An Open Letter to the Girl Who Hates Herself
By Peggy Miller
Dearly beloved,
I know you feel like you can’t believe those words right now, and that breaks my heart. I’ve been there- hating myself so much that I wished more than anything in the world that I wasn’t me. That I could crawl out of my skin or just disappear. Feeling so utterly worthless that I wanted to die. I don’t know your whole story, and I don’t even know if I will ever get to meet you, but I hope that this letter can bring hope into your pain.
Beautiful girl, I wish you could see yourself the way I do. I wish you could see how truly beautiful you are- no matter what size, shape, color, or age you are. You are beautiful because you were created in the image of God, and you bear that image. It is who you are. Beautiful.
I wish you could see the beauty in the way your eyes light up when you are talking about something you are passionate about. I wish you could see the beauty in the way you smile when you see the face of someone you love. I wish you could see the beauty in the way you cry when something hurts you so deeply. I wish you could see the beauty in the way you love others and the way you work diligently and a million other things that reflect the beauty of your Creator.
Your very existence brings hope, my friend. Hope because you are a person – a beautiful life and reminder of the presence of God in the midst of a world full of sin and pain. Your life is important. No matter what pain and mistakes your past has held, do not doubt that the Lord is faithful and will keep His promises. Hold on to hope. Don’t be afraid to share your story- you might bring more hope to someone than you can ever know. After all that you have gone through, you are here. And that is not a mistake, dear girl.
You have a purpose. I know you may not be able to see it right now, but please don’t forget that you have a precious, unique purpose. No matter where you find yourself at in life right now, please do not forget – your life is NOT a mistake.
I know it hurts to hate yourself so much, and I am so sorry you are feeling that pain. Please know that those feelings are not the truth. Don’t believe those lies – you are so incredibly loved and so precious.
P.S. You are enough.
