“To The One Who Didn’t Win…” by Kelly Mize

/ Soul Food

 

To The One Who Didn’t Win…

by Kelly Mize

To the student who didn’t win any academic awards this school year, even though he stayed up past midnight most nights doing homework and studying: I see you.
To the girl who didn’t make the dance team, even though she practiced for months to get the routine just right: You are beautiful.
To the determined kid who had the courage to run for a school office, but lost the election: I’m so proud of you.
To the little-leaguer who didn’t make the all-star team, but was genuinely happy for his friends when they did: I cheer for you.
To the child who labored so diligently to read two books, when her classmates read twenty-two with little effort, and were rewarded for it: I notice your hard work.
To the young lady whose beauty radiates from the inside out, who waited patiently for someone to notice her and ask her to the dance, only to be painfully disappointed: Your identity is not determined by what others think of you.

To the graduate who overcame countless struggles, but received no honors or scholarships: I celebrate you.

Even though it may sometimes feel like you are overlooked, you are far from invisible. You are uniquely crafted in the image of your all-powerful Creator. He sees you, loves you, appreciates your distinctive qualities and gifts, and has a perfect plan for your life. In the grownup real world, there are very few awards to be won. But YOU have what it takes to be successful, because YOU know what it means to work hard and endure tough times without any expectation of praise or recognition. You are a survivor. May you always remember how very special you are. You are fighting the good fight, you are keeping the faith, and you have an unmatched crown of righteousness in store for you one day. There is no greater reward.

About the Author: Kelly Mize

Kelly Wilson Mize considers it a personal, God-given mission to encourage others with words. She is a wife, mother of two teenagers, librarian at Westminster Christian Academy, and freelance writer who has lived in the Huntsville area for over twenty years.  Kelly has a master’s degree in elementary education, and over a decade of teaching experience in both private and public schools. She also has a variety of published writing experience including numerous articles and interviews, various curriculum projects, hundreds of devotions for both children and adults, and contributions to six books. Kelly’s credits include LifeWay Christian Resources, Focus on the Family, Adams Media, and Group Publishing. In addition, Kelly is an approved editor for the Christian Editor Connection network. Visit Kelly’s author page: Follow her on Twitter @kellywilsonmize.

 

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4 Comments

  1. Reply
    Beverly Verhage May 3, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. Good job Kelly

     
  2. Reply
    Kelly Mize May 3, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    Thanks so much, Beverly!

     
  3. Reply
    may Patterson May 4, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Love this Kelly! Kids (and adults) don’t always realize that their efforts are valuable, even if nobody notices. Thanks for celebrating and encouraging the people who try hard, but don’t always win.

     
  4. Reply
    Kelly Mize May 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    Thank you, May!

     

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