Would you consider yourself a confident teen?
Oh, how I wish I could say that I was. Confidence. It's what I needed most and had the least. Sometimes I wish I could rewind the clock and tell my 14-year old self what she needed to know to have lasting confidence. Looking back, I realize I had no reason to lack confidence. I was smart, pretty, talented. Sometimes I wish I could go back, sit down with my teenage-self and chat. First I'd give her a big hug because with all the emotional ups and downs she needed one. I'd tell her that all those things that feel like the framework that holds her world together - they don't. The boyfriends and friends whose acceptance she craves. The grades and gossip she worries about. The parties and popularity. I'd tell her Truths that would equip her to make better choices. And God's promises that would empower her to live life differently. To live a life worthy of who she is - one of His girls.
Oh, how I wish I could say that I was. Confidence. It's what I needed most and had the least. Sometimes I wish I could rewind the clock and tell my 14-year old self what she needed to know to have lasting confidence. Looking back, I realize I had no reason to lack confidence. I was smart, pretty, talented. Sometimes I wish I could go back, sit down with my teenage-self and chat. First I'd give her a big hug because with all the emotional ups and downs she needed one. I'd tell her that all those things that feel like the framework that holds her world together - they don't. The boyfriends and friends whose acceptance she craves. The grades and gossip she worries about. The parties and popularity. I'd tell her Truths that would equip her to make better choices. And God's promises that would empower her to live life differently. To live a life worthy of who she is - one of His girls.
When I think about people who knew my 14-year old self, I'm pretty sure a few would be surprised that I'd say I wasn't confident back then. The reality is, I struggled with self-doubt, discouragement and insecurity from the time I was a little girl. But I wasn’t about to let anyone know it. I believed the lie so many believe - the one that convinced me that my value was determined by my status and my stuff, my personality, appearance, performance and possessions. I didn't know who I was. I didn't feel like my life really mattered. But I wanted it to. So I looked around and tried to be what I thought others wanted, needed or expected me to be. And it was exhausting.
How about you? Are you a confident teenager? Confidence is a major factor in people when it comes to the paths they choose. Those craving acceptance, approval and affirmation to an unhealthy degree find themselves trapped - caught between what they know is right and what they believe will win friends...You struggle like a fish on the sand. Its uncomfortable if you get to a place where you don't know how to navigate back to what you were made for.
How about you? Are you a confident teenager? Confidence is a major factor in people when it comes to the paths they choose. Those craving acceptance, approval and affirmation to an unhealthy degree find themselves trapped - caught between what they know is right and what they believe will win friends...You struggle like a fish on the sand. Its uncomfortable if you get to a place where you don't know how to navigate back to what you were made for.
Psalm 45:11 (The Message) says "Now listen, daughter, don't miss a word: forget your country, put your home behind you. Be here - the king is wild for you."
Song of Solomon 4:7 (The Message) says "You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless."
Zephaniah 3:17 (The Message) says "Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, He'll calm you with His love and delight you with His songs."
The truth is...Jesus is wild for you, He sees no flaw in you and He enjoys you. Lasting confidence comes from knowing who you are...a child of the King...more of princess than Kate. Confidence is knowing that when Jesus looks at you, He is not disappointed.
Praying for Godly confidence for all of you,
Amberly :)
I always knew and prayed that one day you would see yourself THROUGH HIS EYES! His eyes are the only ones that truly matter. Love you soooooo much. Mom
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