My second letter is to JS, a spunky young woman! I realize there was a gap between the first and second letter, so I thank you for your patience. Please check out the first letter to G if you haven’t read it. Blessings, afrotasticlady

Dear Little Sis, JS:

I cannot remember when I exactly met you. Yet, I recall when your mama was pregnant with you. I went to another church for a while, and when I returned you were in elementary school. Your distinctive qualities are your glasses and your thick, black hair. You have thick hair like me. Sometimes, you let it hang and you annoyingly whip your neck around. Hehe! Mostly, you wear it in a ponytail.

I am reminded of when I was your age, and my hair was so thick that my mama didn’t want to deal with it anymore. I spent long hours in my cousin/hairdresser’s house or the hair salon so that it could be more manageable. A jar of white stuff, a hot blow dryer, and a curling iron/flat iron became my friends. Well, I was usually frightened that the hairdresser would nick me with the iron. “Hold your ear,” he or she stated. And I obeyed, because I didn’t want to get burned. But I suffered as the metal accidentally touched my skin. I learned that it was painful for your hair to look gorgeous, but I moved more confidently when I left the salon.

Don’t worry; I am not trying to convert you into a naturalista. I am aware that your mama finds it easier to take you to salon. I just seem to go back to my “relaxer days” when I look at you. Those interesting days of glaring at hair magazines and pointing out the style that I desired to the hair dresser. As you sit across from me in Sunday School class, I notice how your hair accents your already beautiful face.

In class, you and G thoughtfully talk about God’s character. Last Sunday, I asked you both, “what are you grateful to God for?” In your diverse gratitude list, you mentioned “food.” You know, I am always grateful for food. You understand how critical it is to thank God for the little things. For those things that nourish you such as Chick-fil-A sauce.  

Little sis, remember to carry that spirit of gratitude throughout your life! When you get older and you’re bruised by challenges, stop and thank God! Reflect on the good things that you have. And yes, you may still be dealing with stuff even after you have thanked Him, but at least you saw light within the mess.

In my letter to G, I shared advice on three topics. I am going to do the same with you.

Identity: You are a child of God. You are definitely a daughter and a sister. Your parents are ministers. Your grandpa is a minister and your grandma is involved with missions work. Some folks will see you as a product of a minister family and not as your own person. They will say, “Aren’t you __________’s daughter?” And you are their daughter, but you are a daughter of the King first. I do not want to discard your roots or your family history. Though, I hope that you are careful about allowing others to put you in their narrow categories. Categories can trick you into underestimating your power. Your power is derived from God.

 ^“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9

Dating/Love: Before you seriously date, make sure you love yourself! Love your gifts and your quirks. My next statement is cliché, but I do not believe you can love a man if you despise yourself. If you need to wait a little longer to date so you can become comfortable with yourself, then do it. Don’t force yourself to date someone, because you feel the societal pressure to get married. The world tells you that if you are 30 years old and over and have not married, that there’s something wrong with you. The world will call you a “spinster.” But block out the taunting and follow God’s plan!

Creativity: You sing on the praise and worship team with your mom, aunt, and uncle. During a service, I was awed by your rendition of the Planetshakers “The Anthem.” Your sweet voice embraced the lyrics: “Hallelujah, You have won the victory. Hallelujah, You have won it all for me.” I probably cried as I usually do when a song greatly ministers to me. I know that you want to be an actress, a lawyer, and teacher when you grow up, and I pray that you find the best combination of career(s) that work for you. But I hope that you consult God about being a worship leader. You could end up leading worship somewhere when a person decides to give their life to Christ. God can use you in that lovely way.

Little sis, I love how you interpret Biblical passages as though you are a mini preacher. Your family has certainly influenced you. I enjoy hearing your prayers. At first, you are timid, but then you strongly pray for your family members and the “bad” kid in your class. Once, your mama was surprised that you prayed aloud. I am glad that you are praying in public now, so when you get older it won’t be too distressing to do it.

Little sis, you are a bouncy creative. I chuckle when you sing songs from the High School Musical movies. After a few rounds of singing, I tell you to switch it up.

I know that I am the Queen of Cheese, so here’s a quote for you to ponder:

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” –Duke Ellington

Love,

Monica aka afrotasticlady

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