For my highschool girls! Can I get a h-e-l-l-o?!
As you read this I want YOU to know that you are SEEN and uniquely LOVED. You might look at older girls and think how cool they are but can I just tell you how amazing YOU are. I know that might be hard to believe (as I am sure there are lots of things that tell you otherwise!). But it is truer than true that you are loved.
I know things can be hard sometimes: between friends, schoolwork,family, sports, arts (doing the things you love!) life can get busy! And sometimes life sends us some curveballs that aren’t too pleasant: whether that be the loss of a loved one, school stress, anxiety, friendship troubles, family arguments. But I am here to encourage you that in all of this God can give you everything you need and he is there for you.
There are things in your life that are going to be challenging (this is life!) but there are also things that are going to be amazing and bring you joy. I hope to tell you how to navigate these things best and give you a few pointers as you work your way through school and your teen years.
1. Talk to God
My girls, if you have friendship with God then talk to him! He loves listening to you. If you have never tried talking to God then I encourage you to try it. It can be as simple as saying something to him in your head or talking aloud to him before you go to bed.
My favourite times to talk to God are when I go on long walks or when I go out to the garden in the morning. Tell him about the things you are worried about, the things you are excited about, the things you would like to have happen today or in the future. He is listening and he cares about the things you care about.
2. Find girls you trust
School can be a really challenging time. All throughout school I continuously had friendship troubles. And I know that when you have an argument with your best-friend it feels like the worst thing in the world! Even now, find women older than you that you trust that you can talk to about some of the hard things you are going through.
When I was your age, these women were my mum and my mum’s best friends. They encouraged me to just be me and to enjoy my life, but to also make decisions about what was best and healthy for me in an emotional sense (even if some of those were hard decisions). But with those women I feel safe and protected, celebrated and free to be exactly who I was created to be. Learn from these people and soak in their wisdom –this is something that you will need to be doing for the rest of your life! (so why not get started now?)
3. Be confident
This is probably a more difficult one especially as you get older. It can feel like there is always someone who is prettier, smarter, braver. But these things are lies. No one is like you. And confidence (I truly believe) is a choice. What things do you love? What would you be doing if you weren’t afraid? What is holding you back from enjoying all that God has given you? I challenge you to face these things with confidence.
In the Bible it says ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:13). God wants you to succeed and to fully enjoy your life. Go for it!
When I was a little girl I used to love singing on stage, but as I got into high school I thought that was embarrassing because I cared too much about what people thought and so I didn’t do it. If I could go back in time I would have kept going because I missed out on some great opportunities because I was afraid.
4. HAVE FUN
My girls!! The need to have fun and enjoy your never gets old! If you feel like there are certain things that have been weighing you down for a long time now, or keeping you from enjoying life the way you know you can, I would love to pray for you. The great joy of being a child of God is that we have nothing to worry about!
Satan will convince us otherwise, but we can pray about these things and let God take them from us. Whilst there are times to be sad, times that are challenging, there are also incredible times of laughter, and joy. And we can always, ALWAYS have his peace. This bible verse comes to my mind (maybe stick it up on your mirror!)
Philippians 4:4-7 ‘Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again –rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’
I hope this has been encouraging to my sweet friends and heavenly sisters.
Shannon Munyard is home to the Adelaide Hills where she works as a horse riding instructor and equine assisted learning facilitator at a non-for profit youth campsite. Shannon is passionate about authenticity, and seeing people connected to their hearts. She loves the outdoors, bush camping, pondering deep questions and Jesus.