A Letter To My 17-Year-Old Self…

Dear 17-year-old Christelle,

CRY, pout, be frustrated, you can even throw a whole tantrum and then maybe cry some more and just let it all out. BUT whatever you do, do NOT believe the lie that you are incompetent. Do NOT believe the lie that you can’t amount up to anything, never believe the lie that you are a failure. Never believe that. You must know that you are more than capable to pursue your dreams and don’t be afraid to dream big. Most importantly, fight to believe and hang on to the truth that your Maker’s heart for you is so good. That God wills the absolute best for you. Trust and know that He is for you. He is for you.

I know college applications are hectic and you’re scared of what the future might look like. You’ve not a clue where you’ll end up and are frightened by the thought that maybe you won’t even be able to go anywhere for college. I get that the uncertainty of what is to come makes you scared. I know the fact that you will be thrown into a whole new surrounding is scary because you are so comfortable where you are and with the people you know. BUT, the future is so bright, and God remains so so good. You will meet so many amazing people. You will be challenged, and you will be stretched like you have never been stretched before. You will have to practice self-control and self-discipline like you never have before in your life. BUT, don’t be quick to run away from the discomfort. Don’t be quick to flee the pruning and discipline. It’s good for ya. Don’t be distracted, you’ll learn how to focus and apply yourself.  You will grow, and you won’t be as naive. Don’t be afraid. Trust always that the Lord will not forsake His own, and you are His. No, seriously. You must be confident in His love for you and that His intentions are always good. Cling to the Truth that you know which is Christ. He is closer than you think.

Listen, when you step into college and a new pattern for your everyday life, you will see things you have never seen before (good and bad), you will hear things you have never heard before (good and bad), you will be exposed to things you have never been exposed to before (good and bad). But no matter what, hang on to the Truth that you know. You will experience some hard times like you’ve never had before. You WILL make mistakes and fail at some things. You will wish you could go back and redo a certain moment or situation to make a better decision, you’ll have regrets. But you know what, they will all serve as points for you to learn and grow. Some falls are necessary for you to grow. And that’s okay. In everything you do, even in the most minute things, they can be used as worship to the Lord. All things as unto Him. Don’t settle for just good but strive for great for His glory, Yea?

Now just get ready because the ride is about to become something you’ve never experienced before. Hardship will allow your faith and trust in God to grow. Be excited!!!! You will meet so many amazing people and have so many great laughs until your tummy hurts!!! You’ll learn so many amazing things. Great memories are about to be made that you’ll hang on to for the long haul. You will learn how to love and serve. You won’t be the same as you are now but in good ways. Okay so yea, you can cry but afterwards, wipe away the tears and know that you are strong and capable to pursue your dreams. Work hard like never before in your life okay? Chin up! Always know in your heart that everything is going to be alright. God’s grace will carry you.

~Love always,

21-year-old Christelle