Day 10 - You Can Do Infinitely More Than You Believe You Can

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 10 - You Can Do Infinitely More Than You Believe You Can

Dear teenage self, 

You can do infinitely more than you believe you can. Stop allowing others to dictate your ability, worth, and level of intelligence. Teenagers will often underachieve to fit in. You were never meant to fit in. You were born to stand out, and that's not bad. 

Say no when your friends ask you to hang out and do things you know you're not supposed to do. No is a complete answer. You owe them nothing else. When you're reading your Bible in the hallway, and kids walk by, making fun of you, keep reading. Don't answer their taunts. You're doing nothing wrong. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

+2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

So often, you're afraid that if you say no, you won't have any more friends and will be all alone. Is that really true? Or will the bad company simply stop influencing you, and God will send His people into your life to befriend you? Do you not trust the God of the universe to provide what you need and set things right? It doesn't all fall on your shoulders, dear one. 

Sometimes, you start a really big project that will benefit your present and future, but when someone questions your ability or your process, you give up and abandon the project. You do this out of fear that you are already doomed to fail. How do you know unless you complete the project? Maybe you needed this for more than just the end result. Try again. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, I go with the flow of those around me far too often because I am afraid of opposition. I'm afraid of being made fun of, left behind, and alone. In the midst of submitting to peer pressure, I'm sinning against You by not doing the things You have asked me to do. I am sorry, Lord. Please show me the changes I need to make in my life and open doors for new and healthier friends to come into my life. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love, and sound mind to do what You've called me to do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

Floor 102 of the Empire State Building. 04/14/2024 
Another thing you thought you could never do, but you did.

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 9 - Today Is A Good Day

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 9 - Today Is A Good Day

Dear teenage self, 

Today is a good day. Nothing monumental is happening, but I am alive, healthy, and happy with my family. I went to the grocery store this morning, bought feed for our farm animals, and even got a hot coffee for my husband, Anthony. I have a huge pile of laundry to fold soon, and I'm looking forward to watching a silly movie while I fold the laundry.

There were years of my life where I lived in fear, and it was hard to leave the house to go to the grocery store. I was always afraid of awkward conversations, what people would think of the way I was dressed, and if I would remember everything I was supposed to buy - even with a list in hand! Fear ruled my life in so many silly ways. In fact, it ruled my life so much that I was too scared to even pick up a Bible. I was afraid the Lord was angry with me for all of my fear and anxiety, so I just avoided Him. I missed out on a lot of precious time with Him.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

+Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV) 

When I finally learned to seek Him in the midst of whatever was going on, my life began to change for the better. My fears disappeared and I started to live more boldly. The past is behind me. The future is in front of me. I'm making new, healthier choices every day. Some days I still make mistakes, but I learn from them now instead of beating myself up repeatedly. I wish I had learned to do this years earlier, but now that I know how good it feels to focus on Jesus and the goodness of living with the Holy Spirit, I want to focus on that and keep moving forward. 

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus, You are so good. You and the Father in Heaven are always looking out for me, always placing blessings before me. Even in the mundane moments of life, I am surrounded by Your goodness and Your love. I am so thankful for all of the things I am able to do that I too often take for granted. I am so grateful that You listen to me and that I am never too much for You. I can trust You with all of my emotions, big and small. I can give my fears to You and live in boldness, Truth, and love.  I love You, Lord. Amen. 

What it looks like when I'm working on a blog post😊 

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.