Dear High School Sophia,
I want you to know that you will be given more than you can handle, but don't allow that to scare you. There is purpose and growth in those moments of stretching where you will learn to solely rely on Jesus to carry you. When others make you feel invaluable or small know that inside you are a strong, outspoken woman. Your heart desires equality and justice for yourself and the people around you.
People you trust are going to completely ruin the sense of that word for you. You will gain insecurities from them, and they will make some of the deepest wounds in your life. But somehow, believe me when I say this, it will be worth it. Those trust issues and insecurities will push you to only be secure in what God says of you. Those people who will brake your trust are the same people who truly teach you what you want in a relationship. The ones who will bully you are the same ones that you will one day encourage and show God's love to. I cannot say this enough... your pain will have a purpose.
Speaking of purpose.. it is going to be really challenging for you to find yours. You'll finally think you have, and then you'll get all turned around with different passions and desires. Figuring out what you want to study, where you want to go to college, who you'll want to become, and where you want to impact this world will be a very daunting task. Ultimately, none of those things will "work out" how you've imagined it and none of those things are what you're actually looking for. If you could somehow lean into the idea that tomorrow isn't promised to us and live solely in the moment you are in with the people you are with.. You would figure out that there is no reason to stress. Jesus is your purpose. Loving Him and making His love known.
While I know you understand that, allow that principle to drive you to just be.
Another thing, lean into that side of you that loves to take risks. It will get you far in this life. Remind yourself that you CAN find another way. Things don't have to be traditional. The people that will judge you are the same people that are jealous of you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, try new things, figure it out for yourself, or wear those crazy looking pants. The risks that you will take are going to become the most monumental choices you've ever made.
Lastly, I need you to know that you are going to make it. Let your need for control go. Allow each day to simply be just what it is and pursue God with all your heart. Know that He has so much for you to learn and explore. Take a deep breath and rest in the freedom that everything will be okay. Laugh often and never give up on yourself.
-With love, Your Future Self