My daughter,
You have changed me. You were not the one to make me a mom, but you were my first girl. The love a mother has for her daughter is indescribably different than what she has for her son. Neither love is any less than the other, but it is most certainly different. I didn’t understand how that was possible until I had you—my mini me, my future best friend.
I know there will come a day when you question yourself, because I don’t know any woman who doesn’t. You’ll wonder if you’re smart enough, skinny enough, pretty enough. You’ll look at the world and wonder how you could possibly make a difference. You’ll criticize yourself more than anyone else ever will. You might think your worth is defined through worldly possessions, but you are mistaken. You will compare yourself to unrealistic standards shown through social media, magazines, and television. You might even compare yourself to those around you.
I will be there to remind you, my dear—comparison is the thief of joy.
You are so beautiful, and I pray that somewhere in your mind you always remember that. Your worth is not defined by boys, clothes, your weight, or your friends. This can be hard to remember, especially during your teenage years. I pray that you find your worth in Jesus. That you will remember He made you with His own hands. Every hair, every curve, every detail was beautifully designed by Him. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray that you always get on your knees to pray before seeking advice from the fallen world. That you stand firm in your faith and do not conform to the evil in the world. I pray that your inner beauty radiates light and shines the love of Jesus to everyone you meet. I pray you always see the beauty in others and love them like Jesus does, including yourself.
You won’t believe it when I tell you, but you are enough. You are smart, beautiful, joyful, adventurous, kind, stubborn, and important. You are worth so much more than this world will ever make you believe. One day I pray you will find a man who knows your worth as much as I do. A man who reminds you this everyday, but your worth still will not be defined through him. Always remember, my sweet girl, you are so loved not only by me, but by a king who loved you enough to count every hair on your beautiful head. A king who is bigger than any problem, any insecurity, and any sorrow. In Him alone, I pray you know your worth and beauty.