They say that people don't change. While this rings true to some extent, it isn't totally accurate. We all go through things in life that can either break us down or grow us, and sometimes both.

I'm not the same person now, at 19, that I was at 16, and that's okay. In fact, it's a good thing. I've changed, and for the better. Now, don't get me wrong. I have the same personality traits and a lot of the same characteristics as the 16-year-old me, but I am in a much better place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually at 19.

I've had my share of highs and lows over the past few years, and I've allowed myself to wallow in the lows for longer than I should've. But thankfully, the Lord kept His hand on my shoulder and protected me as I walked through the valleys and over the mountains.

At 19, I can look back at my younger self and say with confidence that I have grown in so many ways. I have endured health problems, toxic relationships, false accusations, bad roommates, and times of loneliness, and I have come out better than I was before.

The Lord has used each of these things in my life to grow me and to continue molding me into the person He wants me to become. He has taught me many things since my 16th birthday, and I am looking forward to seeing what He has for me as a 19-year-old.

As life goes on and we all get older, we can either choose to stay the same or choose to grow. And it's okay to grow. Instead of letting life drag us down, we should let the Lord speak into what we're facing and use it to grow us. He makes beauty out of ashes, and He wants to do that for you and me. So let Him change you, and you'll see how good it really is.