Letter of Encouragement

God has been working on me in a lot of ways, one specific way is by continuously reminding me that I need to be bold and confident.  God has given me special gifts and He wants to work in and through me to further His kingdom. That's crazy! But it's beautiful and amazing.  I struggle with this a lot and am often down on myself.  So, yesterday, I wrote a letter of encouragement to myself to help remind me to stay rooted in the truth that God has taught me.  I wanted to share the letter with you.  Hopefully it will be an encouragement to you because I am certain I am not the only one who struggles with confidence and boldness.


Dearest Jessica,

God has created you. He has given you the gifts and abilities to be a campus staff member. You have experiences that will help you relate to so many people.  You will never be perfect.  Your authenticity and honesty are two of the many traits that allow you to connect with people relationally.  Use those gifts on campus, outside of campus, in your family and with donors.  Be real always.  Don't be afraid to share and express your passion.  Go in boldness and confidence because you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you.  You can move mountains because of this.  You see the potential in others and get frustrated when they don't reach that potential.  See the potential in yourself and reach to fulfill that.  Jessica, God has gifted you and wants to use you to change people's lives.  Stop selling yourself short.  Stop beating yourself up.  Know that you are Good's and He is in control.  Know that you are beautiful.  Know that you have this fierce, bold, wonderful, kind spirit about you that will impact everyone you meet if you let people see you. Share yourself with others because you are a gift to them.  Be confident in the abilities God has given you and go forth.

Jessica

I know it seems silly to write a letter to yourself but it is uplifting to me every time I read it.  Try it yourself.  Insert your name instead of mine and list the qualities God has gifted you with. Remind yourself that God has a purpose for you and you can do those things in boldness and confidence.  If you don't know what those things are yet, talk to someone about it, pray and ask God for guidance.  Know that even today God has something in store for you. You are special and unique.  God wants to use you to further His kingdom.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)