To the girl with a big heart,

I'm not even going to start by asking you how you're doing. I already know that for small talk sake, that you would tell me you're doing great, but I know that underneath that sweet smile and bright eyes, that there is more to the story. Pretty girl, I think you're tired in every single sense of the word... and rightfully so. You spend so much of your time and efforts pouring out the sweetness of your soul into others, that you've forgotten what it's like for someone to share their sweetness with you. You can't keep pouring from a cup that will eventually run dry, right? You are there for every single friend who is dealing with heartbreak, stress, change, and just life in general, but when you are the girl that everybody else runs to for encouragement, who does that leave you to turn to when your well runs dry? Let me tell you something, big hearted girl. There is only one source that never disappoints, never sleeps, never looks away even for a moment, doesn't run out, and doesn't stop producing love for you... and that, ole girl, is Jesus Christ.

He is the reason your heart beats each day, the very breath that gives life to your sweet and encouraging words that you serve out to others, the drive behind your strong work ethic, and the love inside of your heart. He chose you to be the individual of your friend group who has the power to speak life and bring change, because He is within you. You aren't looked at as everyone's favorite sweetheart because you're awesome on your own accord, but instead, seen as different than those around you because you have allowed Him to be the source of your joy and identity. You've got a bright light, girlfriend. I promise you, if He is within you, then your inner light does not go unnoticed to those around you. (Matthew 5:14-16.)

I need you to do me a favor, though. For starters, I want you to take a baby step in learning how to accept having a heart of gold. As it turns out, a lot more people in this world were born with a heart full of love and joy than we tend to think, but somewhere along the way, that light got put out, and sadly... those hearts hardened a little bit. But not yours. I'm sure you've been through trials of your own, but guess what? You came out, you survived. You were strong enough and brave enough to keep your heart pure and untouched by the wicked world in which we live, and that in and of itself deserves some applause. Please keep fighting the good fight. Please stop being ashamed of being young, sensitive, vulnerable, and open hearted. Let the ultimate protector guard your heart, and allow Him to keep you motivated to live like Him. After all, in this world, we can't afford to live in a world where your inner light goes out... we need all of the love and light we can get, and it starts with you. Stay strong, stay bold, and remain in Him.

Much love,

Sister in Christ