***The following post was written by my wonderful, almost daughter-in-law, Rachael Lee, who is having such an encouraging impact on so many young women.
Last year, at age 21, I sat deep in thought on the kitchen floor of my tiny studio apartment in Hollywood, as I began writing about my journey in my new book, "Identity Girls." As I allowed myself to reflect on my life, my past, all that I had been through, I realized that it took many years, twists and turns, and lots of grace to overcome insecurities and find my true identity in Christ.
Most young women, myself included, have wasted so much time seeking purpose and value by the world's definitions. Whenever I found myself striving to live up to the unrealistic expectations and pressures of culture, my heart and soul grew weary. Women were created to be clothed in strength and dignity, but looking around at our culture today, I see so much brokenness. So much hurt. So much insecurity.
We are a generation with a serious identity crisis, desperately wanting to be able to define who we are. Perhaps some of your own daughters (tweens, teens, or early twenties) are currently in the midst of seeking answers and trying to figure out their own personal ideals, beliefs, and dreams. Our world is filled with girls who compare themselves to photo-shopped magazines. We are told that our value is in our bodies and we allow our insecurities keep us from the abundant life.
The message I have for young women is a message of truth and grace from personal experience. We are all flawed. We have all made mistakes. But we are also beautifully & wonderfully made. Our negative self-talk and low self-esteem keep us from being women of influence. Your daughters need to know that they are able to rise above all difficulty, hurt, mistakes, and flaws to become confident world changers.
This is a time and a generation filled with young women who desperately need to know they are worthy, valuable, and strong. All we need to do is change the definition of ourselves. Often times, we allow all the wrong things to define who we are. Or maybe right now you have a daughter who's not even sure of who she is anymore.
What are you clothed in today? Hurt? Insecurity? Baggage?
Forget the lies this world has told you about who you are, and join me on this 30 day journey to solving the grand identity crisis as we find our true identities in Christ.
Check out some reviews below from readers who have been encouraged and inspired by "Identity Girls": "Identity Girls by Rachael Lee is a great devotional for young women who are struggling with their identity (and even those who aren't). Rachael writes in a way that captivates the reader, and makes them eager to read the next part. After reading this book, you will have a better understanding of who God designed you to be as a woman of the King. It is one of the best devotionals for young women that I have read!" -Katie
"This is an incredible devotional that truly helps young women understand who God says they are versus the worlds definitions. The messages are powerful and life changing and are communicated so beautifully by Rachael Lee...she has a fun and authentic way of delivering powerful messages! This is a must read and a must lead (as a group)! What a tremendous bible study this will make! A+++++" -Rachel
"This is a must read. The devotional is a mix of relatable personal experience, Bible verses, and inspirational messages to jump start your day and your relationship with God. I love how it guides you in prayer and encourages journaling. This is exactly what I needed in the morning to get in some time with God!" -Julie
For just $3.99, you can help the young women in your life heal, grow, and find their true purpose, calling, and identity in Christ. And make sure you enter into the giveaway at the bottom of this article for your chance to win a FREE copy of the "Identity Girls" e-book!
Purchase the PDF version of "Identity Girls" that you can read easily on your computer:
Rachael Lee is a young author who moved to Hollywood at age 17 to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. In the midst of following her dreams, Rachael realized that God was putting some bigger dreams on her heart. Through acting in film and television, modeling, writing, speaking, and mentoring, Rachael is passionate about helping young women grow closer to God and feel secure in who they are as they travel on their own unique journeys.
Rachael is engaged, and will be getting married to the man of her dreams, Nathan Clarkson, on March 1, 2014. When she isn’t doing all of the things listed above, Rachael loves spending time with her fiancé, her silly Chihuahua, hosting girls nights, and loves cooking/baking.
Click here to find Rachael Lee's blog for young women.