In my opinion, whether you're male or female, 14 or 45, everyone struggles with confidence. Personally, self-confidence has been one of the hardest journeys I’ve experienced, especially during college. When I started college my freshman year I was a totally different MaryClaire than the MC y’all know today. For some of y’all that may be a shock to hear, but for those of you who are close to me, you know that that is a very true statement. Freshman MaryClaire did not like who she was. Her confidence was connected solely to toxic relationships. She had no idea who she truly was. Her anxiety and depression was consuming her. She didn't fully understand how much God truly loved her, and she was a religious people pleaser. Looking back at freshman MC, my heart breaks for her, and I wish I knew then what I know now, but that is the point of growth! I’m not ashamed of freshman MC, but rather am so proud of who she has become. I think that is the whole purpose of our confidence journeys, to look back and be proud of who God has enabled us to become. Confidence is not easy, and I wish I could say that once who’ve got it, you’ve got it, but it comes and goes, and that’s okay. The first verse I love to turn to when confidence becomes a struggle is 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I love this verse because of its focus on inner beauty. This is the whole purpose of self-confidence. It is not about your outward appearance, but about the appearance of your soul, and a soul filled with Jesus will allow you to feel your most beautiful. The next verse I love to turn to when I am feeling insecure is Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It is so important to remember that confidence doesn’t just happen overnight. It is a process that starts with trusting in Him. Keeping close to the one true King is what will constantly remind you that you are created for wonderful purposes. It is this confidence in who created you that will allow you to love yourself more and more each day. The biggest thing to remember when it comes to confidence is that who you are is not defined by a boyfriend, girlfriend, friend, job, income, or past mistakes. Who we are, and our confidence is defined by the King. God wants us to be confident in who He has created us to be, and He wants us to love ourselves, His most beautiful creation.
XOXO, MC
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