Listening to young girls share their concerns during mentorship, most of which emerge as the basis of their fear, has opened my eyes to the light that our reaction to the everyday fear, worry, and intimidation has a lot to do with how we dealt with issues while growing up. Proverbs 22:6; ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.’

As far as this verse is concerned, Parents are the first line of defense in training a child. Half of what they learn from their Parents is most likely, solely based on their actions. Little humans especially, have a great admiration for their heroes, imitating them to the core! Then follows everyone else that Parents entrust their children to; Extended relatives, School, Church, Friends, Mentors, Counselors, et cetera.

Training and teaching someone involves offering them instruction concerning a particular subject, which means, one must first be qualified in that area, either through studying or actually experiencing it.  Gaining experience from grounded and knowledgeable people, is therefore, paramount to the general well being of the recipients, as this plays a great role in their identity. Titus 2: 3-6; ‘Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.’

I am learning the importance of being sure and honoring every call over my life. 2 Peter 1:10. You cannot teach a woman how to be a girl. One is first a girl, then a woman, with the exception of the first woman, Eve, who literally took all her womanly cues from God.  Gen 2:22-24. Therefore, a woman, should always pause along the way for some self evaluation, confront and solve any discovered inconsistencies with conviction, then proceed to teach with absolute caution, trusting in the one who gives the ability to stand. Jude 1:24

Unfortunately, the world denies some people the privilege to naturally develop from a young girl to a woman, when they become sexually assaulted or married off and start bearing children as early as the age of Nine. Eventually, some recover by God’s grace, catch on and run the usual course of life, while others just don’t. The litmus of life is a battlefield, where faith remains the only antidote to fear. Jesus was crucified; Fear has no hold over us! Jesus conquered death; Faith is our destiny

For the teenage girl reading this, walk with me an extra mile to a place where I have already been and conquered my fears by God’s grace! In rallying to attack, soldiers in a battle field let out a battle cry to inspire afresh or stimulate that last ounce of courage, while remaining focused on absolute victory. Whilst most common battles happen in arenas or open fields, you seldom have to be engaged in physical combat to be in a war zone. You may be seated in a Doctor’s office right now, worried sick about your lab results, or sick to your stomach about an exam that you’re just about to sit for.  A new acne onset just before your prom? Great! Stick to the plan though! It’s a normal phase that will eventually pass.

Struggling to attain good grades?  Fear not! It’s okay. Recognize that there are other extracurricular activities that you can engage in as you take a break to formulate a more feasible study plan.  The inevitable natural occurrence of your monthly period awkwardly comes knocking, and though those PMS symptoms keep driving you nuts, hang in there, you’ll eventually learn how to manage them. The same applies to that nasty vaginal yeast infection. The right treatment, proper hygiene and a healthy diet are most likely all you’ll need to get rid of it.  Being bullied? Kindly talk to someone about it, as you discover the great potential within and learn to boldly stand up for yourself.

Fighting with your best friend?  You are both growing and are each entitled to your own opinion! Learn to recognize your mistakes and apologize for them. Be sure to keep the right company, and spare your morals from being corrupted. The boy you’re crushing on pays no attention to you at all? Ignore him and engage in healthy distractions like volunteering at your local Library.  

Remember your body is changing and your sex hormones are at their peak. Be sure not to give in to your vulnerability. Girly girl vs Tomboy? Step out in the fashion that you love irrespective of your dress size. Be sure to be mindful of your health by engaging in exercises and healthy eating habits. Find a slot for a sedentary lifestyle in your trash can!

However your battle with fear looks like, have faith in the one who gave you life! Trust Him alone because others that you turn to may not always understand your battle cry. They may even mistake it to mean something else, like the American College Football Auburn Tigers fans did in the War Eagle Legend 2 Tradition. But, be encouraged as you soldier through life, study His word and know that in all your battles, you have a mighty audience of one; Jesus Christ! He will never mistake anything about you, therefore, be brave no matter what you face for He is always with you and has already won all your battles! Step out in faith! You are in charge!

Happy New Year!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Tim 1:7.

#SayNoToFear