Listen - what I wish I could say...

There's a wisdom that comes with getting older. Almost a set of "past glasses" that help you see things more clearly. There are times when I want to grab young girls and women by the shoulders and shake sense into them. But let's be honest, if someone would have tried to tell me the things I want to say- I wouldn't have listened.

What is it about youth? I'm incredibly thankful I didn't experience my teen years through the glass house of social media. Something about the internet gives us all a screen of confidence to say whatever/do whatever/ be whoever we want to create. Except... something happens and what we think we're portraying may get distorted. It's hard to convey true emotions with only words.

I wish I could tell the girl who is in a relationship with someone who doesn't accept her to wait on God's best because whoever it is will be worth it.

I wish I could tell the girl who doesn't think she's pretty enough - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

I wish I could tell the girl dressing immodestly that modest really IS hottest. Your future husband will appreciate it. Speaking of future husbands...how bout you save it for him? Not to sound preachy, but I wish 16 year-old-me would have paid more attention to people with this message. They were right.

I wish I could tell the girl who hides how smart she is so she doesn't feel dorky to be herself because she's cool how she is. 

I wish I could tell her not to worry what people think about you. It's surprising how little they do.

I wish I could tell her to keep personal things personal. Tell a close friend. Not Twitter. Not Facebook. If you don't have a close friend-MAKE ONE! Really. It helps.

I wish I could tell her to be grateful, manners matter, and politeness counts. Be remembered for being kind. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 NIV

I wish I could tell her and she would listen:

• You're smart enough.
• You're pretty enough.
• You're good enough.
•  You're important.
• You're thin enough.
• You're unique.
• You're loved.

I could tell her. But would she hear me? Would she really listen? I had people telling me these things when I was her. It took age to see... I hope someday they see.