Dear Young Me,
By: Zenobia Bryant, Ph.D.
Trigger warning: This post mentions suicidal ideation.
The other day I was thinking about what I would tell you if my adult self was able to go back in time and chat with you. Honestly, if I knew then what I know now I truly believe that things might be completely different. First of all, I would insist that you begin to understand just how absolutely amazing you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You don’t believe me? See Psalms 139 and read it until you believe it! No matter how many times people try to make you believe that you are an accident, do not believe that! God took His time when he created you. Every fiber of your being was intricately woven together to create the beautiful masterpiece that you are. Every cell was placed together with purpose.
I know life will get hard and things may be dark for a while, but trust that there is a divine purpose for your pain and suffering. You see, young one, God sat down and He carefully designed a blueprint for your life. Nothing is happening by chance. As hard as it may be, believe that God is NOT taken by surprise by anything that is happening in your life! So when people want to walk out on you, let them go because it is all-apart of the plan. When your loved ones pass away and travel from this life to the next, morn but eventually find peace because it is all apart of the plan. I beg you not to let the pain you may feel cause you to settle for anything less then God’s best! I know it is a difficult concept to grasp but if you learn how to relinquish your control now, you will be better off in the future. As much of an oxymoron as it sounds, I promise there is freedom in surrender.
I know your vision is limited from where you sit now, but trust me, just keep moving forward because from where the adult you sits, the view is sooo much better. Do not give in to those thoughts of suicide. As a matter of fact, throw away the carefully written plan detailing the best way to take your life! I promise, if you just keep living God has a way of rewriting the story. God is a God of amazing plot twists! Learn to be thankful for the valley experiences. It is these experiences that will mold you and transform you into the woman of God you desire to become. You see, on the mountaintop you are exposed to the elements and any change that occurs up there can be detrimental. Learn what makes you unique and own it. Every quirk or “Weird” quality about you is what makes you a designer’s original. Love your body, no matter what! Love every shape and every curve because someone, somewhere wishes they had your physique.
Young one, promise me that you will never forget your worth! And never let anyone devalue you. Because your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to recognize the worth that lies within. In the times where it feels like you are so hidden that no one sees you, know that it is because you are so valuable that you must be kept behind the glass case where people can look but they cannot touch. You are not costume jewelry where any and everyone can walk by and put their hands on you and try you on, but you are a rare jewel that must be protected and kept for the one who can truly afford you. You are being kept for the one who was made specifically for you! I beg of you to try to wrap your mind around these things now. I don’t want you to get my age before you begin to start understanding the power that you possess and the worth that lies within. I believe that if you get those two concepts down now, you will be a force to be reckoned with!! You don’t have to give into the lies that the world and society try to label you with. The lies do not have to become you! In closing I Love you, I support you, and I am excited for what your future holds. Keep traversing through this journey of life, I promise you will be amazed at how the story unfolds.
