I am not too much to handle. You were wrong when you told me that.

I'm no longer believing that lie, sir.

Girls are told they are too much yet not enough...all at the same time. For far too long I have been my worst enemy and convinced myself I am too much and "just a dumb girl." And in believing that myself, I've given others permission to think that, too. The past few weeks I have begun to see myself as a woman of God, with an unending list of things to work on, but a woman of God all the same. I claim that name. I claim my life for Him. Like the David Crowder song says "You make everything glorious. What does that make me?"

I am glorious. I am beautiful. I am capable. I am strong. I am worthy. I am loved.

Ladies, claim yourself for Him. Don't give anyone permission to treat you as less than you deserve. We have become our own worst enemies. Why has this "girl hater" label become the new thing? Love each other. We all know how often men break our hearts and let us down. [don't be offended, fellas] We're all we've got if we aren't depending on guys. So why is it hard for us to build each other up? Little comments about girls in the gym, loud girls in class or awkward girls who like things you don't are what constantly keep us from building each other up. Stop insulting. Start encouraging. Instead of laughing at her for wearing too much make-up or wearing something she shouldn't, say a prayer for her. Pray God brings a smile on her face or that she feels encouraged in who she is.

I pray as your eyes read these words you are encouraged to love. I pray God opens your eyes to girls in your path that you can love and encourage. I pray you are convicted of areas you can work on.

I love you, sweet girls.

Hallelujah.