#PURSUED

Somewhere along the way, we've lost something. We've lost femininity, the art of what being a lady or woman really should look like. 

Young ladies, I want to wrap you in my arms and whisper truth to you, I want to tell you all the things your heart wants and needs to hear. Beautiful young ladies, you are just that. You are beautiful. And don't let anybody tell you otherwise- not even yourself. You too are not defined by the clothes you wear, the makeup you feel the need to apply, and boy that everybody tells you you need to be hanging onto. You have been lied to far too often and it breaks my heart. It is saddening that childhood has been stolen from you much too quickly. Most of you have already felt pressure to do things that should have never been felt. I love the way that your emotions grip you and allow you to care for others. It is a gift, but let it be just that- a gift. Don't let anybody take from you what isn't theirs to take. Don't give your emotions and feelings away on a whim, don't be defrauded. I want you to have commitment, not just the giving of some ego trip. Protect yourself. 

Girls, will you be ladies? You have worth. Be confident, be women of virtue, let your gentleness be evident, be worthy of honor, and have discretion. Doors were meant to be opened for you, will you say thank you? Will you graciously accept help? Will you put a smile on that face and be careful with your words? Will you consider not wearing tights as pants and maybe consider putting that see-through shirt aside? Please don't be tricked like the emperor who wore no clothes. I would love to see a generation of ladies that are ready to break the mold that the media has thrown at them. I would love to see girls be women. Women that encourage men to be gentlemen. By being who we were made to be, we can help them be who they were made to be. 

Young ladies, women of virtue. I have been honored to call many of you friend and mentor. Thank you for your encouragement, honesty, modesty, for your advice, for telling me how things really are-even times when it meant that I would have to do something to change. Thank you for your prayers, time, example, for pursuing a relationship with your Creator above all things. That is what makes you attractive. When ya'll walk into a room, I'm filled with happiness because of your friendship and know that you are going to make a difference. That you care about more than yourself- and that's huge. Thank you for the times that we have laughed together, been silly together, cried together, and talked about this confusing life together. I love each and every one of you. And I do want to wrap you all in my arms, give a squeeze to your hand. We're in this together and it's a beautiful life. You've made mine even more so.

Lovingly, truly, sincerely, always, hannaH