A Letter to My Teenage Daughter

Every scar has a story. Leigh was a thriving fourteen–year–old with everything going for her. She was a popular teenager with an abundance of friends. She was a starter on her junior high volleyball team, played basketball, ran track, and had recently made the cheerleading squad. She maintained excellent grades and set high standards for herself in the classroom. One day, her older sister introduced her to a teenage boy from a nearby town. Leigh felt an instant connection with Chad. He was athletically gifted and locally known for his basketball and quarterback skills. The relationship felt magical in the beginning, but it quickly became extremely toxic after several months. Being so young and naive, Leigh was groomed to believe that the toxic cycle of emotional abuse was love. As her self–esteem gradually deteriorated, she allowed herself to believe that the relationship would eventually improve, and she held onto this false hope for a decade.But everything exposed by the light becomes visible–and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. (Ephesians 5:13aEUR"14 NLT)Chad was narcissistic, emotionally abusive, deceitful, and repeatedly unfaithful. After being engaged for almost two years, information surfaced that finally gave Leigh the strength to cancel the fast–approaching wedding and end the relationship. She eventually uncovered an entire web of lies during her search for answers and closure. Leigh was able to lean on her faith and her love of music to help her process her way through what felt like the worst pain and the worst betrayal imaginable.Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4 NIV)Leigh recently felt convicted to share her untold testimony with her husband and her two teenage daughters. She wanted them to see exactly how God wove His goodness into every aspect of her story. He faithfully sustained her through some excruciatingly dark and lonely seasons. God has continued to walk alongside her through the healing journey. Testimonies have the ability to break generational cycles, patterns, and curses. The enemy has never wanted us to become brave enough to share our testimonies publicly. Hopefully reading her testimony will inspire others.They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. (Revelation 12:11 NIV) Jesus brought the blood. We must bring the word of our testimony.

-- Leigh Magnolia