Letter to my Daughter

Once again, my 15 year old daughter has been called a bitch by a grown woman. Once prior, her friend's mom used that describing word almost in place of her proper name. Now again....a new sad soul shared it aloud while she was cheerleading. That word seems more a reflection of the speakers own insecurities and sadness than an accurate portrayal. In this world, it so often seems that the strong, confident woman is seen to echo that word. Approaching said woman took every ounce of God-strength to retract the momma-bear claws and calm the pounding heart. Speaking very intently, instead, with guidance and hopeful correction. I seriously doubt my words will change the soul of said woman, but the more important lesson was found side-by-side back at home with my daughter.

Darling....this won't be the last time you will hear that word fired at you. The object is to not let it settle into your bones. You are not that word. You instead, are a confident woman...not afraid to speak up towards injustice. You are instead lovely to the core. You have been placed in this world for large and lofty purposes. You will be disappointed at times by your circumstances, your family, your friends...but don't absorb that disappointment...don't become a cynic. Learn from it and keep your head held high. Those with great strength carry great responsibility. I know you carry enough strength for any task because you tap into a deep and ever-present source. There are many sad souls in this world and I've learned far too well that they don't like smiley-happy-confident women... all the more reason to be smiley-happy-confident! Know that I loved you before you breathed air and will forever be amazed and proud of your poise, wisdom, strength...the exact things sad souls call the B-word. So, embrace your B's and know you must be doing something worthy of such praise!