Dear Young Ladies,

I know it’s hard. I know you don’t feel pretty enough or good enough or cool enough.

I know the struggles because I’ve been in your shoes. Well, kind of. I was a teenager once, but I wasn’t a teenager with social media taunting me every second. I didn’t grow up in a comparison-driven society with every move played out on Instagram and Twitter like a very strategic chess game. I didn’t have to watch YouTube videos and master winged-tip eyeliner by age eleven. I didn’t have to choose my college major by eighth grade.

Maybe you don’t understand why that one guy doesn’t like you. Why that one girl didn’t invite you. Why you didn’t make that one team. It’s hard. So very hard.

Even though the struggles are so real, may I please offer this one piece of advice – just hold on.

Hold on to God.

Wait for His will to play out. It’s going to get better. I promise. Don’t turn to drugs. Don’t turn to the wrong guy. Don’t turn to other girls. Don’t compromise your future for a temporary bandaid that really won’t solve anything.

Just keep holding on. Hold on to God’s truths. Hold on to His promises. And for goodness sake – please know how amazingly beautiful you are!

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.” Proverbs 3:13-16