Mean Girls: The Power of Words With Leanna Crawford Sample

DAY 3 

I smile and I pretend it doesn't hurt

But the older that I get, it just gets worse

Smiling is such a wonderful thing. My mom always told me to smile at everyone you see and try to make their day a little brighter because you never know someone is going through. It’s interesting though, because if you’ve seen my pictures on Instagram you might think, “Wow, she’s really got it all figured out.” I try my best to be real and authentic, but I’m still just showing snapshots of a life that involves 24 hours in a day. Some of those hours I feel awesome, motivated, and full of joy. Other hours of that day I might feel anxious, afraid, and insecure. I don’t show the in-between, because I’d rather just put on a face so everyone would think I’m fine. I don’t like showing my insecurities, I don’t think anyone does. I’m in my twenties and I really did think my insecurities would go away by now. I thought I’d feel like a queen 24/7. But I don’t always feel like I’m a flamin’ hot Cheeto inside and out. Some days I feel like a soggy Cheeto. That was a really gross analogy, I’m sorry. Anyways, some days I’m just smiling and pretending it doesn’t hurt. 

Well sometimes I smile through it and sometimes I cry pools of water. Neither of those options are ideal. God doesn’t want us to pretend we’re okay just so everyone else can get on with their day. He wants us to bring our insecurities into the light. When we do that He can begin to heal us. So instead of fake smiling, we can actually smile with freedom. 

I know it’s not that simple. But I also know that if you’re like me, maybe you’ve also underestimated the power of prayer. If words have power then we should be using them to talk to the Highest King and asking Him for help. He will answer. When you’ve asked Him to work on your heart, maybe tell a safe friend about your insecurities. You might be surprised to find out that you’re not alone and you will feel the weight of those words start to lift off your shoulders. You won’t have to pretend anymore or fake a smile. God may use your insecurities to help someone else. 

Prayer: Lord, give me courage to bring my insecurities towards the light so you can begin to work on and heal them.