DEAR AGATHA: YOU'VE NOW BEEN BAPTIZED

Dear Agatha,

 

Remember, being a good Christian is more about the way you treat others and the choices you make than it is about specific rituals or beliefs. It's about making a difference in the world by living a life guided by Jesus' teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness.

While faith is important, there are valuable lessons to learn in life, and I hope you'll always live by them.

Be True, Be Honest: Do what you think is right, even when no one is watching. Sometimes, doing the right thing might mean saying no to something you want, or standing up for what you believe in even if people disagree with you.

Everyone Deserves Respect: Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their job or background. If a security guard, or a service crew, or any worker greets you "good morning", greet them back. Please don't ignore them. It can brighten someone's day and make them feel seen and appreciated. 

Say No When You Need To: You shouldn't feel pressured to say yes just to please someone else. It's okay to prioritize your time and energy, and to set boundaries that protect your well-being. Standing up for yourself and saying no when you need to is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you value your own needs and that you're not afraid to take control of your life.

You Deserve to Be Around People Who Make You Feel Good: It's perfectly okay to avoid people who give off bad vibes, even if they're a stranger or a relative. Trust your instincts. You deserve to be around those who uplift you. Protecting your energy is important for your well-being!

 

Beauty is More Than Looks: Real beauty comes from inside. It's about being kind, caring, and having a good heart. Don't let what people say make you feel bad about yourself. Embrace who you are and shine bright! To me, you are the most beautiful. 😘

Use Social Media Wisely: What you see on social media isn't always the whole story. People often choose to share their best moments and hide their struggles. Remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. Be kind to others online and avoid spreading negativity or gossip. Focus on building real-life connections.

Embrace Your Emotions: Everyone feels happy, sad, angry, scared, excited... it's what makes us human!  We all have these emotions inside us, and they're a part of who we are. Don't try to hide your emotions. It's okay to let them out, whether it's talking to us, writing, or just taking some time to breathe. Sometimes, just saying how you feel out loud can make it feel a little lighter.

You Cannot Please Everyone: You'll meet people who have different opinions, different tastes, and different expectations. You can't make everyone happy all the time. Don't compromise who you are to make others happy. Be yourself, and the right people will appreciate you for it.

Pursue Your Passions:  Having hobbies and activities that you enjoy is important. They give you a sense of purpose, and make you less dependent on others for happiness. Enjoying your interests boosts your confidence and can help you meet new friends. Don't be afraid to try new things and discover what you love, as this will enrich your life.

Respect Our Surroundings: It's important to take care of our surroundings, whether it's our home, or the places outside. Do not litter. Always put your trash in a bin or take it home with you. Also, clean up after yourself. If you make a mess, take a moment to tidy up. Remember, a clean environment is a happy environment!

Be Kind to Animals: Animals are living beings just like us, and they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. It's never okay to hurt an animal. Also, before you consume meat, eggs, and dairy, say a little thank you and don't waste the food.

Build Lasting Friendships: Having good friends is really important and makes life better. To keep your friends for a long time, be yourself, be a good listener, and be someone they can trust. Respect their feelings and forgive them if they make mistakes. Celebrate their good times and help them when they're having a hard time. Make time for them, even when you're busy. Remember, good friendships need work, but they're worth it!

It's Okay if Some People Do Not Want to Be Your Friend: Not everyone will want to build a friendship with you, and that's okay. Don't take it personally if someone isn't interested. It might be about them, not you. Just be yourself, and the right people will come into your life!

Choosing a Partner: Look for someone who shares your core beliefs and who respects and communicates openly with you. A good partner will support your growth and encourage you to pursue your aspirations. Make sure you enjoy each other's company and can share laughter, as love should be fun. Trust and honesty are essential, so choose someone who is reliable and transparent. Don't settle for "good enough". You deserve to be with someone who makes you genuinely happy and treats you with the respect and love you deserve.

And lastly,

We Will Always Be Your Safe Space: Life can be full of ups and downs, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But no matter what you're going through, please know that we, your family, are always here for you. We love you unconditionally and want nothing more than to support you.

We love you so much! 🩷

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