TO ALL THE GIRLS OF THE WORLD (i've got a message) // reasons why you don't have to believe what you hear

September 19, 2017

WARNING : lots of capitals, bluntness, and well..honesty. Read on if you're brave (also those brave enough to leave comments get bonus points. ice cream WITH brownies. yup. yup.)

I'm SICK and TIRED of feeling ugly. I'm DONE with being in public and suddenly not feeling so confident. I'm NOT going to even talk about the glares I've received or the comments given to me about some of the abnormal things I do. and I'm EXHAUSTED from the knowledge that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I'm SERIOUSLY SO DONE WITH THE PROBLEMS THAT SOCIETY HAS PLACED OUT THERE FOR US GIRLS THAT I'M WRITING THIS POST WITH A MIND WHICH IS ON FIRE

and arms flailing this is me

  CUZ GUESS WHAT

  • you're not fat
  • you are you + God made you perfect in an imperfect way 
  • DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT THAT STRANGER SAID
  • DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT THAT HUMAN YOU KNOW SAID
  • you don't have to compare yourself 
  • just cuz you might not have a guy-friend (at 14-17 gosh) doesn't mean something is wrong with you
  • LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL REALIZE THAT
  • days speed by and spending them wishing you were someone else just wastes what you've been given
  • you're beautiful 

The problem is we hear so many negative things about our appearance, that we forget about God's grace and mercy and love. we short-cut Him and ourselves. bc LISTEN UP how we look doesn't define you. how tall or short, skinny or not, blonde or brunette, bangs or not, actual converse or the walmart fakeos IT JUST REALLY DOESN'T MATTER 

I want to scream.
I want to shout and shake and yell bc I'm so terrified 
I'm quite literally terrified that people sink further and actually BELIEVE the things they hear. 
the lies they are told 

you've got talent. Maybe its musical, or in writing, taking care of babies, gardening...last week I asked what your dream job was, and some answered with things I've never even thought of and guess what. That's how its supposed to be CUZ ITS YOUR DREAM. bc it's you.

I'm here to tell you that God doesn't listen to you when you look in the mirror and say "I'm ugly." cuz He doesn't know the definition of the word in you. It just isn't so. We are created in His image.  

so God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female. (Gen 1:27)
*hopes i don't look like this*

perhaps I'm speaking out of turn, but tbh I'm speaking from my heart. No more listening to those lies, please. They hurt you and they hurt me when you believe them, but even more so, they hurt God.

also. be careful with your words. bc..you might be the one who are saying these things to someone else.


 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29) 

Just don't give up. tbh this is still about national suicide prevention week. I don't want to live without telling it like it is..and sadly, too many of us give up bc of feeling unworthy. YOU ARE NOT. k *hugs*

btw this is my older sister who is stunning

TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS 
DO YOU EVER FEEL THIS WAY?!?!


55 comments:

  1. THE TRUTH HERE, GIRL. <33333 PREACH IT!! XD (and those photos!!!! *drools*)

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  2. Oh Julia!!! I LOVED this post!!
    Whenever one of us girls say we're ugly my dad says, "God made you in His image. Are you calling God ugly?" And that always makes me think.
    One of the things that made my NH trip so amazing, is while there I realized exactly what this post is saying: it doesn't matter. I suddenly didn't feel like I needed to look what *I* think is "beautiful". Because I AM beautiful. We all are. And nobody sees your imperfections. So why dwell on them? Idk why it took a trip to the east coast to make this sink in. But I realized that makeup or no, the people who truly love STILL love me.
    You're beautiful, Julia. Inside and out. And don't you ever forget it. <3333333
    (I was brave enough to comment! *feels proud* ;P)

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    1. oh Daminika I'm so glad!!!
      and wow..so that's like a really good thing. yes. yes yes.
      GIRL THAT IS SO POWERFUL IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! Isn't it so freeing?! Imagine how proud God must be <3333
      ya know what. I'm just gonna cry now. *sobs*
      (*gives you brownie and ice cream* XD)

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  3. This is really powerful, Julia. I was enjoying the post and then, "He doesn't know the definition of that word in you." It made me feel so loved, thank you for that. I definitely compare myself too much, so this post was exactly what I needed.

    ~ Pip

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    1. well, that's cuz you are. for reals...and thank you for your comment. It's special <3

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  4. Wow, yes and amen. Heartfelt posts like this are my favourite, especially about such meaningful things. Don't let that fire go out! Like you alluded to - these lies take lives, and that's such a serious thing.

    It's interesting, because my current word is 'unashamed,' and that ties in perfectly. I don't have to be ashamed of what I look like, what my favourite books and songs and clothes are, or my God and what my faith means to me. I've been finding it such a powerful reminder, because I back down so often and don't want to own parts of who I am - even if they're actually important to me. It's the pressure of society.. Anyway, I know you know what I'm talking about, because you said it.

    So wow, again, thanks for this post and so much more inspiration and motivation to live unashamed, and to not only live but share this hope and truth. Also those photos are beautiful, as is your sister. I can't believe you have head-high grass and seed heads. We're kind of in drought and the grass is lucky to be a couple of inches off the ground. xxx

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    1. *grins* same. like your posts...they are quite literally my absolute favorite to read and I'm 100% likely to click on the link if I can tell it has a deep meaning. and NO WAY. this fire is a blazing XD

      Jessica. Idk what to say but I TOTALLY LOVE THIS CONCEPT THAT YOU ARE LIVING BY. Unashamed is beautiful. I may just steal that. XD XD

      no, thank YOU. I'm serious..everything you wrote is beautiful. And accccttually those are the weeds in our fields around us. We are also in a drought..its so dry :P *hugs*

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  5. Aww this post. <3 <3 So encouraging. I have absolutely felt this way before. The way I dress, the way I stand, walk, talk, tie my hair, /cut/ my hair--it all crashes down on me at some point. You're absolutely not alone in these thoughts.

    Also, I'll have you know that every photo I've ever seen of you shows me an absolutely gorgeous young lady and you absolutely have zero founding for any doubts. *hugs*

    And maaaan, those photos. O-o SO PRETTY. <3

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    1. giiiiiiirrrrl *tackle hugs* I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN AND THANK YOU IM NOT ALONE. like..not that I want you to feel that way..but. *smacks forhead* can you tell I've been going for 14 hours straight without a break? I may have to try this caffeine thing...

      k so I'm legit crying. I don't even know what to say...at all. thank you Jane. thank you <3

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  6. PREACH ALL THE THINGS. <3 <3 <3

    Listen to Julia, peeps: You're beautiful. You're a masterpiece, and you are a treasure. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

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  7. THIS POST IS SO TRUE! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing it <33333
    And those pictures are GORGEOUS!!!!

    - Maddy | littlebitofsunshineweb.blogspot.com

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    1. gosh of course!!! I really needs to be said!! <3
      LOL THANK YOU BRO

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  8. Loved this! <3
    I recently wrote a post with a similar meaning.
    It's so.... WRONG for a human to look at herself and to think that the reflection she sees is ugly.
    God crafted each one of us with loving Hands, and He loves the beautiful image that came out.
    I have to admit I don't often practice what I preach, and sometimes I just want to sink into despair because I don't feel thin enough. Tall enough. Tan enough.
    All these things that society makes important.
    Which is pretty ridiculous if you think about it. Because back in fifties, heavier, curvy girls with large eyes were what was considered beautiful. Now it's stick thin and willowy.
    What gives human beings the right to tell others what they should look like?
    Anywho *coughs because I totally rambled* great post, Julia!
    I just love you, girl! <3

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    1. aww thanks
      and really?! I didn't know that! I'll have to check your blog!
      YES IT IS!!
      and hahahhaa ikr and that's so me. I wrote this post then said something a day later about myself and sarah was like STOP IT GEESH READ YOUR OWN POST o.o lol
      yeah! geeeesh people and society are so fickle! let's toss them out ;)
      girl, I love your rambles!! *hugs*
      ya know what, ditto. for reals...you're so sweet

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  9. HOW ARE YOUR PHOTOS SO GORGEOUS?!?!?

    And this is a fantastic reminder:)

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    1. HOW ARE YOU LIKE SWEET LIKE HONEY OR SOMETHING

      thaaannnkkss *hugs*

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  10. YES THANKS SAY IT LOUDER.

    I struggled so much with self image in high school. I mean. I was skipping meals and starving myself or obsessing about food. and it took me forever but I finally realized the same thing you did. that Im so over it?? like life is way too short to spend it hating the skin I was born in. I realized I was killing myself over something that, at the end of the day, didnt mean anything.

    GIRLS ARE BEAUTIFUL. ALL GIRLS. EVERYONE. I LOVE THEM AND I WANT THEM TO LOVE THEMSELVES TOO.

    beautiful post <3

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    1. YES I WILL SCREAM IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS

      wow girl. first off, thank you for being brave and honest. <3 and secondly, you're so right, it really doesn't mean anything. I'll be praying for ya!!

      *hugs*

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  11. ack, yes, EVERYONE NEEDS TO HEAR THIS. Keep preaching this because it's amazing <3

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  12. Awesome post, Julia! We so need to remember that our appearance is so not what matters! The clothes we wear, if we don't take as much time on our hair as someone else, if we look our age... for some reason we can start feeling like these kinda define our worth or something?! So messed up, for sure.

    Pretty photos, btw! :)

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    1. yes yes yes!! girl you said it!! I would love to encourage you to write a post about this too...we need to spread this message <3

      thanks :)

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  13. YES! Those photos and this post is everything!!!

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  14. WOW- this post is so good. So true and so needed. I have most definitely thought of myself as ugly, not good enough, and too far gone. THIS POST is exactly what every girl needs to read. Good job, Julia!
    I LOVE the Barney GIF; I love the Andy Griffith show and Barney Fife is great. XD

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    1. and...yes, me too BUT THOSE THINGS ARE TRUE AND THATS BEAUTIFUL IN ITSELF !! <3
      me too! *laughs* His reactions are THE best. XD

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    2. *goes into hysterics* Agreed!

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  15. I actually really needed to read this today.
    Thank you. Truly.

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  16. THESE PHOTOS ARE REEEAALLLYYY GOOD <3 <3 <3 and haha your sister looks so much like you!!
    also this post was totally amazing. thank you for sharing such awesome encouragement. your blog is such a safehaven. xx

    sophy

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    Replies
    1. EEEP THANK YOU GIRLIE and really?!? but I think so yes ;) even more so than Sarah and me tho?!
      k so basically i almost sobbed bc wow. that's like..my biggest goal. really. <3 thank YOU

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  17. This is so good! Great posts :) Part of this is all social media if you think of it. And it's sad. You see 10 year old girls that look like they're 17.....Mayebe if we all shut down our social media for a month, we'd feel better lol!

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    1. thanks, Bess!! and YES goodness. so far this summer I've been guessed to be 12 and 20...so I guess its the correct age range? XD

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  18. Jules...i love you. k? this post was beautiful and touched my heart as i have been struggling with a lot of this recently...you are beautiful

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    1. well gosh you're beautiful and i totally love you too k? but jsyk, you've got this thing called life and this isn't something you need to worry about. for reals *hugs*

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  19. PREACH GIRLIE. *googles how to spread a link to everyone on earth*

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  20. This was beautiful. Just... thank you. I needed this right now <3

    ~Skylar Reese

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    1. aww of course girl. believe it or not, I do too <3

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  21. Well, this was a breath of fresh air. You know, I'd much rather have people say what they TRULY think with the danger of stepping on people's toes, than not saying anything at all and leaving a false image or indication. So thanks for opening up your heart. Passion draws people in.

    I definitely agree with this wholeheartedly! I feel so sorry for girls who struggle with this. I struggle with self-confidence and the feeling of worth sometimes, but mostly because I compare myself to others. It's such an unhealthy and unnecessary thing to do, but it's so easy and it changes everything. I think we, as girls, (or even guys, if the case may be) should encourage each other often in this. I like to read books by inspiring people (Bethany Hamilton and Nick Vujicic are some of my absolute favourites) and soak it all in, because it's TRUTH that everyone should hear and know. And it's so easy to forget.

    ANYWAYS. Ramblings and rant over. Thanks for the post, Julia. :)

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    1. gabby. gabby. GABBY!!! you know, I'm so so so so glad you think that bc I was like "mom is this stepping on people's toes?!" and I was actually scared to post it... but PHEW SO GLAD YOU SAID THAT. I'll keep trying to be honest with you all <3 <3 You guys have a beautiful way of understanding my craziness

      yes yes yes and it is easy to fall into the trap. also, hard to get out. that's why we have to help each other <3 NICK VUJICIC IS AMAZING!!!!!!!! totally. I love his books <3 still adore his family.

      HEHE thanks for the rambling <3

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  22. This is amazing. Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you!!

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  23. Oh my gosh, this. A thousand times this!! The gifs and the heart and this sentence: "Days speed by and spending them wishing you were someone else just wastes what you've been given." Just so much love for this! This has been my struggle for what feels like forever?!? Comparison. Listening to lies. And you're so right. We can give our lives away to these lies, or we can walk with our heads held high and listen to the Lord. It's a constant battle for me. So thank you for this because NO you are not alone and WOWZA this was powerful. Also love the Converse reference and seriously that first GIF is life. You rock! <3

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    1. ERIN! hiiii!! thank you so much for your encouragement to me! And..ikr. I totally understand that struggle. FOR REALS. We really don't have to listen to those lies, which is so fantastic cuz GOSH I DON'T THINK I CAN ANYMORE! thank YOU for understanding and heheheee monsters inc is goals. <3 YOU ARE SO FANTASTIC THANK YOU

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  24. Beautiful! Every girl needs to read this post!

    Micaiah @ Notebooks and Novels

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  25. Girl, this post is BEAUTIFUL. Thank you so much for writing it. It's something every girl needs to hear. ^_^

    OH MY GOSH THOSE PICTURES. THEY ARE SO GORGEOUS. *wonders why I even try to take pictures*

    ~Maddy

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    1. girl YOU are beautiful!! and gosh, you're welcome <3

      THANK YOU SO MUCH EEP IM SO HAPPY *wonders why you even think such things* THIS POST ALSO GOES WITH DOWNGRADING YOURSELF K XD

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  26. Yes, I agree, sometimes I feel like the world has gone crazy, speaking lies and most of it bc of THEIR own insecurities!
    The pictures were absolute gold. So was this post tho <3 <3

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let's be honest here peeps, comments rock. keep 'em clean and fun and I'll reward you with a virtual ice cream cone

*reluctantly hands cone over*