So, I’m the kind of person that never deletes their text messages. I’m also the kind of person that loves to reread my texts. In our society, at least among my generation, I know that this is considered a major taboo. Why would you reread your texts? Doesn’t that just make you upset? To be honest yes, sometimes rereading texts with old friends can pull at the heart strings a bit but that’s not my goal in doing this.

This week my goal in sitting down and reading my old texts with friends, that may or may not be a current part of my life, was to find truths that it would be selfish not to share with as many people as possible. I constantly get great advice from the people that have flowed in and out of my life so if you don’t mind I’d like to share 11 pieces of that truth that I’ve gotten in the past year that I feel should be screamed from the rooftops.

1. “We were too young to be unhappy. That confuses your mind and makes you upset. People should only benefit you at this point in your life, right now your own happiness is the most important.”

2. “I love you a lot and I know you can do what’s best for you. You’re stronger than a stupid relationship.”

3. “Don’t be so dependent on others & learn to accept more aspects of life. Love yourself & don’t let outside influence make you so self-conscious.”

4. “I wish I knew that not everyone is the person I always thought they were. That some people will use you for what they need and get rid of you. But if you keep God at the center of your heart and protect it, everything will work out as God intended it to.”

5. “… But now I need you to know: you need to be loved, both by yourself and someone else.”

6. “Nothing is more crucial in this process than a constant awareness of God’s values and his intent for you. You don’t need to know all the answers as long as you are faithful in your very next step every day.”

7. “It’s crazy as I get older and make mistakes, given we are human and we do that. But I’ve learned so much about the Lord’s word and things like why He tells us to wait for marriage, because sex hurts emotionally. On the real it’s crazy how true He is and I’ve learned so much that it’s not because he doesn’t want us to have fun. Like coming home and laying in bed drunk or high makes you feel so empty and broken.”

8. “My parents didn’t meet until their late 20's/early 30's so I wouldn’t stress about meeting someone in college. Don’t settle for someone who is just okay, go for someone who is the best for you.”

9. “1) Whoever made up the phrase “the feels” is a moron and I hate that term. 2) the feels suck.”

10. “You will continue to see him move mountains, you need only to believe it, lean on him, depend on him in everything.”

11. “I read one time that in college you discover that there’s a little piece in you that wants to save the world. It’s okay if that world is you. Cheesy but true all the way through. You are worth so much. Remember that.”

Words to live by, am I right ladies? I can’t stress enough how important each one of these texts are to me and how important the people behind the words have been. My only hope is that these truths encourage you. Encourage you to be an encourager, to be a listener, and to realize that just a simple text can change a someone’s perspective.