A Letter to My Daughter

I recently felt inspired to write a letter to my daughter for her to read one day. When I first found out I would be having a baby girl a few years ago I was filled with so much excitement to do all of the girly things and dress her in pink and bows. Over time, I began to think less about that and more about all of the things I wanted to teach and impart to her.
 
I thought of all the life lessons I hoped she would learn the easy way, not the hard way.
I thought of all the societal pressures on women and hoped that she would never feel that she had to be a certain way to fit in.
I thought of my own struggles with self-esteem and self worth and I prayed that she would never experience them.
I thought about what it’s like to grow up Black in America and prayed that God would protect her from ignorance.
 
I’ve spent quite some time reflecting on how I can best parent a young, Black girl in today’s day and age. There are many things I was never told as I grew up that I want her to hear. As I reflected, this was my letter to Thea, the letter I wish I had read years ago:

​“Dear daughter, I pray that as you grow, you always know these things...
 
Your daddy and I love you so much. And so does everyone in our entire family. Before you arrived, your daddy and I dreamt of who you would be and how we would raise you. We were so excited to meet you when you were still inside my tummy and now that you’re here we are so excited to watch you grow and blossom.
 
Your deep brown skin, 4C hair, brown eyes, and everything about you are all absolutely beautiful. Never let anyone in society tell you anything different. Never compare yourself to another culture’s standard of beauty and allow it to make you feel less than enough. I did that for way too long and it only hurt me in the long run. God truly took His time creating you and you are beautiful.
 
You are so valuable to the world around you and I know you will make a positive impact on it one day. Your presence in this world matters. There is something amazing that God has given you to bless those around you. You’re already bringing so much joy to those who have the pleasure of knowing you.
 
You are so incredibly capable of anything you put your mind to. The sky is truly the limit. So dream big and work hard and you will accomplish whatever you try.
 
 
Daddy and I will always love you unconditionally, more than you’ll ever know.
 
Sincerely, Mommy

​Go back and reread that letter with you as the subject. Every specific statement may not apply to you but overall the message is the same. Regardless of your background, who your parents are, what they told you (or did not tell you) growing up, what you’ve already accomplished, or what mistakes you’ve made, these are all true.
If no one has told you yet, you have purpose.
You matter.
You are beautiful or handsome.
There is a plan that God has for your life that exceeds anything you can imagine. Just trust Him and He will bring it to pass.
 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11
 
<3 Beryl