Have I ever told you that I love teenage girls? Always have. After years of loving other people’s teenage daughters through Bible studies, Young Life and summer camp, now I have the privilege of raising my own. One is on the front end of her teen years, and the other has the teen thing figured out a little ahead of schedule. Unlike the toddler years {when I was exhausted, unwell and half living}, I want to savor these years. Strange as it sounds, teenage girls make me feel more alive. They embody life to the full…John 10:10!
I’m pretty sure any mom who’s parented through the teen years will tell you there are some rough patches. {Teens have a lot in common with toddlers: unpredictable and unruly as they struggle to establish their independence and identity.} It’s a hard age…and a hard time in history to be a teen girl. But when I see a teenage girl, I see someone who was made to shine. I see a Bravehearted Beauty whose light is flickering. She just needs to know what she has inside. And she needs to be told who she really is…again and again and again.
One of the greatest things I get to do for my girls is help them discover who they really are. Not what they’ll be when they grow up {I have no doubt God has great plans for them}, but who God says they are. I have the privilege of calling out their truest identity as daughters of the King. There are times when it seems to go in one ear and out the other, but then there are those magical moments when their light shines and sparks fly.
This was one of those moments: the summer afternoon when we left our girls on the farm while we ran errands. And what did they do while we were at Tractor Supply? They staged a photoshoot! The oldest grabbed my camera {without instruction or guidance from me} and the youngest dressed up {something she’s done her whole life}. Here they are, in all of their Bravehearted Beauty, unafraid to let it shine!
So pure and magnificent!
As a photographer, I think the way you capture beauty is as important as the beauty itself. So when I got home and saw these images, I was just as struck by the beauty in my older daughter’s photographs – her angles, perspective, use of light – as I was by my youngest daughter’s sparkle and shine. The creativity on both sides of the camera took my breath away.
But so that my oldest knows she bears an extravagant glory {and because I know the enemy strategically attacks the God-given worth of teenage girls}, here’s a reminder of your unique and particular beauty, precious first-born daughter:
PINIT{Thanks again, Paige. You know how to bring out the best in teenage girls!}
The truth is, teens aren’t the only ones who need to be reminded of who they are. We all do. So maybe you need this whispered in your ear today, too: you are a radiant, valuable, brave and beautiful daughter of the King!
Let your light shine, Bravehearted Beauty! You are glorious beyond words!
emi - Wow Linsey, beautiful post…words and photos! Spoke volumes to me! Keep enjoying these days with your daughters. Blessings to you and your family!
Sandy - Wow Linsey! Beautiful photos!
Ali - I’ve worked with teenage girls for the past 9 years with Young Life as well. I love what you say here, “I see a Bravehearted Beauty whose light is flickering. She just needs to know what she has inside. And she needs to be told who she really is…again and again and again.”
That is exactly what they need. True identity spoken over them over and over again. Thankful you parent this way. Wish more people did.
Cindy - Ahhh Linsey…as a mother who has gone through the teens with my duaghter, I can only say how blessed they are to have you for a mom. Most of us run from the teens, but clearly – not you. So special. And…I am blown away at your daughter’s pictures. They are simply amazing. I’d frame them all!
Much love….
Sherry - Beautiful girls and words!
Rachel - I love the new blog, but I have to say it takes forever for the pictures to load!
The girls are beautiful. Love to see what’s happening on 10:10 farm.
Bravehearted Beauty - Thanks for telling me about the photos. I wonder if others are having the same trouble? It’s a bummer to have to sit and wait for the beauty to show up!
Nancy - Beautiful girls!
Jess - those two. they are so creative and amazing…i love the shot of LF walking towards the house with dirty feet. so beautiful!! they are both just magical girls.
Shelly lambert - Lindsey.. Two things… Your photography keeps
Getting better and better! What lens did you use to shoot the water shots behind the boat?? Love the droplets! And… Are you on Instagram? Im have a table made very similar to your dining room table and wanted to tag you on Instagram! You are such an inspiration and encourager I love your blog. It’s ine of the few I still keep up with! So maybe that was more tha two 😉
Blessings,
Shelly