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Letter to Self — Denise
by Denise Jones

basketball

Dear D:
It’s your senior year of high school, and you’ve lost your confidence. It’s because of basketball, isn’t it? Your coach has showed off your mistakes in front of the team, and she’s even told you that she can’t depend on you in a tight situation.

It breaks my heart that you’ve believed her, Denise. Instead of being intimidated by her, learn to listen for the other voices in your life.

I know you well enough to know that you’re thinking: How? How can I even find the other voices in my life when her voice screams the loudest?

You’ll find the positive voices by slowing down and spending time with God. Remember middle school? Your personal devotions with Him were so important! Now you’re so busy with your boyfriend, school and church, you’re not taking time to hear your Father speaking words of love and encouragement. Make this a priority!

About basketball: Hang in there. You love being on a team. And guess what. That will prove to be invaluable when you’re part of another team . . . a group called Point of Grace. I know you can’t see it now, and you’re not supposed to. God will reveal it all in His perfect timing.

But the bottom line? Music is your true passion. You’ve dreamed of singing Christian music . . . and believe it or not, that’s God’s dream for you, too! So don’t get so hung up on basketball right now. Yes, it’s important, but it’s not like you’re going to play professionally . . . or even in college. Yeah, you air-balled the free throw that cost your team the game against your biggest rival. Let it go.

mags Oh, Denise! If you could only see all the wonderful things God will allow you to do in years to come. Not only will you sing and travel, you’re also going to have an amazing husband (by the way, he’s not your high school sweetheart), and God’s going to let you be the mom of two incredible boys.

You have so much ahead of you! But for now, let God rebuild your confidence, and learn to work with others under difficult circumstances. If you can learn this now, it’ll serve you well for what God has in mind for your future.

Love you, Girl!

Me (Denise)

Meet Denise personally at Girls of Grace Nation in Houston on Feb. 23. If you can’t travel to the event, you can still participate via satellite. Go to girlsofgrace.com for more information!

Read letters from the other POG members Heather Shelley Leigh

This article appeared in Brio magazine in February 2008. Copyright © 2008 Denise Jones. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

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