If I Was A Child Again

I never thought to actually have homework again but I was wrong. Amanda came to me last week and told me that her English teacher had given her homework that included me doing an essay in the form of a letter. My assignment was to write her (Amanda) a letter explaining what would make the world a better place from my perspective using "if I was a child again".
I thought to post it because it's all part of what I think God is preparing me for. I have such a heart for young girls and want so desperately to help as many as I can to be confident, embrace who they are and celebrate their uniqueness. I'd love nothing more than to help them through the very difficult time of being a teenager. If I could save just one girl from experiencing the feelings of worthlessness that I felt I would be happy. So this letter is not just addressing Amanda really; it is to all those young kids out there who feel that they are not valuable.

...Dear Amanda,

The world can be a better place. It only takes 1 person to make a change in one other person’s life who will then make a change in another’s life. It is the pay it forward concept. If I could go back and live my life again, perhaps I would do it differently.

For instance, if I were a child again, I would be more confident. I would know who I was and wouldn’t let another child tell me I was not good enough because I wore glasses or didn’t wear the latest clothes. I would be happy with what I was given and walk with my head held high. I would know that confidence doesn’t come from the outside but from the inside.

If I were a child again, I would love myself a little more. I would know that God created me perfectly and with intent. I would know that not one hair on my head was a mistake. I would know that even when the world made me feel unloved or unwanted, or unworthy, I would know that God loves me no matter what. When I didn’t feel like I fit it, I would know that I wasn’t alone. I would make sure that no one else felt alone either.

If I were a child again, I would know that I was unique and I was meant to be unique. I wasn’t meant to be just like everyone else. I would know that it was O.K. that I didn’t look like Miley Cyrus because I wasn’t meant to; just like she wasn’t meant to look like me. I would embrace the color of my eyes and the body I was given. I wouldn’t compare myself to others. And I would tell others not to do it either.

If I were a child again, I would know that I had something valuable to offer. I would know that I was likeable and could be a good friend. I would believe that my friends liked me for who I was and weren’t pretending just to be nice. I would know that I wasn’t just tolerated. I would know that my friends liked me because I was funny and generous and fun to be around. I would make sure that others felt valued as well. I would go out of my way to make sure everyone had a friend and felt included.

If I were a child again, I would not let the people around me define who I was. I would not believe them when they said I was ugly and was dressed funny. I would not believe them when they said hurtful things. I would not listen when they called me names. I would not let them make me cry. I would know that I wasn’t any of those things and if they just got to know me they would know that too. I would not stand by and watch the same thing happen to someone else. I would stand up for myself and others.

If I were a child again, I would understand that the world could let me down but that God never would. I would know that I always had Him to count on. I would rely on Him to get me through each day. And I would encourage others to do the same.

If I were a child again I would realize that the world is not a perfect place. I would realize that hate has a history. I would know that each person causing hurt has been hurt. If I was a child again, I would try to find a way to stop it before it was too late. Sweetheart, you are still a child and you can change things now so that you do not have to think back to another time and wonder “if I was a child again”. It is your time to make a difference in this world so that it is a better place for your children.

My personal wish for you is to always feel loved and cherished. Not because I love you with all my heart, but because God loves you with all of His. When the world lets you down, know that God will hold you up. When you look in the mirror and doubt what you see, know that God sees Himself when He sees you. You were made perfect and with intent. Not a single part of you was a mistake. You were placed on this earth with a purpose and for a purpose. I pray that you will know this in your heart so that you can pass on this legacy to your children who in turn will pass it on to theirs.

I am so grateful to God for giving me the honour and privilege of being your mother. You give my life purpose. You are the reason I get up in the morning and my inspiration to be a better person. You are my precious girl and I love you.

With all my heart,

Mom XOXO