Dear John,

Don’t freak out, but I’m you. I’m coming to you from roughly five years into your future. Currently, I’m a sophomore at Mississippi College. That’s right, we made it! We beat high school. Actually high school is what I want to talk you about. I know you’re excited to finally start high school but there’s some things that you gotta know. See, this letter gives me the chance to offer some advice, give some encouraging words and potentially correct some mistakes. As I said, I’m from your future so I know what I’m talking about. I know this seems weird, I know but trust me, okay? I know what talking about—this way you’ll have a smoother run in both high school and life, in general.

First things first (I’m the realest haha. Sorry, that song hasn’t come out yet. Never mind that): as soon as you turn 15, get your permit! I know you’re probably not even thinking about driving but trust me, jump on getting to that as soon as possible. Driving is one of the most exciting parts about high school. It’s awesome. Having to ask your younger classmates for rides isn’t something I particularly enjoyed, and Mom and Dad get sick of taking you places pretty quickly in high school. And if you need more inspiration—you get a brand new car (yes you read that correctly) pretty soon after getting your license. Think, the sooner you get that license, the sooner you’re able to cruise around in it. Also, follow through with driving. Once you get that permit, be sure to get your intermediate license as soon as possible (after a year) and then you’re all ready for the full license. Be sure you’re taking advantage of driving and take the wheel whenever Mom or Dad ask you too and lose the attitude (yes, I had one

Man, other than that you’re doing well. You’ve found comics and movies and you even finish the book! Your cousins are becoming our best friends and you’re starting to find that Ivanna isn’t half bad and that you need a sister like her more than you realize. [Yeah, I said it and I meant it. I’m the future you remember?] Now before I get into the serious stuff, I want to say this because it will help with what I’m about to say next...take your faith more seriously. Christianity as simple fire insurance doesn’t cut it anymore. Read the devotionals that you have and pray more, and they can be about anything. I wish I had sooner as it would have helped me deal with the baggage I have to talk to you about.

To kick off the more serious side of this letter, I’m gonna discuss and all too familiar topic. I’m just gonna keep nice and simple because we both know we tend to overthink and the more information I say the more you’re gonna stress out about, but here goes: don’t stress about girls. Yeah, I know the guys you hang with have a natural rapport with girls and you’re still trying to look them in the eye but don’t let them become something to stress over or worry. Because I’m gonna let you in on a secret: You’re not ready for a girlfriend. That’s just the bottom line, man. You think you’re ready but trust me, you’re not. I’m twenty now, and I’m finding that I’m not ready for one even now. For one thing, we’ve got growing up to do emotionally. Second, why do you want one? Don’t lie, because I already now. You see the guys you hang with are getting with girls while you’re third-wheeling, getting your heart stomped on, and being looked down on. You want a girlfriend because the guys tell you that you aren’t going to find anyone until you were fifty, or because you spent a summer camp being called the ugliest guy there. Yeah, it sucks man. But dude, I’m telling you that God has the One for you and she’s going to come around when He says the timing is right. So yeah, you might have to wait a little longer than everyone else but in the meantime, grow, meet people, stay rooted in your Word and trust that He’s had your love story planned out since before you were born.

Another thing, there’s nothing with not quite fitting in with the guys you call friends. For one thing, you have different talents, gifts and skills than they do and being ashamed of them or wishing you had what some else has is like telling God that He messed up. You’ve heard Mom and Dad say to you countless times that God has a plan for you and that because you’re Christian, you’re meant to stand out. As cliche as you think it sounds, it’s true. So don’t ever compromise who are for the hopes of impressing or fitting in with others. Sure, you’ve stumbled in the social arena--doing and saying things to fit in or entertaining thoughts of doing something that you KNOW is wrong for the sake of hoping to climb the social ladder, I’ve done somethings a year and much later from where you are now that I wish I could take back. But move on from that and keep going. Keep growing. What the guys say makes you “cool” or will help ease the tension won’t make you more liked or more welcomed, no matter how well they advertise it. Also, you don’t realize that they’ve got their own mess just like you...they just do a better job of hiding it. Don’t let them determine your worth. Don’t let them pat your head like you’re some little kid who said something intelligent, or laugh and criticize you when you voice your opinion. I know we don’t like conflict and it’s just easier to duck your head down, but stick up for yourself. No one has the right to push you around.

Tying into that...be yourself, man. Don’t be ashamed of it. You like comic books? Cool! You love God and are serious about your faith? Awesome! You’d rather watch a superhero show or movie instead of a game? Perfect! Mom will start saying this later but “You are the best, you can be”. Don’t ever feel like you have to fit into a mold that everyone says you have to be. I tried that and it didn’t end well. In fact, it crushed me when I failed, and because of that failure, I almost did something drastic that would have hurt myself and the people around me. No one deserves to have that kind of grip over you. If you find yourself having or even entertaining some darker thoughts, tell Mom and Dad or even Ivanna (she’s younger than you but she’s wise-beyond-her years and gives real good advice and comfort when needed) immediately. Especially talk to God about it before that funk leads you down a road you can’t come back from.

That’s the best advice I give you. I don’t know if you’ll take me seriously or just toss this aside, but I do hope that at least got the point to grow in the Lord and to keep on being you—a strong, kind, polite, slightly geeky, Christian guy. Nothing is wrong with you and you are not an accident. I’m rooting for you and I can’t for our future.