Dear 25 year old self,

Hello! This is you writing. To be specific this is 19 year old you writing to my future 25 year old self. Isn't this crazy? When you read this I will no longer exist except in my journal writings and this letter. Wicked, am I right?

I've been wanting to write this letter for years, but I never quite got the inspiration to follow through. I just finished watching a sweet little movie titled Before We Go, and if you think way back it has your man Chris Evans both starring and directing in it. After watching our man for roughly an hour and a half, I finally found the inspiration and motivation to actually write this letter.

Now, being in the present causes a bit of a problem with this letter because I don't know where I will be in six years. Therefore, I'm not entirely certain of the advice and thoughts that I need to share with you. However, I will attempt my best at writing what I will need to hear in six years from now and trust that God will do the rest.

Right now, I am working as a campus police dispatcher, and I absolutely love it. The police officers and fellow dispatchers are so kindhearted and caring that I truly enjoy working alongside them. With the whole Black Lives Matter movement, my job enables me to stand more firmly on my belief that all lives matter. Not just certain lives based on their skin tone or job occupation. I hope where you are that the whole ordeal will have calmed down, and I pray for a peaceful resolution over this world.

Furthermore, I know that whatever season I am in six years from now, it is for God's reason. My hope is that when I read this that I will be happily married to the love of my life and work somewhere in the film industry. Here is the thing though, no matter what I say, do, or think: God is in control. As much as it pains me to write this, six years from when this letter is written I may be single as heck like I am right now, but I have faith that God has someone out there for me, for us. We just have to have faith and ears to hear what God is speaking to us.

On the other hand if I am still unmarried, remember that being single is not a curse, but a different kind of blessing. You know, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:34 (KJV), "The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit." Paul isn't speaking fondly of the single ladies because marriage is a bad commitment. In fact, marriage is one of the many blessings from God. My point is that being single is not for swooning over every attractive man you meet. It is a time to find your identity in Christ and to build upon your faith in our loving Father who wants nothing but the best for us. Remember that.

Last few reminders I promise! Do not go back to your old ways. We have given that to Christ, and He has buried it. DO NOT GO BACK! Leave it behind you and focus on the One who can truly satisfy you, and that is God. Always remember that God gave you your family. You can either reject that or you can tap into His blessing and love the fallen, the weak, and the thirsty (Matthew 25:31-40). Then you will be doing the work God sent us here to do. I pray you stand firm on the Rock and that you not only ask for but use your ears to hear the words of God.

My final request is for you to pray. When God has blessed you, pray. When you are in the valley of the shadow of death, pray. When you don't know what to say, read the book of Psalms and pray. God wants to speak to you, so pray.

In closing, may the force be with you, and live long and prosper.

Sincerely,

Your 19 year old self