Elle King’s new song “America’s Sweetheart” speaks to the girls that know they aren’t perfect, to the girls who make mistakes and embrace them. For years I’ve tried to be the “picture perfect” girl. {Notice I said tried, I know I was no where near perfect.} I always thought I had to look my best, speak properly, and simply live up to this unrealistic expectation society has set for young women. I’m not ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ but I’ll tell you what I am.
I am caring. I’ve been taught from a young age to show love and compassion towards others, whether it’s reciprocated or not. I try to be kind, always. Is it always easy? No. Am I always as kind as I should be? No. I constantly have to remind myself to be kind because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. It’s hard to respect people who don’t respect you, but if God can love us despite our sinful behavior, we can love others as well. Be kind to everyone, especially unkind people, they need it the most.
I am independent. Everyone craves being loved. Nobody really wants to be alone, it’s just not in our nature. God didn’t intend for us to be alone. However, I’m trying to become a better me. A me that doesn’t rely on someone else for my happiness. A me that can smile without someone being the reason for it. A me that can accomplish great things. A me that can be proud of myself. When the time is right, I’ll end up with the right person, but until then I’m working on myself, for myself, by myself.
I am passionate. “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” This is exactly what I’m trying to do. I recently discovered a dream of mine that I didn’t even know I had. Always thinking I’d become a nurse someday, the thought of being anything else just seemed weird. Nonetheless, I’m beyond excited to graduate, move to NYC, become a wedding planner, and do things that not only others thought I couldn’t do, but things I never thought I could do. I’ve got my goals set, and there’s no budging.
I am comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be all dolled-up in order to feel beautiful. There’s nothing wrong with throwing on a baggy sweatshirt, some yogas, and putting my hair up in a bun. Who said comfy can’t be cute? Yes, there are days that I enjoy dressing up, because who doesn’t feel confident when rocking their look? But, being confident doesn’t come from your looks, it comes from within.
I am a Christian. I love love love Jesus. “But you drink!” Jesus drank wine. “But you do this, and you do that!” Yeah, I said I’m a Christian, not that I’m perfect. Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin, than about courageously and actively doing God’s will. I obviously make mistakes. I mean, I am only human. Thankfully I worship an all-loving, merciful God. Nothing is more beautiful than the truth that He loves us, not because we are lovable, but because He is love.
I am a sinner. Everyone would like to think that they are a good Christian, but I can’t help but think, is there even such a thing? Don’t get me wrong, there are some really amazing Christians out there. But Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” I will never be as good as I should be, but each and every day I try to be better than the day before. Satan knows my name, but calls me by my sin. God knows my sin, but calls me by my name.
I am me. I am a girl. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I am a cousin. I am short. I am a handful. I am sensitive. I am passionate. I am lazy. I am moody. I am loud. I am mushy. I am caring. I am feisty. I am touchy. I am thankful. I am blessed. I am me.
You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made // Psalm 139:14
beauty from ashes /// abby lynn 