Unfading Beauty

by Kneco
(Newport News, Virginia, USA)

I decided to take this challenge because I am 18 years old and I know that the main reason I have not lived my life to the fullest, being all that God wants me to be, is because I am very self-conscious. Just recently have I started applying the Word to this stronghold in my life; I know 1 Peter 3:4, and and that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made." But I still find it hard to accept that cliche that beauty is on the inside, especially in this generation where the physical matters so much. I am on my way to college in 5 months, and I am earnestly seeking God right now, because I don't know what to expect on campus. I want to be confident in Christ, and not let my insecurities stop me from sharing my testimony, which allows me to overcome my situations. I always question God saying, "Out of all the problems in the world, I had to have this one!" I can describe it as one word: crippling. But I know that God is using me now so that I will be able to encourage so many later, and when I focus on that, I know that it is all worth it! So that is why I am taking this challenge!