The Teenager in You
Recently, I read a Dove special feature that asked what advice you would give to your teen self.
The community topic invited participants to share recommendations they would give to themselves at age 14. It also asked what lessons they’d learned about self-esteem that they wish they would’ve known earlier and how that awareness might’ve boosted their confidence.
The respondents, women, ages 20 to 60, appeared to have no trouble looking back at their youth as if it were yesterday. Good memories were fresh, but so were the recollections of insecurity and wounds. Each one dished to her teenage self, pouring out wisdom in buckets.
The women addressed topics like not taking things so seriously, the big picture on self-esteem, and looking back after a decade of experience. Every woman conveyed a unique perspective that reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:1.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (NLT)
When I was nine years old, I became a Christian. Except for a few difficult years of trying to regain my center after my parents divorce, I've followed the Lord faithfully throughout my life. When I look back at the teenager in me, I see a young woman who faced many trails, but depended upon the Holy Spirit's counsel. I spent hours reading my Bible and keeping journals filled with poetry and personal ramblings as I searched for my Savior. When I felt confused about a relationship or decision, I called my girlfriends to talk. But I also closed the door to my bedroom, put on a worship CD, and prayed.
Through seeking God, I’ve learned that we have a tremendous benefit as Christian teenagers, adults, and seniors. It’s the advantage of being Spirit led and following biblical guidance for life’s direction. Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:16-17, NLT). Our help is the Holy Spirit, of whom Isaiah says, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go’, whether to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21, NLT).
Mary, the young mother of Jesus, is a remarkable example of this. Luke 1 shares her story, "The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35, NLT). Just as with Mary, God’s awesome power still descends on each of us, transforming us for His glory.
God’s might eclipses our addiction. His covenant surpasses our failed relationships. And His promise of eternity outshines our broken dreams. No matter what happened when you were a teenager or in your more recent past, God’s desire is to bring healing and place Heaven's imprint upon your heart.
What about the teenager in you? Were you a Christian during your teenage years? Or, did you find the Lord later in life? How did your belief in God or lack of it affect your decisions?
Take a few moments to look back at your youth now and fill in these blanks:
• Dear 15-year-old me [Insert your name].
• I'd like you to know that you are ___________.
• I remember when you ____________.
• I wish you could've accepted __________.
• Today, God wants you to forgive yourself for _______________ and awaken to His _____________.
May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit surround your life at all times. God is here in the present moment. He is ahead in the future as you look toward the horizon. And the Lord is behind to hold you close any time you look back at painful memories in your past.
Throughout your lifetime, people may have let you down, but God will not. This is why they call Him, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
~ Jackie O.