Dear Shelley:
Even though you aren’t popular in high school, strive to keep the right perspective, because life isn’t all about popularity! So you aren’t one of the cute cheerleaders who got asked to the prom by the handsome quarterback—actually, no prom was in the cards for you—but you have accomplished something more valuable. Your grades and your ability to sing will get you into a great college, and you’ll even get a scholarship that will really help out Mom and Dad!
And college is going to be awesome! I have to warn you, though: Don’t spend too much time socializing! Keep your future in mind. Your grades really do matter. It’s time to get serious about piano. Practice! You’re going to regret it big time if you don’t. It’s something that will enhance your future calling.
Shelley, you’ve always been a realist, and it’s served you well, but now’s the time to dream big! I know you’ve loved Christian music and have been a huge fan since junior high. Taking advantage of all those little opportunities to sing at church is actually helping to prepare you for the great things God has planned.
I know right now you’re not even willing to think that you could actually do the same thing that Michael W. Smith or Amy Grant does . . . but hang on to your hat, because all things are possible with God! So study music with all your heart. And sing every little chance you get! Dare to step forward and walk through the doors God opens. You never know what could be on the other side: You could end up singing about Jesus with three of your best friends and traveling around the world.
Oh . . . and when you do go on tour with Michael and Amy, be sure and tell them hi for me. You’re gonna love them!
Love,
Shelley
Dear Heather:
You’ve dreamed of being a wife and mother since you were a little girl. And now, in your mid-20s, you’re wondering if that dream will ever happen.
Let’s be very honest, OK? You love being a part of Point of Grace. And you adore the lifelong girlfriends in the group. In fact, they’re more than girlfriends; these gal pals have become sisters to you. You’ve experienced more with them in the past few years than some people get to do in a lifetime . . . traveling, awards, television appearances.
But I know you well enough to understand that at the end of a night, when the concert’s wrapped and you’re all back on the tour bus, it’s no fun watching the other three phone their hubbies and listen to endless conversations saturated with, “I love you. I miss you, too.”
It doesn’t seem fair, does it? You’ve been faithful to the commitment you made to the Lord years ago to remain sexually pure until marriage, but you’re beginning to wonder if there’s an end to the wait.
Stay strong, Heather! I know you’re praying for God’s best, and, yes, the wait seems to be forever, but God is faithful. He knows the desires of your heart better than you do, because He put those desires there.
Heather, as your best friend I’m going to share a secret with you: God will bring your Prince Charming! And on top of having the man of your dreams, you’re also going to bring four beautiful children into the world!
I can’t go into all the details, because it’s not time yet for you to know everything. Right now, Heather, you have to focus on today. God has a purpose for you to do as a single girl. So let Him work out His plans in you today and trust Him for His plans for your future.
You already know this, but I want to remind you: There are places in you that even Prince Charming can’t fulfill. Only the Prince of Peace can be your greatest fulfillment. Let Him complete your wholeness in Him before He brings you your future husband.
So surrender it all to Him. I promise . . . it really will be worth the wait!
Your best friend,
Heather
You can meet Heather and Shelley by participating in Girls of Grace Nation Feb. 23. You can either come to the event live in Houston, or you can participate with thousands of other teen girls via satellite. Go to: girlsofgrace.com for the scoop!
