Confirmation And So Much More.

Back story: My aunt recently asked me to write a letter to my cousin Luke for his confirmation this weekend.  They are gathering these letters for all the kids being confirmed as a sign of support and encouragement from their friends and family, to let them know that there are other people behind them as they continue their journey in this world -- life as we know it.  I was flattered that she even thought of me as someone to write to him, but I was even more so just excited to be able to be a blessing to someone, especially someone so close to me.  And this is the space in which I usually write, so it only seemed appropriate to share it.  Cheers.  

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Dear Luke,

First and foremost, congratulations on your day of confirmation!  This day is such an important milestone in your life, and I commend you for making it this far, for continuing to strive for a life that is a reflection of your God and who he has made you to be.  From this day forward, you may begin to realize that life does not always get easier.  But not to worry, you have an amazing family who will be there to help you along and support you for the rest of your life -- and that is just the best. 

Every single person, including you, is created with a specific purpose in mind.  Every ounce of your uniqueness is intentional, for a greater cause far beyond yourself.  And the moment when you realize this is the moment in which the world becomes powerless to what you can truly accomplish -- which I can guarantee will be great. 

Often times we care too much about what other people think or feel about us, and we allow them to dominate our lives to the point where we lose our voice.  But you will never have a voice until you learn to speak up.  And being bold is a scary thing, in fact it can even feel impossible or pointless at times, but you are ultimately in control of your life and who you are going to let affect it.  Be courageous, be proud of who you are.

Here is the best part of all -- you do not have to do this alone.  You have been given such an amazing gift from above, Your God, who will never leave you and who keeps you close even in the hardest of times.  His strength is all you will need, and His love will fill you up more than anything or anyone else in this world ever could.  Just ask Him to help you, and He will -- He always will.

Confirmation is not only a milestone in your life as a growing young man, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to be intentional about your faith.  It has nothing to do with going along with what is expected of you, but rather has everything to do with how you will choose to let the Lord work in your life from now on.  Let your future have purpose; let your heart be willing to follow where He takes you. 

Being a part of your life has always been such a blessing, Luke.  Watching you continue to grow and develop into the person that you have been created to be is an amazing thing.  You are so special me, and I am so happy that you are in my family, in our family.  And I can only hope that these words of encouragement stay with you and remind you of how much of an impact you have already made in so many people's lives and how much of a difference you will make in your future -- You will do great things.

I am so very proud of you.

All my love,

 Beth. 

"I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Jeremiah 29:11