💭💓 Oftentimes, we fail to love ourselves in the way we desire for others to love us. We fail at being kind, patient & forgiving towards ourselves. As I sit back & reflect on all I’ve been through in my life I couldn’t help but feel compassion. I feel this often but it’s been a while since I have verbally expressed it to myself so I couldn’t help but to share this with you all …

Being a believer, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend & so on keeps me busy as I’m sure many of you can relate. It’s not often that I take the time to look within & give myself permission to be proud of the woman I’ve become without feeling selfish or coming off as arrogant. I’m proud of you, Jen! Thank you for being you (flaws & all). Thank you for not giving up on yourself anytime you had enough. Thank you for taking the time to focus on you & your heart. I’m sorry that others hurt you the way they have but I thank you for forgiving them & yourself. Thank you for not being ashamed in sharing your faith with others. Thank you for being transparent.

I admire your strength. I admire your weakness. I admire them both because it is when you lean on God the most. Thank you for recognizing when you’re wrong even though sometimes it can take a while. Thank you for acknowledging that you are a work in progress.

However, I wish that you weren’t so hard on yourself. I wish that you would give yourself more credit. I wish that you knew how much you’re loved. I wish you knew how to reach out to others when you’re down & not feel like you’re being a burden. I wish you knew how great of a mother you are without comparing yourself to others. Your sons are so blessed to have you as their mom. God has blessed & has entrusted you with two precious souls because He knew you would do right by them. Your husband is also blessed to have you as his wife even when you give him an attitude. You are his #1 fan & will always have his back. He knows this. Though we all fall short of the glory of God, I admire your transparency & the love you have for Jesus. I just wanted to remind you that you are special & a blessing to those around you. I love you, Jen! ❤ #TheJourneysWithin