To the Girl That Lost Hope,

I know how you feel. The frustration, sadness and distress sweep through your hollow soul like a rushing wind. You stand in a room full of your closest friends, you can laugh and hold a conversation, yet you feel like you're alone. No one hears. No one understands. You are completely on your own.

Life has worn you down. Family issues, torn friendships and long work days all take pieces from you that you feel you can't get back. You try to make the best of your current situation. You try to polish the thin silver lining that is left around you, but it remains dull.

Not to mention you've felt like a failure for quite some time now. Between the words you say and the actions you make, you can't get it right. It seems as if all eyes are on you with a magnifying glass. The world is waiting for you to slip, trip and fall. No one believes in you, so how could you believe in yourself?

Precious girl, this is not you. You are not hollow. You are not a screw-up. You are not hopeless. This season of life does not define you. Do not accept these false labels. Take heart and take courage, for there is a light at the end of this long dark tunnel.

You are intelligently designed. You are incredibly talented. You are steadfast and strong. The God of the universe has made you and has anchored you with His hope. This hope cannot come from your family, friends or even yourself. Give it to God, and you may need to give it to him more than once. He will restore the light that went out inside of you. There is no end to your growth or your future.

Trust in God. Believe in his promise. Watch the hope be restored. There is a divine reason for this season, whether you understand or not.

John 16:33 - "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."