Radiant and Unashamed: Note to a Former Student

I recently had an extended conversation with a former student who wanted to let me know she had decided against marrying a fellow, someone she had known since her campus days. In that conversation, she told me of her deep doubts about her self-worth, her inner beauty and her inability to consider the “right” directions that led her to decide to call off her wedding plans.
We talked, and prayed, and, while she may not have felt better about where things stand, she was able to articulate her fears.

I followed up with this message.

“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34

Your painful personal decision on not going forward in marriage likely weighs on many of your decisions right now. And, you still have to be “on” for the daily world. There aren’t enough opportunities to discern the next steps, the “plan”.

Only, there is no “plan”. It’s not yours to dictate it. It is yours to execute it when you have the chance to consider the best thing that can happen going forward, as well as the worst thing that can happen. The rest is in God’s hands.

I assure you, you are a good person, you are doing great things, and ..you are worthy of all of His good graces.

You are not sitting in a darkened room (I hope!) languishing over the past.

The past is the past. It can’t be revisited or undone.

Have faith!

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

The journey going forward which you will pursue will require you to take nothing with you, but to have faith, and take heart.

As I told you directly, you are a child of God, with great things ahead. Be scared of the unknown, but don’t be afraid. He is with you … as are we.

Dr. Throop