This post comes by way of a Hearts At Home blog challenge, asking what we would tell our teenage selves if we could go back. Take the time to read the other links; writing this made me realize how much I wouldn’t change, in spite of it all.
Keep your pants on, girlie!
This title sums up in five words what I would tell my teenage self, if I could go back and shake her by her skinny shoulders. I would grab a washcloth to clean the blue eye shadow off her lids and wipe the sullen look of her face. I would tell her she has so much more to offer the world than just what can be given away in the backseat.
More importantly, if I could go back, I would introduce her to the King. That teenage girl was searching for love, hope, and identity; but without a strong core, she defined herself through the eyes of her culture.
And found that she didn’t measure up.
Filled with a longing to love and be loved, to know and be known, longings given by a God she didn’t yet know. So she searched in all the places she didn’t belong, finding not love, but more questions. More emptiness.
I would tell her not to sell herself short, that there is a plan for her life even if she can’t see it yet. I would lead her to the One who created the plan, saving about 20 years of detours and u-turns.
But, in all honesty, if I could go back, and do all these things, it would take away the richness of the journey I have lived. Without the detours and u-turns, I would not know God today as a God of grace and second chances. And third chances. So mostly what I would tell her is hang in there. You are going to be ok. Just hang in there.
Check out some other thoughts here:
Check out some other thoughts here:
Oh wow!! I can't wait to meet you at SS!! I would tell my teenage self the same things! This is so honest and real. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us that God can work all things for good even in our stumbling and slipping. Love your wisdom and honesty! So glad for the GRACE He gives!
ReplyDeleteLove how you ended this post Debbie.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the journey!
You're such a great testimony to God's power to overcome anything in life.
Debbie, wow! You put this so beautifully! I think you and I must have lived the same teen life.
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective...it's good to remember that there is a reason for the journey we're on, even if it does include more than our fair share of detours and u-turns.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hopping along with us!