“You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve
your love and affection." ~ Buddha
She understood perfectly – the two 15 year old girls were mortified
that their mother was with them. So she
agreed to drop them off far from the mall’s entrance.
Once inside, Taryn and her friend Sydney could smell the Food
Court’s aroma. That was always their
first stop, not necessarily to eat, but to “check things out,” just in case
Jake or Drew were hangin’ out too.
They amused themselves by watching others; like sons embarrassed
having their mothers pick out their clothes, or elderly couples who took their
sweet time searching for just the right bargain. Cashiers in the kiosks chatted on their smart
phones ignoring customers while Security Guards watched for suspicious people.
“If we’re watching them . . . do you think they’re watching
us?” Sydney asked. “Probably,” Taryn
shrugged as she stood up, motioning that they should start walking around.
Next stop was the jewelry shop. They each purchased two pairs of cheap earrings. They went to the Music Store and browsed
DVDs. They bumped into a few friends and
headed for the Arcade where they laughed, played video games, and took
snapshots in the photo booth.
“There’s Jake,” whispered Sydney. “Go talk to him!”
“OMG, not yet, she said in a slightly panicked voice. “Not before I check my makeup and hair! You coming?”
Taryn frowned skeptically at the restroom’s mirror. “I hate
my hair!” she screamed. It has a mind of
its own; too wavy. I didn’t have time to
straighten it; I can’t let Jake see me like this!”
Trying to reassure her friend, Sydney countered “You look
great! I think he really likes you.”
They continued to play the “You-look-great – No-I-don’t!” game
until a girl about their same age walked in wearing a shirt that read “Die
cancer! Die!” She had no hair at all.
Taryn felt her cheeks get hotter and hotter, and wondered if
anyone was ever as embarrassed as she was right then.
When asked why they don’t like themselves, most teens
respond based on the way they look, or how popular they are, or if they have a
boyfriend, or what ‘others’ say about them.
If you find yourself thinking these same things . . .
STOP!!!
The truth is that you’re beautiful in the eyes of the One
who matters most. STOP comparing
yourself to others, especially to models who have had their pictures
professionally edited, or actresses who have others do their hair and makeup. STOP wanting to be part of the ‘popular
crowd’! If you have to be anyone other
than ‘yourself’ to fit in, you’re trying to hang with the wrong people. STOP begging for the approval of a boy, who
at your age has no idea how to treat you properly. STOP worrying about the opinions of
others!
Girls, STOP . . . and take time to
appreciate how uniquely, and wonderfully, I made you! STOP . . . trying to seek others’ approval
and work to gain My approval. ~ God
