To the confidence defied girl, you’re not alone. So many struggle with this as you. It’s just a common characteristic in our broken society. For you to feel as though you’re not pretty enough, not smart enough, don’t wear nice enough clothes, or think you’re not cool enough are normal thoughts that race through every girl’s head. From being glued to social media or famous TV shows like Gossip Girl, we’re then wired to believe that we’re supposed to look perfect all the time, be able to go to Ivy League schools, wear the most expensive clothes, be filthy rich, and have every boy head over heels for us. We all can’t be Sabrina or Blair though.

“You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still like air, I rise.”

The great poet Maya Angelou, had a grand perspective on life. She did not care what others thought of her, especially boys, and did not let anyone tear her down. One of the first keys to confidence, is to not care what anyone thinks of you. Someone will always not approve you, and I know that’s one of the most cliche phrases that you hear, but it’s the truth. No matter how hard you try in life to be the best around you, you’re going to fall short. The best step you can ever take for yourself, is to just be you while never looking back. Don’t ever look back when you’re not going that way. Just focus on your difficult path ahead. Yes. Difficult. Loving yourself will come easy one day, I promise you that. For now, focus on just living to please yourself. This will always be difficult at first because other girls, even petty guys, will always try to put you down even when it’s not always truthful. Especially if you’re reading this as a high schooler, rumors will always snake their way through the halls to you. Again, follow the mental perspective of Maya Angelou:

“You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may tread me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I rise.”

Don’t let anyone walk on you like dirt. Rise in the wind. Here’s where we get to our next step in being confident. This will be the biggest and most important step that you will ever take in your life. The wind that carry your dust up, is none other than my dear friend, Jesus Christ.

By the way, don’t be too mad, but I did exaggerate a bit. You will have to care what someone thinks of you but don’t be afraid, He thinks you will always be perfect no matter what you wear, your grades, your looks, or how much money you obtain. Matthew 6:25 says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” See, it’s literally written in the Bible that the worrying of your basic everyday wants such as nice clothes and expensive food and drink products are pointless. I love Starbucks as the next girl, and it’s the “basic” and “popular” coffee to get, but when it comes to my priorities and worries, I save those for Jesus.

There isn’t much to worry about with him though truth be told. To be loved by Jesus, is the easiest task to take on in this challenging world. He has already loved you enough to die for you before he has even technically met you yet. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Friends are cool and all, but honestly ask yourself when you’re feeling insecure as you are now enough to even open this article: would they give up their life for you? If the everlasting father loving you unconditionally and dying the most painful death just for all your pain that you have been suffering internally doesn’t at least put a smile on your face, then maybe try talking to him about your troubles. He’s a pretty great listener. He’ll tell you you’re perfect, beautiful, and loved.

Proverbs 3:15 - “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”

This will be a long process, but He’ll fix you to where you’ll constantly feel confident. Confident in love, friendship, and yourself. Just look forward, beautiful, and rise like Maya Angelou and Jesus on third day.