No matter what lies you’ve believe about yourself, I want to encourage you with this truth: “You are beautiful. You are loved. God made you perfect just the way you are. You are good enough. You are worth it, and your value is not estimated by your outward appearance. Whoever made you believe less or feel inadequate—shame on them. But it’s time to move forward, knowing and believing the truth about yourself.
It’s time to stand strong, believe in yourself, get healthy and be healthy because you love your life. No more living for societal approval. Hold your head up and know what God’s Word says about you. “You brought my inner parts into being; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder; marvelous are Your works, and You know me completely” (Ps. 139:13-14).
Jesus snatched me from the enemy’s hand. He delivered me from hopelessness and despair. I was sinking in an ocean full of despondency.
My heart was desperate and broken. I wanted love so desperately. I was a daughter never approved, loved or accepted until I discovered my true Father, the one seated in heaven, my Creator.
My heavenly Father gave me all the strength I needed and filled me with an unexplainable hope. This feeling inside of me motivated me to keep on keeping on, no matter what my circumstances looked like and no matter how I felt. There was an invisible hand that carried me, an invisible love that held me, and an invisible joy that filled me. While I had no one to live for and nothing to look forward to, I kept pressing on and moving forward in life. I can’t explain it, but I know, “hope kept me alive.”
And His name is Jesus!
The very same hope, promises, healing and grace God has given to me are also available to you. He came “to preserve those who mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified” (Is. 61:3).
Brooke Lynn is the author of Raised by Strangers. Brooke is a writer and a speaker who passionately lives—reaching others with God’s Word and love. She is a survivor of abuse, sharing her past pain and recovery to encourage others with hope. Brooke resides in the Washington, D.C., area, has been married for 19 years, has two children and loves dogs. Join Brooke on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
Janet Perez Eckles 
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Abby Trivett