I’ve also learned that
these are either good or bad traits and I need to be generous and grace-filled
with my self-criticism.
·
I used to believe I was reserved, but I now know I’m an internal
processor and need extra time to sort out how I feel about what just
happened—some things have taken me years to understand but because I was
willing to sort through them, those things are also healed up.
·
I used to believe I just journal-ed, I now know that I write and the written
word helps me feel and think and process and also to touch others deeply—I
still remember so many things said to me, some of them were not so nice, I want
the things I express to be helpful or edifying.
·
I used to believe people grew up, I know now that the
majority of people just get older—I’ve had to learn not to judge.
·
I used to believe I didn’t express myself well, I now know that communication
is important to get right and I wanted to use the right words—I believe words
expressed verbally or internally have the power to lift or sink you, and the
words in your life give or take life from you.
·
I used to believe I was depressed, I now know I’m an artistic melancholy
and that is different from the times I’m down—I’ve learned I don’t need to be
happy to please people or make them more comfortable.
·
I used to believe I needed lots of friends, I now know I need 2 or 3
people who know all there is to know about me and I need to be vulnerable with
them for my own health—keep those good hearted people in your life at all
lengths.
·
I used to believe I was at a disadvantage being a
woman, I now know that true womanhood is the most life-giving and encouraging role
to be given—a well-placed word will be remembered for a lifetime.
·
I used to believe I was a hard worker, I now know that
Jesus’ grace and a surrendered life is way easier and more fun—His burden is
light and easy.
·
I used to believe life was a struggle and a burden, I’m
beginning to see it is God’s gift to us and He loves us beyond our wildest
imaginings—therefore self-righteousness, superiority and condescension have no
place in my life.
·
I used to believe that church was enough, I now know
faith works better in community—that service and the Great Commission are part
of community-oriented faith.
·
I used to believe I had to be perfect, I now know it is
my weaknesses that allow me to experience freedom and connection—I can’t do
everything myself and I need help.
·
I used to believe that people just choose not to create
art, but now I know that creating takes courage—if you find and use your real
“voice” it will be the hardest and most rewarding thing you ever do.
·
I used to believe that beauty pointed to worship, I now
know that work also points to what you worship—the “why” of what you are doing
is what you are living for.
·
I used to believe I made art, now I know I am a partner
in creating—just like I create something, God created the world, then He
humbled Himself and entered his artwork.
·
I used to believe that reading the Bible was good, I
now know it is the only way to experience revelation and insight—there are no
wasted details and the connections go on and on through the stories.
The
core ideas probably are that faith and perspective are everything; and that words
(in your head and out of your mouth) are life-giving.
I hope you have even more fun in school
than I did, are blessed with many good friends and memories. Don’t take yourself
too seriously, embrace your mistakes, apologize quickly, say kind things and
smile at strangers!
Much love, friend,
Sherri
