The Waiting Walk

The Girl in the Mirror

Girl, look at her. Hold her gaze. Look deep into those eyes. What do you see?

Why is it so hard to do this? We want to look down, to turn away. It feels selfish. Conceited.

But girl, it’s not.

It is vital that you learn to love that girl in the mirror.

Jesus died for her. Jesus loves her. And He expects you to do the same!

Until you fall in love with that girl in the mirror, life cannot be fully lived. Until you’re willing to give her a voice, you’ll only be a shell of yourself.

Love her the way Jesus loves her.

Stand up for her when others won’t.

Encourage her when she’s feeling down.

Explore her emotions with her – let her know it’s ok to feel what she feels. All of it.

But then remind her of the truth. If nothing else, remind her you love her.

Remind her God loves her. No matter how she feels.

Don’t focus on her wrinkles – focus on the wisdom gained and lessons learned. In fact, learn to see her wrinkles as beautiful.

Tell her she is beautiful – and mean it! Don’t let her be hard on herself because of her changing body. Determine to walk with her through making positive lifestyle changes, yes, but keep realistic expectations. And remind her she’s already beautiful. Now. As is.

Offer grace. Lots of grace.

As much grace as you would offer a best friend. She deserves it just as much.

Sit with her in the silence. Just you and her. Put down the phone. Turn off the music. Just be. Let it be uncomfortable at first, but grow to love it. Her mind is so full of beautiful deep thoughts and feelings and dreams that can never be found in the rush and the crowd. Grow comfortable with the stillness. The silence. The aloneness.

Embrace it.

And through that process, really get to know her! What does she like to do when it’s just her? What are her favorite foods? What music does she love to dance to? What gets her excited? What annoys her? What puts a smile on her face? What are her dreams and hopes for the future? Do you know these things? Really? Dig deep. Find those answers!

It’s amazing the transformation that will occur when you decide to become best friends with that girl in the mirror.

You’ll know your worth and accept nothing less from other relationships.

You’ll feel more free to be kind, to not take things personally, to give that beautiful grace to others.

You’ll never be afraid of living alone. You won’t rush into unproven relationships. You’ll be fine with waiting, testing, taking it slow, because you love the life you now live – just you and that girl in the mirror.

You’ll have more fun! A trip to the store, a walk in the park, going to a concert or out to eat – these become adventures you’re excited to share with that girl in the mirror. The places you’ll go and the things you’ll do – the sky is the limit!

You’ll be able to focus on the ministry God puts in your path. When you love and encourage and push that girl in the mirror to do great things, she’ll do it! Yes, the way God wants to work in you is beautiful.

Girl, look at her. You may think this idea of loving that girl in the mirror is unattainable, but it’s not. Start today. Start small. Pick one thing to like. Say it out loud. Insist today on finding something to love. And do the same tomorrow. For a hundred tomorrows. And then a thousand more. Refuse the lies. Focus on the truth. God’s truth.

Be committed to finding the beauty amidst the broken.

It’s ok that she is broken.

Remind her of that as you find those things to love.

That girl in the mirror needs you.

That girl in the mirror depends on you.

That girl in the mirror is you, and you are the only one in the world that can truly make a difference in her life.

So look at her, that beautiful girl in the mirror.

Go take the selfie.

Wear the dress.

Make the reservation.

Take the hike.

Give the validation.

Sing the song.

Pray the prayer.

Accept this mission.

Go on this adventure.

Walk this journey with her.

A fulfilling future awaits. Embrace it!