A Letter to Myself

Written on 2/21/15 and Edited on 11/8/15

Dear Hannah,
Praying that as you continue your daily life, you will strive to become a godly leader. Be a "Paul" to those younger than you. Be a hero to the younger students. Show them how to be a leader by using your words to edify and not to distract them from God. Don't drag them down or be controlling. Kindly show them how to do their job well. Be an encourager to those around you, young or old. Great leaders aren't afraid of opinions and use their words to set others free. Always edify others.
Leaders have fallen apart. The difference between a leader and a great leader is that great leaders ask God for help in getting out of the mire. Knowing that God is always your refuge will help you fight the good fight.

Don't be afraid of silence. Silence can be God's way of working. Pray at all times. God works through continuous prayer. Thank God for the trials and the issues, and praise Him for who He is.

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Don't be afraid of failure or making mistakes. God has worked through many people who have messed up. Think of Rahab, David, and Paul. All three of these people messed up, but God still used them. Your toil is not in vain-- keep trying, but realize your role in everything. You don't always have to be in charge or be in the spotlight to be a leader or to influence the lives of the people around you. 

1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

Take time to relax. Having fun is important, but maintaining focus is crucial. Use academics not to show off, but to help others learn. Remember, not everyone understands everything.  Show the gospel to everyone you meet and use your words wisely. You have an impact on people around you.  Your mission is to share God's love to others. Be confident in who He has created you to be and shine His love to others. Strive to love God in the open every single day. Be bold for the Gospel.

Respect mom and dad. They love you so much and although sometimes it may feel like they push too hard, realize that they only do that because they love you. Work hard, not to please them, but to glorify God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

I can not say this enough. Watch your words. They can either make or break your relationships. Desire to speak wise words. Wise words lead to healing, harsh words can lead to heartbreak. Satan wants to use your words to destroy your life. Be careful.

James 4:6
"And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquities; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of our life and is set on fire by hell."

Above all else, Follow God. He sometimes calls you to make hard decisions. Trust Him and His plan. Pray for wisdom and follow Him. Follow his calling. There are many things that you could do well at in life-- the goal is to find God's calling for you and pursue it.


Esther 4: 14
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"


As life continues, remember to strive to reflect God's image through everything. You reflect His image -- follow Him.

Have Courage,
Hannah Newbold