If You Only Knew by Shelby

If You Only Knew by Shelby - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

Dear Shelby,

Hi, sweet girl. I’m writing to you from the future—not to scare you, but to give you some hope. I know things feel overwhelming right now, like you’re always trying to be enough for people who barely see you. But I want you to know this: you were never meant to blend in. You were made to be different.

Don't let the voices around you shape who you are. God made you in His image—beautiful, brave, and full of purpose—even on the days when you don’t feel like there’s anything good in you. There is.
Be different. Be joyful. Be bold. There will be times when your joy feels stolen and your voice feels small, but don’t give it away so easily. You were never meant to fit in with the world, and that’s a good thing. The world needs people who stand. If you don’t bow before the King now, you’ll end up bowing to everything else later. So, after you have done all to stand, stand therefore.
When you’re sitting in your room wondering if anyone really knows you, remember this: God knows everything about you, and He still chooses you. Always.

Oh—and mom? She might seem overbearing right now, but she’s fighting for you in ways you can’t see yet. Tell her thank you and show her love. She will end up being one of your best friends.

You're going to make mistakes. Some big ones. But you’ll find your way back—not because you’re strong, but because God never gives up on you. He’s got plans for you, Shelby. Big ones. Bigger than your fears. Bigger than your failures. Bigger than your imagination.
And someday, you’ll write this letter, and smile. Because it really does get better.
Love,
Future You