The Greatest Love

    by morgan wells

As I was reading Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love, I stumbled upon a couple sentences that were pretty convicting. 

     One of them read, “Most of us, to some degree, have a difficult time understanding, believing, or accepting God’s absolute and unlimited love for us.”  

     Are you guilty of this? 

     Do you ever have a hard time understanding God’s love for you or someone else in your life? 

     Do you find yourself questioning His love when things go wrong or not as planned? 

     I’m not going to lie; I’m guilty of this when certain things aren’t going as I had originally hoped. But… that’s why I’m writing this blog… to show girls how powerful God is and how unconditional His love is for us.

      It’s been quite some time since I’ve blogged, and I could make up some excuse about how busy I’ve been with other things, but the truth is that I have kept my distance from God. 

     At first, it was unknowingly because comfort is my weakness but then it became noticeable. 

     Before you read any further, I want you to think of a few of the many times that God has given you hope through a tough situation… or maybe it wasn’t a tough situation… maybe it was a situation that was a blessing. 

     Looking back, do you see God’s hand in that situation?

     The word love appears in the Bible 551 times. What does love really mean? 

     According to Wikipedia, love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes and it can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection. Love is a word that’s confusing for some. We hear people say they love their kids, spouses, and friends all the time. It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot in our culture…sometimes good and others times bad. 

     We can “love” all we want, but it really doesn’t make sense unless we fully understand that God IS love. He does represent human kindness, compassion, and affection when we let Him.

      When we are younger, our parents tell us they love us. When we become teenagers, a boy will tell us he loves us, and when we become adults, our spouses will tell us they love us. 

     No, I’m not saying love is a bad thing, and we should always run away. I’m telling you that our parents, our friends, and our spouses (someday) can’t love us the right way until they love God the most.

      I’ll give an example of this Great Love. 

     Before I came to Christ, I was a mess. I found myself hanging out with people who didn’t really lead me in any direction (which is just as bad as them leading me in a bad direction). I was happy where I was, doing the things I was doing. 

     But… out of God’s great, great love, He found me when I was lost, sent someone to invite me to a Christ in Youth camp, and saved me. THAT is Great Love.

      Telling numerous stories isn’t my intention for this blog… my main intention for this blog is to prove to girls like you that you ARE God’s princess. God loves you more than your parents, friends, or any boy ever could. 

     Some of you girls have been saved by the Lord's unconditional and perfect love. And others haven’t quite yet made the jump. For those who haven’t… fall. Allow God to catch you. Allow God to use you to love others because of Him. 

     And if any of you get the chance, read Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love. It provides biblical examples, and it challenges you to love God and love others despite our imperfections.    

     “Even though we could die at any moment and generally think our puny lives are pretty sweet compared to loving Him, He persists in loving us with unending, outrageous love.” 

     Go and do. 

     Be a blessing for someone today, tomorrow, and forever. God wants to show you His Greatest Love…will you allow Him?  

Live a TRUTH contrary to the messages you hear!

    by Sarah Reynolds

 So, one day we’ll all grow up and move on from here… right? I mean, it’s not like how we act in the here and now is going to have any major effect on what happens afterward. This place is just a stepping stone, we’re still young, and so we deserve to have as much fun as possible, and if anything isn’t fun we should just quit… right?

     Wrong.  

     This is the view that society has placed into the hearts and minds of this rising generation. My generation. We are expected to behave and think in ways that would make innocents cringe, but hey, we’re just teens right? Kids will be kids, after all.

     I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. We are worth so much more, and capable of so much more than this culture gives us credit for as young people.

      We can write, draw, sculpt, sing, research, perform science experiments, build anything from robots to bookshelves, dance to the beat of our own drums; we can move, speak, encourage, work, save, invest, learn, and form our own opinions.  But that’s not what we hear from the media.

      “Embrace your fear of commitment”

      “Live for Now”

      These are from two different ad campaigns, both angling toward the teens and 20's crowd. Just two of the thousands of advertisements we see each day.  This isn’t even going into all the ones angled at girls telling them how they need to change their bodies to look better, or the ones angled at guys telling them they need to do this or that to be successful.

      It seems like everything in this culture focuses on looking good, being powerful, making it big… and yet things that can get you there (hard work, direction, focus, good priorities) are mocked and belittled, while things that can get in the way of you going far (drugs, alcohol, careless sex, laziness) are overly glorified and quite frankly overrated. 

     We are expected to party because “kids will be kids” but what does that ever really do for us?  When was the last time someone who made something of themselves said, “I got to where I am today because of all those drunken nights in college” or “I am successful because I dated every girl in junior high”?  Can you show me even one example?

     The truth is, those things don’t fulfill us, and they never will. They aren’t what makes us strong, and they won’t create beauty or power in us. However, they will have an effect on our future, despite what the culture we live in may say.

     We live in the age of social media. People could, at any time, take a picture or video of you doing all these things and post it anywhere they’d like. They can find you years later and cause a nightmare. Words out of your mouth can go so quickly, and reach the people you’d hoped they’d never reach, before you can stop or even begin to control it.      Everything you have ever done is at your future employers fingertips should they know how to get it (and generally they do).

     So, this all makes me call into question the original assumption at the beginning of this whole thing: why is this society so insistent that things like drugs, alcohol, and partying the years away don’t matter at all?

      What truth is being hidden? If it really doesn’t matter or have a negative effect, why do we live in a society where suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens? Why are people in their 20's and 30's, who appear to have it all, still feeling empty and deeply craving something more than what they have?  

      What are we missing?

Learning to use God as her safety net

by Katie Basso

A lot happened at CIY this year. Like, a lot.

First off, for those of you who don't know. CIY stands for Christ in Youth. They have different camps for different age groups. The one I am specially talking about is CIY MOVE, which is for high schoolers. I have been blessed to have attended four CIY MOVE camps in my lifetime. Well, more like three and a half, but that is a story for a different time.

This year was big for me. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone by going with my new church and knowing almost no one. It was hard, and at some points it made listening to God more difficult.

But He made something very clear to me. I'm still holding onto my addictions. I haven't let them go yet. I'm like a little kid with their blanky. It's like a sense of protection for them. That's how my addictions are for me. I know that if something happens, I will have these things to fall back on. They will always be here.

But God doesn't want me to use them as a safety net. He was me to use Him as a safety net.

At the beginning of the week everyone was given a red piece of yarn. Later on we were told that this piece of yarn represents a sin that's holding us back, or something that we need to let go of. There was a big metal circle placed in the front of the theater we were in, and in the circle was a heart. We were challenged to come up and tie our yarn to the circle which represented us, and then to the heart which represented Jesus.

My string represented my addictions.

And I couldn't do it. I couldn't tie the string. I wanted to so badly, but I felt that if I did I would be lying to myself and to God. So I didn't do it. I still have the red piece of yarn with me. I haven't let it go.

Addictions are just symptoms though. I still haven't figured out what mine are symptoms of, but I am praying that God reveals that to me. I trust He will when the time is right. Until then, I'm leaning on Him instead of my addictions. They are still there in the back of my mind, but I'm slowly getting better at going to God first.

Introducing our new blog manager, Sarah Beth

     Hello wonderful ladies!

     I’m so incredibly excited to be writing to you all today. It’s been such a journey to get to this point, and I’ve been extremely blessed for this opportunity! 

     For starters, my name is Sarah Beth…. Yes, Beth is my middle name, and yes, I go by both names. People always wonder why I introduce myself with my first AND middle name… Some people tend to think I’m just really fond of my middle name and want to share it every chance I get… as amusing as that is, it’s the farthest thing from the truth. As a child growing up, I was called Beth (which is a whole different story for a whole different time I can hopefully share with you all at some point!) unless I was in trouble, then I got the full name. Yeah, don’t play, you all know what I mean! As I got older, going solely by my middle name became more difficult and honestly just a pain in the you know what. So, my first and middle name got combined and “Hello, I’m Sarah Beth” became the norm. Yes, I’m the girl with two names! For a long time I hated this… I hated that I had to explain why I have two names and why some people call me Beth and others call me Sarah. I hated that I wasn’t “normal." 

      Can any of you relate? One small, simple difference can lead to monstrous insecurities and lies about yourself… Yep, that’s where I was at for a long time.

      But… as I continue to grow up and grow into the woman God created me to be, he reminds me that I’m beautiful, ALL of me, including my name. And I know that at some point in my life, my story of having to struggle with the two-name-dilemma will be a testimony and a word of hope to someone! And if my story can help one person see their true value, worth, and beauty then all the struggle and hardship I’ve endured is totally worth it.

     This is exactly why I’m here girls… not to just simply share the struggles of my two-name-dilemma, but to share my story and my heart in hopes that it will touch and inspire you girls to know your true beauty, worth, and value. Those truths are something I’ve struggled with for a huge part of my life. They’re something I still struggle with some days, but God helps me combat those thoughts and feelings that go against His truths and helps me focus on who HE says I am. And for those of you who have struggled with this too, please know you’re not alone!

     Okay, I’ve shared a bit of heart and hopefully you can hear more of that later! What I really want is for you beautiful ladies to know a little about me and who I am…

·         * I’m 26 years old (most days I don’t feel this old, so I don’t like to claim it!)

·         * I love peanut butter… and chocolate! So naturally, I think Reese’s is the greatest candy EVER!

·         * I love fried pickles… like a lot. They’re the sole reason I attend the State Fair, I’m not even kidding.

·         * I can’t whistle. Despite my boyfriend’s greatest efforts to teach me.

·         * Yes, I have a boyfriend. He’s amazing. Really amazing. I definitely have A TON to share with you girls about finding a good man and what to look for... and what to wait for! I’ve been EXTREMELY blessed to say the least!!

·         * I work with special needs children, specifically kiddos with Autism. They’re so great : )

·         * I’m finishing college online, working on my School Psychology degree. I’m attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University. It’s an awesome school, any of you close to college age should check it out!

·         * I have 7 siblings, 5 of which are adopted. (again, great story for another time!)

·         * I have 7 nieces and nephews.

·         * I love to run. I’m still perfecting the art of running, but it’s a great prayer time for me… God spoke to me about working with this ministry during one of my run/prayer times! It’s a great story I would LOVE to share!

·         * I have a slight addiction to coffee… that doesn’t agree with my budget… the struggle is real.

·         * Reading is one of my hobbies.

·         * I have the most amazing friends. They are hard to find, but God provides!!

·         * My family is my heart. And they are the greatest people in the world.

·         * My newest passion: writing….

     I’m gonna run with this last bullet point for a hot little minute.

     I’ve always had an interest in writing. It’s been something I’ve thought would be fun and would think “who knows, maybe someday," but never thought it would really be something I’d do. About a year ago or so, God started placing this desire and passion on my heart for writing. Not just writing to write, but to write and share my story. Accepting my story and past has been a huge challenge for me; I’ve dealt with shame, fear, rejection, you name it. I have a special place in my heart for young/teen girls struggling with their stories. I know how difficult things can be, but at the same time I know how God can walk you through those times, heal you, and give your life purpose! I know because He did it for me. I’m not a special circumstance; this is what he longs to do for all of us. God wants to and WILL use your story to speak to others about His never-ending, never-failing love. This is what he’s doing in my life right now…

     Girls, please don’t keep your stories in or think they aren’t valuable. YOU are the vessel God will use to show his love. YOU are the vessel God will use to give hope. YOU are the vessel God will use to change lives… Yep, I said it, HE WILL USE YOU TO CHANGE LIVES. Read it again. And again. And don’t forget it.

     You are valuable. Your life is valuable. Your story is valuable.

     Take a leap of faith with me girls and continue to share your stories and hearts! If you haven’t yet, start now! Not only do I want to hear them, but I can’t wait to see how God will use your stories and your words to reach others!

     Let’s embark on this journey together, it’s going to be amazing :)

All my love,

SB

Introducing the summer 2014 covergirl!

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I cry aloud to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
    before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”

Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
    that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.

           ~ Psalm 142

     Psalm 142 was written by David while he hid in a cave from people who were chasing after him because they wanted to kill him. What is interesting to me is how relevant it is for girls.

     This prayer – this psalm – is offered today in honor of our cover girl. For her story. For the challenges she faced and overcame.
     Her paths were hidden with snares…girls calling her names, pressuring her to do things she didn’t want to do and be who she wasn’t meant to be.
     She was taken off guard. She felt alone. She thought she could handle anything that came, but when it came, it was harder than she anticipated.
     But she sought God. She prayed, not just for herself but for her tormentors. She knew she couldn’t do it alone. 
     And God was faithful. He set her free from the prison, and she praises His name, even still, as the godly gather around her. She reaches and teaches other girls about the faith that got her through, that rescued her from the cave.
     I first met our cover girl when we had a fashion show over a year ago, and even though she wasn’t very familiar with Mighty Strong Girls, she eagerly grabbed a microphone at the event to share her thoughts on why the ministry is so important for all girls. She got it — the purpose, the vision, the NEED. She is truly an amazing Mighty Strong Girl.
     She is determined. She is intelligent. She is compassionate. She is courageous. She is strong – like really strong physically because she spends hours and hours training for the Olympics. She is Tyler Lackland. 
     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUMMER 2014 COVERGIRL, AND TO ALL THE INSPIRING GIRLS WHOSE STORIES, PHOTOS, IDEAS AND CREATIVITY HELPED SHAPED THIS ISSUE OF MIGHTY STRONG GIRLS! 
      The magazine is on sale now at http://www.mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html. Print copies are $7, and digital versions are $1.49. If you know a board member, see us for a copy if you don't want to pay for shipping. And if you'd like to buy the magazine in bulk copies for churches or organizations, they are $5 each. Just call us at 217.801.7464 for more information!

Payson reveals her real identity

     by Katie Basso
 First off, let me reintroduce myself. 
      My name, my REAL name, is Katie Basso. I am 16 years old, soon to be 17, and will be a senior at Athens High School next year. And, as I said when I was Payson, I have and still struggle with an eating disorder and a self-harm addiction. 
     The first thing I’d like to explain as my real self is how terrifying this whole thing is for me. Everyone is going to know my story. I have kept this a secret for 5 years. I desperately tried to hide this from my friends and family, and now it’s all coming out. 
     I know you’re probably asking, “Well if you’re so scared then why are you sharing it?” 
     Because I feel like God is calling me to. Because I feel like sharing my story could help someone who is going through what I went through. Because I am no longer ashamed of my mental illness, and I feel that no one should be ashamed of theirs. 
     A little over 2 years ago I met Amy, the founder of Mighty Strong Girls. She saw my posts on Facebook and she messaged me, sending me virtual hugs. That summer I went to a Christ In Youth conference that changed my life. That was the first time I really felt like God was calling me to share my story, although at the time, I was still really deep in my struggles. But I said yes anyway. 
      I talked to Amy about how I could share my story. She told me to write out my story while she searched. Eventually she told me that there was nothing out there. But, being the amazing person that she is, she came up with her own idea. Mighty Strong Girls. I was a little skeptical at first. But, soon it became this amazing thing with the help of so many amazing people. 
     So yeah, I guess you could say that I am the reason why Mighty Strong Girls is even a thing, but I don’t like to look at myself that way. I look at it as God bringing Amy and I together, and Him giving me the strength to even consider sharing my story, and Him giving Amy the idea of Mighty Strong Girls. 
      It was all God. So anyway, here I am. The real me. My story. I hope you all can bear with me as I share the part of me that I’ve had hidden for so long.

     You can read Katie's story in her own words in the summer issue of Mighty Strong Girls magazine. It is available for sale at http://www.mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html. 
 

Payson is bringing her secrets out of the dark...stay tuned!

by Payson

     Wow. It's been an entire year since I've written anything for this blog. That's ridiculous. 
     Hopefully I can write more regularly once this next issue of the magazine comes out. Why do I have to wait until the next issue comes out? Because I will be in the next issue. Like, the real me. So basically this will be my last anonymous blog post. Yeah. I said it. I'm revealing myself! You finally get to know who I really am, which is terrifying to me.
     Having to share secrets and share your struggles with anyone is a scary thing to do. Admitting that you mess up and you aren't perfect is scary. But sometimes it's just necessary.
     In my situation, if I didn't tell anyone about my struggles with anorexia, bulimia, and self harm, I probably would have died. At the time I didn't think that. I thought I was fine. Looking back I can see how messed up it was for me to think that I was okay.
     I've come a long way since then. But that doesn't mean I'm cured. I still struggle. Some days are better than others. But now I have a support system in place to help me through those hard days.
     The next step for me is to basically share who I am and what I've been through with the world. I want people to know that I'm not ashamed of what I've been through. That it's scary, but telling people is okay if it means you will get help. I don't want eating disorders and self harm to be something no one really ever talks about. It's a real thing and a lot of people are affected by it, and if me sharing my story helps people understand that, then that's what I want to do.
     I'm going to be honest. I'm absolutely terrified. But, I'm no longer ashamed. So the next time you'll hear from me, I'll really be me. The real me. With all my screw ups and all my imperfections. I hope you take it easy on me!