Today, I spoke with a 13 year old girl who doubted whether or not she had worth, because no one wanted to hang out with her at lunch. I passed another in the hall, who giggled and grabbed the young man's shoulder next to her to try to get him to notice her just once. Another who sat quietly, wondering if she is seen....ever noticed.....
Significance. It is this thing that sometimes we question within ourselves. The wife and mother who decides to bake cookies from scratch to show a little extra love and attention to detail....the single girl who smiles at what she does not see, while is secretly afraid of the unknown. The young girl, who seeks attention.
At times these actions can lead a girl to secretly question her significance. Will they notice? Does it really matter? Am I special? Most women, do not think of this on a regular basis....although some do. I would risk to say that most women [of any age] have come to a place when they doubted or questioned their own significance at some point.
Yesterday, I spoke with a colleague who was concerned about a young girl who had confessed that she had thoughts of suicide. Today, I saw the scratches on her arms. I wish with all my heart I could look deep into the eyes of every young girl who felt she was not pretty enough, who thought she wasn't funny enough, who 'knows' she's not smart enough.....and convince her that she is significant. She is valued. She is priceless. She is you.
Have you ever believed something more strongly for someone else than you have for yourself? If you could only shift that passion from your heart to theirs by a simple gesture of an outstretched hand or a warm embrace. Often, people are not so easily convinced.
She must see her significance for herself. How can you help her when she does not believe? Perhaps by complimenting. Perhaps by listening. Maybe its remembering all the things she thinks you'll forget. It's quite similar to when a friend decides to surprise you and take you somewhere for the first time. You might have assumptions, predictions, but you have yet to experience it.....so therefore, you cannot totally believe it for yourself. And then suddenly, you arrive. You can't believe what you see, but yet....there it is. So much more than you thought. So beautiful. It is real. And you can see it. You can't stop smiling. It is AMAZING!
Underneath her scratched arms is a heart more valuable than gold. Behind her fears are magnificent ideals. Just next to her doubt is her beauty. It is real. You can see it. And try to not stop smiling. You are AMAZING!
