I know what you’re thinking right now. There is one question circling around in your head. You’re trying not to think about it, but you can’t stop it from coming to the forefront of your mind. “Was I not good enough?” You keep wondering if you had too many flaws, if you weren’t talented enough, if your clothes weren’t good enough, if you were too much to be around. For those of you reading this, please know that I understand the burning pain inside and the weight of the chains that are placed on your mind and your heart after coming to a realization that you were second to someone all along. I know that you’re looking at yourself and you’re wondering what’s the matter with you that would cause someone to treat you in such a way.

I’m not writing this letter to sit and sulk with you. I’m not writing this to bring back a load of heartbreak. I’m certainly not here to make you question your worth. I’m writing this because I have figured out from personal experience that it does no good to question if you’re good enough. I have spent so much time doing the worst thing that I could possibly do for myself: think. So please, for a second, quit thinking about everything that you wish were different about yourself or things that you should have done differently and hear me out on this. You are so amazing. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. You deserve way better than how you were treated. Regardless of the situation, regardless of what they may have said to you, regardless of what they have done to you: your identity does not come from what happened in the past or what the devil is putting in your mind to tell you. Your identity is found in Jesus and only through Him. He is the only one from who you find your true value. You can search to find your value and your recovery from pain in new relationships, drugs, alcohol, sex, music and so on, but I promise you. Nothing will get you through it like the love of a Savior who sweeps down to pick you up and love you in the midst of your pain. If you feel worthless, He can restore your worth. If you feel depressed, He can bring you joy. If you feel like you are no good to anyone, He will show you just how amazing you are. And one day, when the timing is right, He will bring someone into your life that He has saved just for you.

So today I encourage you to not wallow in your pain, even though it may hurt you more than you could ever put into words. Choose joy because anyone who didn’t see your wonderful heart is not worth crying over. Pain may come in the night, but I promise that joy comes in the morning.

-LG