As a female in today’s society, I am sucked into the belief that I am not, and will not ever, be enough. I’m not skinny enough, fit enough, smart enough, pretty enough, have my life together enough, the list is endless. Recently, I suffered one of those weak moments when you believe you aren’t enough and get yourself a tub of Ben and Jerry’s to cry it out.

However, you know just as well as I do that ice cream and tears sometimes just doesn’t suffice, so we seek reassurance from others. We seek reassurance from worldly things, like our perfect relationship with the perfect guy, the number of likes on our newest Instagram post, the "A" on our most recent chemistry exam. We slather makeup all over our already beautiful faces, take hours to do our hair to perfection, go shopping to find the perfect outfit, and patiently wait for the complement from our friends, or a smile from that cute guy across the bar. However, these little moments of confidence boost can only leave you feeling secure for a short time. Whether your insecurities stem from previous abusive relationships, a mother who can never be satisfied with her little girl, a father who left his family behind without a second thought, or other various situations that left you feeling inadequate, I want you to know that you are ENOUGH. Even though I don’t personally know you, I know you are enough, and you know why? Because there is a Mighty, Powerful, Wonderful Father who created you with intention and love. The same Father created the most beautiful of sunsets, the snow capped mountains, and the vast sea, and He also thought that this world needed YOU. You will always be and always have been enough for the King of Kings. Believer and nonbeliever alike, this statement holds true.

Now, after this discovery it’s not like my moments of insecurity magically vanished, but it gave me somewhere to turn other than the momentary satisfaction felt from the ice cream and new clothes. I found the most peace and security from knowing that I am unconditionally loved far more than I could ever imagine by the Father who created me and knows every inch of my soul. Woah. You mean to tell me that the God that I fail daily loves me regardless? That's the insane truth, and I think we all need reminders of that. So the next time you’re allowing the thoughts of doubt and inadequacy engulf your mind, instead of reaching for that Ben & Jerry’s in the freezer, I challenge you to reach for scripture instead. Listen to the words of the Most High, and believe that you are ENOUGH. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the expanse that is The Bible (because who doesn’t sometimes), I’ll get you started with some of the verses I cling to in my times of doubt.

“He has made everything beautiful in it’s time. He has also set enterity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV

“All beautiful you are my darling; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Songs 4:7, NIV

“The Lord your God is within you, the Mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you; but rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, NIV

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4, NIV

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge—that you too may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19. NIV