To the younger self

What would you tell your younger self?

That life will be frightening—

though not as much as you imagine?

That the world can be unkind,

but you don’t have to become like it?

That life won’t always make sense,

and that it’s still okay to keep walking?

That people may overlook you,

but that does not define your worth?

That you will fail sometimes,

and still not be a failure?

That some prayers may feel unanswered,

yet none of them go unheard?

I don’t know everything

I would say to my younger self—

but maybe I’d say this to you:

The One who created you

holds your life in His hands.

You don’t have to be so afraid.

For the God who is with us

has never once left your side—

and He never will.