this is a shout out

Hey, you there. No matter who you are, where you are in life, or what you've been through, you are beautiful. You are dearly loved. And you are so much more than enough. So stop beating yourself up. Stop being so hard on yourself. Take a moment and pat yourself on the back because no one can be you better than you can, dear one. I know it's hard sometimes and you want to give up. You feel like no one really cares that much anyways. So why try so hard? You gotta keep on striving though and don't you ever quit. All your hard work will pay off, and things will get easier, I promise. I know sometimes you feel alone, but you have a friend in Jesus and He is all you'll ever need. Don't be afraid of what's to come, of change because more than likely that's the start of Him doing something new and fantastic in you. Most of all, keep your head up and be strong. You are amazing, and don't you ever let anyone make you feel any different. You are precious in His sight, and He delights in you. He rejoices over you with singing. What should it matter what other mere flawed humans think, in comparison to how the God of the universe views you.

Hey single mom, I know this is not how you planned things. I know that sometimes it's all you can do to just sit there and cry wondering how things even got to be the way they are. Wondering what you did to deserve this, and if you'll ever catch a break. You are so strong, though. So much stronger than you ever imagined yourself being. You are doing a wonderful job, too, even if most people don't understand. Even if they look down on you, or criticize you, or they judge you. Even if you're child doesn't always recognize it or sometimes lashes out in confusion, they are so incredibly blessed to have a Super-Mom, who cares as much and works as hard as you do. I know that you work so hard and that you could really use a break sometimes but more often than not you have to put your own feelings and desires aside to be there for your kids. To do what's right. I know you have to make decisions and sacrifices that no one should ever have to, especially alone, but you do it. I know that you feel guilty about not 'being there' enough because your trying to fulfill all the roles in the house at one time, as one person but you're doing the best you can. Way better than you give yourself credit for. So don't be discouraged, God will most certainly bless your obedience. I know it gets so hard sometimes and you just want to scream. You know what else I know though, you love your child(ren) more than anything else on this Earth and you are going to do anything and everything in your power to fight for them, to be strong for them, and to do what's best for them. That's why it's all worth it, and let me just tell you, for doing so, you rock!

Hey hard-working dad, I know you're worn thin and often being stretched in so many different directions. I know it can get stressful and complex trying to balance it all: the wife, the boss, the kids, God, but I want to assure you that you are doing an excellent job. I know you are tired after a long days work and when you come home you want nothing more than to just curl up on the couch and veg out. To just shut your brain off. I want to thank you though, because that's not what you do at all. No, most days you still somehow manage to muster up the energy to play with the kids, be the handyman around the house, and listen to your wife babble-on about her day. I know that you put everyone else's needs before your own and that being a dad and a husband takes precedence over anything and everything else. I also know that sometimes you just need a day of doing nothing and that's OK. I know sometimes you feel overworked and underpaid only to come home to a family who seems unappreciative but take it from a wife who knows, your family is GRATEFUL for you. They may not always remember to say 'thank you' for working so hard to keep this roof overhead and food on the table but they are thankful. I know you have to make hard calls when it comes to things like skipping the Saturday morning meeting to be at your son's little league game but I can tell you that not only does he notice but it means the absolute world to him when he sees you in those stands, cheering him on. I know it's a lot of pressure being the head of the home and being the one responsible for so much but when you surrender your life, your family, to Christ, the way you do then it's pretty safe to say that you're on the right track, no matter how many times you feel like you've 'messed up' today.

Hey struggling college kid, I know you miss home, your parents your friends, and most of all free home-cooked meals. I know you study like nobody's business and more times than you've been able to keep track of you've pulled an all-nighter to finish that paper that's due at 8am. I know you are barely making it and have to work part-time on top of taking full-time classes just to barely get by. Believe me when I say that all your hard-work will most definitely pay off! All those times that you've skipped the pool party to study for your mid-term. I know it wasn't easy, but you made the right call. I also know that you love this life. You love the new-found freedom, that you make your own rules and do what you please. I know that you've learned some lessons the hard way and that doing what's easiest at the time does not always claim to be true in the long run. I know that you love a place to call your own, even if it's junky, run-down, and there's always a pile of dishes in the sink. I know that you love your new community, your new friends, and experiencing so many new things. I also know that these are considered to be some of the very best times in your life so take it in and do it all. I know right now, as your looking at being here for the next however many years, that that seems like forever. Believe me, it will fly by faster than you think and you will most definitely miss it when it's gone. So struggle on and don't sweat the small stuff, keep working hard but also make time to have fun. Most importantly though, make sure not to compromise any of your beliefs or morals. It's OK and healthy even to be open-minded and hear different perspectives but don't get led astray without researching for yourself. Always remember that the single most important book you'll be needing to get you through these years, is your Bible.

Hey frustrated teen, I know that this time in your life is so incredibly confusing and terrifying, not to mention, embarrassing. I know that you are trying your hardest to please everyone: your parents, your teachers, your friends, that crush of yours. Just remember that when it comes to being a 'good kid' there's nothing to be ashamed of. You may get made fun of but that's just part of life. It happens to the best of us. Try not to take it so personally. Just let it roll off your back, when people see you responding that way, they'll admire you (even if it's from afar) and more than likely they'll leave you alone. Try not to worry so much about what your friends or so-and-so who's 'really cute' thinks. Just focus on being you and your true friends, the ones that matter and will last, will love that about you. I know sometimes you feel way more responsible than you should have to be at your age having to help out with the younger siblings or maybe even take care of your parents from time to time but don't let this world bring you down. I know your parents fight sometimes and even if they're not together anymore and your home-life is anything but stable your Heavenly Father is always by your side. Cling to that promise and be comforted. He won't abandon you, ever and the great thing about him in regards to stability is that he NEVER changes. Take it from a girl who is a product of a broken. I know it sucks and it's scary and your angry but I also know that the things that seem to be the hardest in this life are the very things that shape us into exactly who we were meant to be. I know that you are insecure, and that most days you feel fat or ugly or lame or some combination of the three. You have to ignore those lies though and that is exactly what they are, lies. You are beautiful and unique and freakin hilarious. Believe it!

Hey empty-nester, I know you are suddenly overwhelmed with this new-found freedom. This new sense of completion and honestly you're not sure exactly how you feel about it yet. You just know that it's all very bittersweet. Before anything else, though let me just say, props to you for successfully completing one of the toughest jobs there is in regards to being a parent. Beyond birthing and raising them (which are each huge feats all on their own) you've guided them and assisted them in getting out of that nest and taking their first flight. Well done (if I could high-five you right now, I would;)! I know sometimes the quiet scares you because what you're used to is your kids and your kids friends always being around and usually being way too loud up until all hours of the night. I know that the things that used to drive you crazy you now crave knowing that things will never be that way again. I know that you miss your baby(ies) and partly your scared for them and just want to keep them with you, where they're safe and protected. Try not to worry though, all that hardwork you put into raising them right and all those good morals and the sound doctrine you instilled in them since day one will not go unheeded. They may have times where they want to experience different things and they may even rebel a little (or a lot) but you've gotta trust God with them now more than ever. In-time they'll come back around. Praying is your best weapon against the temptations they'll be battling. I know that you put so much time and effort into your kids for so long and that now that that part of your life is over part of you feels a little useless. Like 'what do I do now?' Take that trip you've always wanted to, rekindle your relationship with your spouse, do the stuff you never had time to do before. Don't feel guilty about enjoying this new freedom that your not quite used to yet. It's more than OK to let out one big long sigh of relief, it's been a long time coming and you've most definitely earned it!

Hey widowed widower, I know that your whole world, everything you've ever known (for that last however many years at least) has just come crashing down before you. I know that you are frightened and that your heart is aching. I know that things that use to come easily now seem like this huge burdensome task that exhausts you both physically and emotionally. I know that you feel alone and the quiet is deafening, it scares you to death. I also know that God is close to the brokenhearted, and that even when you feel alone He is always right there by your side and the two of you, together, can take on anything. I know you're struggling with your sense of worth and your angry that your life long partner, is no longer with you. I also know that the Lord is not finished with you yet, if he were He'd go ahead and call you home as well. He hasn't, however because He still has great plans for you, beloved! So keep your eyes open and ears attentive for the next big thing even if it's just in the form of a small project He wants you to tackle. I know that each day is a brand new struggle that you have to fight day after day after day and I know that you're tired and sometimes you're just ready to quit. I know you hate what this world has come to and sometimes you are too scared to even leave your house. Know and be encouraged that God is the ruler yet. Also know that He always has and always will take care of you. Especially now as you are in this time of need. I know your skeptical of 'that kid' from next door who comes over to help or just sits with you from time to time. Be open-minded to that. I know you are fiercely independent and somewhat offended but take advantage of the help when it's available. You might even find that in those times you build the sincerest relationships that turn into friendships and eventually 'that kid' seems like family to you. Something you weren't even sure of at first ends up becoming one of the greatest blessings of your life.

Hello child of God. It's time to start believing the TRUTH. No matter what you've heard, or what you've been called, or how you feel at this point and time in your life. It all comes down to this: There is a God who's love for you is immeasurable and He wants to use you, yes you. So don't think your job here on earth is done, or hasn't yet started, it just wont happen at all because it's going on right now whether you recognize it or not. This is a shout out, for all of you who feel like your too big of a mess, or under-qualified, or too young, or 'past those years', or just plain useless, and everything else in between because that is simply not the case, my sweet friend. The truth is God uses any of us and all of us and with each and every time in our life playing a part, He creates in us something of value. Something that He wants to re-purpose into this thing, uniquely astounding. He wants you to use it to turn around and bless someone else. I know that this all sounds like a lot to take in but what a lovely thought it is when we are able to recognize that every one of us, no matter what stage in life we are at, are exactly where we need to be and is playing a role in this divine greater purpose. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel pretty awesome, and even more than that it makes me want to open my eyes a little wider so that I don't miss anything. Sometimes the smallest assignments become the biggest most unexpected blessings. Then other times the task at hand, what he's asking us to do, seems crazy big! I know however, that God is on your side and with Him there is absolutely NOTHING you cannot do. So embrace it, and enjoy the ride. Don't wish for back when or hope too much for the future; but rather, take in the now. Find out what it is your supposed to be doing for Him and go for it.