Dear Middle School Me,
I want to begin this letter by warning you that I'm going to shoot down a lot of your current thoughts; so just be ready to be a bit offended. However, I am telling you this to help you, I promise. I want the best for you.
You are beautiful.
Days go by and you sit and wonder if you'll ever be as pretty as the next girl. You sit and point out every flaw in yourself, but here's what I have to say: God creates beauty and He knew you before you ever took your first breath in this broken world. "For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalm 139:13-14 Learn to look at yourself in the mirror and think "I am His. The Creator of all things- mountains, stars, oceans, and animals -- created me and I am beautiful."
Low self-esteem eats at you more than it should.
In the process, you feel that acting out and trying to "be like everyone else" will help you and make you feel important or "popular." Popularity is such an unattainable goal. Popularity is something that only exists in the minds of those who feel as if there is some sort of specific level of friendship among others. In reality, popularity is a status in which others unhealthily revere you. Do not be fooled by such "popularity;" God has much better plans for you than living life trying to be part of some sort of social hierarchy among your friends. In fact, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." -1 Peter 3:3-4.
Just because you feel that every other girl around you is going out on "dates" does not mean that you are not worth it.
Middle school is not a time that should necessarily be spent dating and finding a new boyfriend. Middle school is a time that should be spent learning more about yourself. Use the time you have to grow friendships and learn your heart to prepare for high school and your future, and be thankful for the time God is giving you to grow in Him through middle school. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." -Philippians 4:4
Don't get involved in drama.
Believe me, I know that you want to spread any gossip that you hear. Just don't. It is not respectful or beautiful to spread rumors. A beautiful heart is a heart that loves, cares and comforts. Never should you be spreading lies or involving yourself in the drama -- strive for a beautiful heart that lives for The Lord. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." -Galatians 5:16-17
Lastly, learn to love others the way Jesus would.
You'll begin to realize in middle school that there are so many people who do not know the love of the Lord the way you do. Show them. Show them how your Heavenly Father loves and how that love is unconditional. Use middle school as a time to influence others for Christ -- not for pride in yourself, but for pride in The Lord. "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." -Psalm 103:8
You can do this. Remember, you are beautifully and wonderfully made by our Heavenly Father. You have so much power and love through Him. Influence others in a positive way; and don't be afraid to go against the grain of middle school. Be a light for Him.
With love,
Your College Self
