Jaylah Joy,

I love being your mommy. I am so glad you were born.

You are my warrior princess.

My darling girl, there is NOTHING you cannot do.

Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. Remember that, sweet child, as you go through this life. You may not always feel strong enough to do things on your own, but if you have faith, anything is possible.

There will be times when life hits you so hard that you feel like you could never get back up. Get up anyway. That’s how you get better and stronger. There will be times you are tempted to follow society, even when it doesn’t feel right. Never be afraid to pave your own path. That is how you find out what you are made of.

Don’t wait on Prince Charming to sweep you off your feet or rescue you from your situation. He isn’t coming. You are your own Prince Charming and your life is completely in your own hands.

So become everything you could possibly hope, wish or dream about. Do whatever ignites your passion. Become the fire that melts all the obstacles in your path. Never, ever wait on someone else to make you whole. You don’t need anyone to be complete. You are perfect, exactly as you are.

You are a powerful, incredible girl and you will become an even more powerful, incredible woman. Use the gifts you have been given to change this world for the better. Never play dumb, never make yourself less than you are, simply because it is expected of you as a woman.

You are the hero in your story, but you don’t have to be only one thing. You are the princess, yes. But you are also the mighty warrior, the rescuer, the adventurer, the conqueror, the intellectual, the inventor and the dreamer. You are a thousand novels wrapped up in one small, gorgeous, perfect human body. You are so talented, so smart, so fun and so beautiful. People adore you. So use what God has given you to be a beacon of light in a dark and lonely world.

Always, always, be true to yourself, sweet girl. Know who you are. Spend time finding ways to love yourself. Never think that physical beauty is all you can offer. You are so much more than the way you look. So, please, become an expert on who you are and what your heart wants. Pursue knowledge with passion. Master your emotions. Love with everything you have. And remember to stay soft, my darling child. Never let this world make you hard and bitter. Never hide who you are. Remember that your glory is in your vulnerability.

Find other gentle warriors to go through life with you. Always be sure those in your world are the type of people you want to become. If they are not, dear girl, if they make you feel like less than you are, promise me you will run. Because sometimes running is the bravest thing you can do.

And finally, be sure to go on adventures. As many as you can, for as long as you can. Make things happen. Live life to the fullest. Say yes to new things. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It is through the mistakes that your heart becomes warrior strong. You must overcome, you must dream, you must fight, and you must become.

You will conquer the world, my darling warrior princess! And I will be here, as your support, your cheerleader and your mommy, until the end of time.

I love you!

Mommy