True girl true colors
Before quarantine and COVID, my daughter and I attend a true girl convention in town. It was a pajama party. We had so much fun and drew closer to each other through the night. I enjoyed seeing God work through my girl, and watching her worship God in her own unique way.
My girl has gone through a lot during her 8 almost 9 years of living here on earth. But, through all she has been through, she hasn’t let it steal her joy. She is my opposite yet we are the same!
Saturday mornings (ok every morning) is like clockwork. She is the little bird chirping and singing in the shower. She is our little Disney Live as my husband calls it. Always singing songs or making them up. Carefree. Her favorite things are mermaids and teal.
The changes have begun!
My daughter is very sensitive and emotional. This is something I’ve noticed to be a sign of the changes from a little girl to a beautiful woman. My daughter has such a kind and loving heart. My daughter is learning responsibility in taking care of the animals, doing her laundry, and learning math (not her most favorite). She loves to read, and has the best drawings and unique ideas.
Our bond did not happen over night. It has taken time. On our nightly ritual, she always gives me a quick squeeze, looks me in the eye as she holds my face, and gives me a kiss. I love you mommy, she says as she scurries to get in bed, with the youngest behind. I love you mommy are the best words. And her gentle touch on my check that one day I will look back on and miss.
Spend time with your girl and with God.
This week we started the true girl devotion. She had started asking questions recently, boy curiosity, and learning her own fashion statement trying not to be too girly with dresses or too baby with pinks. Looking to older girls in high school wearing bulky sweat shirts, mid drifts, and yoga pants. I felt now was the time to use the devotion we had bought a few months back.
Not only is the devotion good to teach my girls, it teaches me. I am almost 35 years old, and I am still learning what God seeks for us as a woman. No matter if you are 8 or 88. God loves us for our inner beauty.
As we read the devotion, my daughter asked me what the silliest thing I had done when I was younger. She couldn’t believe the things I would say. I kept it G rated don’t worry. But the things I would do to fit in, get boys not to notice me because I was too shy, or too ashamed of my body image. I did not embrace it. It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I learned how to be comfortable in my skin. Even then, I was very self conscious.
Show your true colors in your own skin.
In my 30’s I learned to take care of myself and stay healthy. I was no longer 120 lbs no could I wear single digit jeans. I embraced my curves and wore what I liked.
It took a lot to get where I am today. I still have my struggle. I always will. My struggles are with food, poor body image, and worrying about what others might think. I know my girls will face the same things I did. I hope in the end, I can help better prepare them with positive embrace of their bodies. And know the love God has for them.
