Society will have you really confused if you let it.

If you’re always smiling, then you’re too nice.
But let the day come when you’re not smiling, and then there must be something wrong with you. You must have a chip on your shoulder.

If you cut your hair, you must be going crazy!                                                            
If you wear extensions then you must not be comfortable with your own hair.

If you speak up for yourself, then you’re too strong, too outspoken. If you say nothing then you’re too passive. If you express something about yourself that you don’t like then you have low self-esteem. But if you like yourself then you’re conceited.

If your praise to God is loud then you’re doing too much.
If your praise is quiet, then you’re not praising hard enough.

If you start a business, you’re risking too much.
If you work a 9-5, you’re a slave and have no dreams. Nobody stops to think that you may really enjoy your job.

You’re either too much of something for somebody or not enough for someone else.
How do you handle it? 

How do you keep from going crazy from everyone trying to fix you, telling you what you should and shouldn’t be, do or have? Stop feeding into it!!! Know that you are enough for God. He can handle everything about us. Be happy! Be yourself. If you’re eccentric, then be it! An introvert, be it! An extrovert, be it! God knew all about your personality before you were born. I’m not saying be the things that cause you or others harm and are displeasing to God. You like to dance, but have two left feet? Dance anyway! Do the best you can! Those who laugh are just holding up the wall, scared to live their life. You like being a home- body and a bookworm? Enjoy it!

We are accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6) If we will just be, we’ll soon come into contact with those who accept and celebrate who we are. Until we have those amazing connections, let’s celebrate who God made us to be. Let’s give Him the praise and thanks for how He knitted us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13); for how He summoned us by name and we are His (Isaiah 43:1) No more looking to the left or the right to see who’s watching; searching for approval from others who will snatch it all back the moment you do something that doesn’t please them.

What did God put in YOUR heart? What vision did God give YOU and for HIS glory? Go be it! Go do it! Without apology. Afterall, we’re God’s workmanship! Not men.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

About the Author: Roshaunda Hayes is from Santa Monica, California. A mother of two children

ages 20 and 17 who enjoys reading and writing.  She is currently a full-time insurance professional and a part-time Life Coach. Roshaunda is an aspiring author who wants to help people love themselves God's way. In a world where people are taught to hate themselves, she believes her purpose in life is to help women, young and seasoned, to accept themselves as Christ already has.

Dear gracious, intelligent, and beautiful sisters,

Maybe you're 21, 25, 18 or even the same as I, 27.You could even be older but the most important thing is, you're humble, hardworking, focused on Christ but there are a couple of things you wish would filter out of the minds of those that are close to you: Your future. More specifically, your future in dating or marriage.

Its the holiday season and I know once returning home from school or work family members and old friends place the spotlight on you at the dinner table asking-Are you dating? When are marrying? What happened to so & so? You two were so cute? If you're like me, you'll push all of these questions to the side and simply say you're waiting on God's timing. Afterall, you're leaning not on your understanding of the season of singleness you're in, but his. His timing is perfect!

I hope this letter isn't dragging but I simply want to remind you that the season you're in is a setup for a greater season ahead. To some of you it may seem like a season of loneliness but how can it be lonely when you have your heavenly father to to hold on to. I'm always reading quotes and I came across one of which that said, "Dance with God and he'll let the right man cut in." Very true in the sense that God won't send anyone worthy your way, until you're ready. My sisters just as you're preparing yourself for a deserving man, he's preparing himself for you. Both of you are praying, preparing, and running closer to God and I can assure you, only good will come from your faithfulness in Christ. Now, if you're a young lady that's reading this and wondering what should you be doing in this season, I would advise you to refocus all your attention on Christ.Focusing on being the right woman. There are many women that that constantly say, "Men are no good!" "The good ones are taken." when they should be asking themselves "Am I a good woman?" "Am I worthy?"

In your season of singleness, while growing in faith be a blessing to other women: volunteer, serve, mentor. Share the wisdom you've gained. As I mentioned before in my blog, the Proverbs 31 women of today are the Titus 2 women of tomorrow. Live it. Teach it. to instill better qualities in the generations to come. For a closer look at the Titus 2 woman, read the post "The Forgotten Woman of Titus 2."

Flee temptation. Yes, we've all sinned and come short but its not too late to continue your journey on the narrow path. I would encourage you during this time to remain in celibacy or purity. No matter what you've been told, God's word always prevails and sex is safer and better in marriage.

Also, one of the things that I encourage all single young women in Christ to do is write a letter to your future husband. I've done this myself last year. This letter is kept in my bible in the pages of Proverbs. It entails my hopes, dreams, and thoughts of him. One day you'll be able to let the man God has for you read those letters you wrote to him, long before you even knew he existed.

One more thing ladies, never neglect the wisdom of those older than you. Yes, those older ladies in the church that you think you nothing in common with. You have plenty in common with them. I, myself, love talking to older women. Maybe that's why I don't completely act my age. But seriously, listen to them, They've lived what you're living and want nothing but the best for you.

As, I close this letter, I want you to remember there's a purpose in your season. Be thankful for that purpose and be wise in your season, making sound decisions based on God's word only. Remember patience is a virtue. Never settle for situationships, only a godly relationship. Yes, I know there may be some around you that are in a different chapter than you. But you can't base your chapter off their chapter. Stop comparing. Stop dating randoms and start living for God. I know this may be hard for some of you but God is always there to guide you with his unchanging hand of love. He's your true first love. The man, he has for you is only borrowing you for a moment on this earth. Continue to be blessed in your season, preparing for the season that's greater than what you could imagine.


Blessings,
     Danielle

From time to time, you may

read me referencing to my late father and that's because, even though my time with him was limited, I learned important things that every little girl should learn from her father.

Another memory of him, is in 6th grade as he drove me to school, we saw a girl a little older than me all alone on a bench to herself with her head down reading. The other crowds of kids were far from her. To some it may seem like she didn't have any friends but to others like my father, it may have meant sometimes its good to stay to yourself instead of being surrounded by a big circle of friends whom may mean you harm. I remember him saying, "See, ain't nothing wrong with being by yourself sometimes. Its good to be different. Its good to be set apart."

Those words bring me to this post. Being set apart. But are you missing out if you do? Are you missing out on the latest gossip or drama? Are you missing out on weekend plans in clubs or bars? I will confidently answer questions with absolutely not.

If you're a young lady in Christ reading this, I want you to know there is nothing wrong with being different. Being different to some may mean you're weird. But remember your worth in Christ. Remember you're striving for a crown of life and that crown is far more precious than anything on this earth. Yes, anything! Careers, relationships, friendships, material possessions. Remember this world will pass away. These things are only temporary. Earthly titles and achievements don't matter. There won't be a celebration in heaven for those, but instead a meeting around the throne to meet the King. Also, if you're a young lady that's not in the body of Christ I encourage you to seek others walking the narrow path. Be encouraged that being a Christian doesn't mean you're missing out.  Be encouraged that our souls are not a game and be reminded of where your soul may be if Christ returns and you're in the middle of sin.

Ladies I encourage you to be an example to other young women. You may be the only bible someone reads which may have a great impact on their lives. You have the ability to lead another young woman to Christ by your words and actions. So be content in your decisions to be set apart and about your heavenly father's business on a Friday or Saturday night versus being in someone's club, asking for that next drink or feigning for that next ounce of drugs. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world. Its simply not worth it. Its not worth the pain or tears the world offers and its certainly not worth eternal separation from our Lord and Savior.