Dear my bratty (but oh, so beautiful) little sister,

There are a few things I wish I would've known at your age, so I'm passing this knowledge onto you.

1. Greater things are coming.

I know that school seems crazy and you are fighting with your best friend. Or the boy you like doesn't even acknowledge your existence. Don't worry. I've been in your shoes and I know you feel alone. You aren't! You have some great friends and a great church family who loves you. Greater things are planned for you then a middle school relationship.

2. You are beautiful.

Oh my goodness. If I hear you say one more time that you are ugly or you can't leave the house without makeup on I will cry. You are so beautiful and you are exactly how our perfect God created you. That should be enough to make you ecstatic. You are so pretty and I am so jealous of you.

3. Quit worrying.

Like I mentioned before, middle school relationships are pointless and your "best friend" will likely not be mad at you by the end of the school day. Don't worry about your future or if a boy likes you, because you are worth so much more than that. Take one day at a time and love those around you. (Especially the people that get made fun of. You never know whose day you can make better).

4. You don't have to party to make friends.

I can not stress this enough! Please don't let me find out that you are going to parties with underage drinking and doing illegal things. You know better than that! The people who only want to hang out with you at parties are not people you want to be around. When you are of age, do as you please. But do not be stupid and do illegal things to get in with the popular crowd.

*Side note: If you do these stupid things—do not drink and drive, or get in a car with someone who has been drinking. I would much rather get a phone call at 2 a.m. because you need a ride rather than from mom telling me you died from driving drunk.

5. Tell mom your struggles.

If I could stress anything, it's talk to mom. If you do stupid stuff (like mentioned before) open up to mom. She will be upset, and maybe disappointed, but she is always going to have your back; especially when your "friends" don't like you anymore. Please let her know when you hate yourself and when you feel like giving up. Life is going to knock you down, but don't stay there.

Please take these into consideration throughout your last year of middle school and as you enter high school. If someone doesn't want to be your friend because you won't do bad things, find new friends. Also, I love you and you can always call me regardless of what's going on.

Love,

Your very loving big sister