Darling child, there are ELEVEN key words that I need you to understand and claim for yourself.

Also, it won’t be the last time I share these words with you, for two reasons.

Firstly, the world is not a kind place, and secondly, every single one us will experience life kicking us in the teeth (and not just a time or two, so buckle up, Buttercup). Spoiler alert – if your inner joy is tied to worldly assessments, the road will be long and dark and miserable.

Ok, ready for those eleven words? Here they are.

You already ARE somebody, and she is fearfully and wonderfully made.

The other day, we were out and about in the WestBend area of our beloved Fort Worth and happened upon this wall mural. I’m a sucker for 90s country, and even though it’s not word for word from Travis Tritt’s “I’m Gonna Be Somebody”, it’s close enough and reminded me of that ditty exactly.

Once we spotted the artwork, we did what we do (ok, what I do, because I’m visual and my pictures are my memories). I would also like to point out here that my selfie angle wasn’t quite as terrible this time. There’s hope for your mama yet, gurrrl.

I love this pic so much, because it reminds me of the fun we had, doing some of our favorite activities, sharing stories and life updates, laughing at old inside jokes, bonding over new inside jokes and just enjoying a little slice of normal life (I’ll help you be intentional about not taking those moments for granted if you do the same for me).

When I looked at the pic later though, I knew I had to write this next Letter to you.

Ambition, aspiration, and dreams are all very good things. But let me be very clear here – you already are something precious and special, as is every child of God.

I spent far too many years of my life feeling less than, in a season of waiting, convincing myself that if or when this thing happened, then I would feel, then I would be, etc.

What a waste it was! That is not living, little lady. It’s merely existing and whiling away what could otherwise be a highly productive and joyful time. I wish I could go back to those moments and talk some loving sense into my old self, but I can’t – so I’m pouring this hard-earned life wisdom into you, and for all who read this Letter.

Here’s the takeaway kid – the “if/when” talk track is a trap. Such thought patterns are at best fruitless; at worst they are self-defeating and can even harm your relationships with others.

Instead of conforming to the patterns of this world, interpret your worth based on who your Father in Heaven says you are, and yes, I get that it’s incredibly hard to do. All the more reason to nurture your hopes and dreams through the lens of what He made you to do.

That is just not a spiritual maturity I had when I was your age.

Instead, my sense of self swayed with the ebb and flow of personal achievement and praise for said achievement, only to tank something awful when life did what life does. I’m going to do my level best to make sure you don’t repeat this foolish (and all too human) mistake.

Which brings me to another point. As much as I am not sad to see this September go bye-bye, I’m also glad for all the ways it helped our family grow even closer, and for how it reminded us, as tough times usually do, that God’s grace is sufficient for our lives.

Remember that everyone is a Wonderful Somebody, and let your actions show them you believe it, through seasons both sour and sweet.

I love you for always!

Mom