This past weekend, I had the privilege of serving as a Huddle Leader at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp. I had a little bit of a clue of what to expect. I knew I would have a group of girls in either junior high or high school, and that I would lead them in group competitions and discussions about the bible in our "huddle." I knew I had to prepare some things to say to them — a few words of encouragement that girls that age need to hear more often. As I was praying that God would give me the right words to say to my girls, the Holy Spirit placed these phrases in my heart. If you have watched "The Help," this somewhat parallels Ms. Aibileen Clark's words. This one goes out to the ladies! Whether you are a young high school student, an overwhelmed yet excited college student like myself, or a busy and tired mom, you probably need to hear these three phrases more often.
1. You are beautiful.
You truly are - despite what you think are flaws, and what you think is undesirable when you look in the mirror. The bible says in Psalm 139:14 "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God did not make a mistake when He crafted each and every one of us. He made us just as we are and we need to be confident in both our inner and outer beauty. We, as women, sometimes feel that we need to fit a standard, to look like the people we see on TV and in magazines. But we don't! Comparing ourselves is unhealthy. We need to be reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and embrace it.
2. You are strong.
You have been through a lot - moments where you cried yourself to sleep, moments in which you wanted to give up. But you didn't and you are here now. Even in those times when we feel weak, like all hope is lost, what's amazing is that God is always there to lean on. To catch us when we fall. His grace and mercy is astounding and we are so blessed by Him. Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Our strength comes from God, He lifts us up when we are down, when we are struggling through a circumstance. God did not intend for us to suffer, but to have peace in Him. God is so mighty, and we can always find strength in Him.
3. You are loved.
I truly hope you know that. Although I don't know exactly what your situation may be, I do know this: God loves you immensely. He created you because He loves you and He has such a great plan for each of us. It's unfathomable! "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. God loves us that much. So much that He sent Jesus Christ to live a perfect life on this earth and die a gruesome death that we deserve. Now that's amazing, and He did that for YOU.
Whatever you are going through at the moment, put it all aside. Forget about the test coming up and the errands you have to do tomorrow. Sit there and say to yourself out loud, "I am beautiful. I am strong. I am loved." You better believe it! Because you are. I encourage you to say that to yourself every day. You are God's wonderful creation.
