Adolescence is a time of youthful energy, a time of which we pertain little to no responsibilities because let's be honest, our ultimate concern is whether we are considered to be a "cool kid". I say this lightly in a sense that the overused reference, "cool kid", is applied to not only kids (ages ranging from 5-12 years old) but teenagers as well as some adults.

From childhood, the societal era we grow up in begins to molds our minds. Training us to believe that we must look, act, or even become someone we aren't to be accepted by our peers, society's impact is significant and imprints an idealistic image in our brains of perfection. If we resist the temptation then we are typically faced with loneliness, feeling of isolation and an outcast, etc. The people that face this the issue the most are teenagers. Teens are faced with standards, or peer pressure to assure them that they're accepted..

These standards are what irritate me the most.

I don't believe in "following the crowd". I'm not for changing myself to suit others; self-improvement, yes, I am for that 100% because it's for my own good, but to eliminate your uniqueness to fit society is mistake. We were all created by the most loving, selfless God in all of the land. He made YOU; He specifically composed a set of beautiful, uniquely flawed characteristics to form the person you are today. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason; even your most humiliating, darkest times have a purpose. One must fail to succeed. If God wanted you to be anything, He wanted you to thrive. Thrive in the life you're given!!

"For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church" Ephesians 5:29

You are a work of art. Relish in the canvas of which you are given! Paint it with every color of the rainbow: every pastel tone, fluorescent color, and warm-happy shades you can possibly get ahold of! Don't be shaken when your tones seem to fade to darkness, or mix into bleak neutral tones.. within every rainbow there are background shades that stand as the foundation of the primary colors we see with the naked eye! Your canvas will carry as many mediums as you allow, just provide a strong enough skeleton in your canvas. Every moment will leave an impression, be selective with your choice of permanent ink. Don't change your picture to replicate the opposing artist's piece..

Remember that you serve a purpose. YOU were created with purpose, and to discover that purpose for future life fulfillment will be forever rewarding. So if you woke up this morning, wondering whether your worth it, whether you're loved, why everything in your life seems to temporary, my answer to you is to seek the Lord and you will never be lost by His side. Step by step, with Him first all will come easy, peace will be preserved. You were made to thrive. Thrive in yourself, your peers, your God, and enemies. Thrive to leave a lasting impression.

I believe in you, and so does He.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Roman 5:8

happy September y'all!

M.C.L