I smiled when I read this scripture and gave a big thank you to God for letting me come across it on my way to school. You see, just like the rest of you, I struggle with my self esteem. I want to be popular, I want to be cool, and I want to be considered beautiful by the kids in my High School. Who doesn't? I know it's even harder in Middle School, when kids are even less accepting of those that differ from them. I've been there, and I still am.

Yet this scripture really encouraged me, and I hope it encourages you as well. It basically means that favor, or popularity isn't always as great as it seems. Beauty is nice, but in God's eyes...worthless-or at least the kind of beauty that this world emphasizes. It's only the young ladies that fear God, live for him, and do his will that will be praised, or respected and honored.

We see this happening all around us. If you were honest with yourself, you'd probably easily see that you have a lot more respect from the kids at school, than some of the so called pretty, popular girls that dress scantily and act in a way that's displeasing to God.

So I encourage each of you, to hold your head high in school. It's not favor/popularity, beauty/looks, that define you, but your fear/respect of God. I leave you with this question. Are you setting yourself up for a life of deceit, a life of vain, or a life of praise?