Confidence

Walking through town with a head up, smile on.

Not having time to mess with makeup for months - you still feel beautiful.

Entering through a door knowing you have something to offer a room full of students.

Why is that kid sitting alone? My name's Kate.

Crying once, in August, and leaving it behind.

What the heck. One more chocolate.

Admitting doubts. Honestly.

Standing up to a boss, declaring your worth as an employee in her company.

Baileys is bomb. So is that old anglo-saxon word 'damn.' Your mom doesn't think so.

Waiting. Patiently, earnestly, knowingly.

Letting go of that padded bra and dark lipstick.

Turning off your light, homework undone. Your sanity is more important.

Playing pool with a group of people you just met -- scratched again!

Praying for your roommate. Outloud.

Dancing ridiculously. In public.

Receiving an email from a worried parent to give his daughter a call. She thinks you're lying.

Going out to lunch alone when your schedule does not match up with others'.

Singing wonderfully loud, off-tune notes, in a game of "Rockband" for the first time.

Loving your family. It hurts.

Wearing tanktops around the house, even on your bloated days.

Spending healthy time in solitude - saying no is sometimes good.

Needing no more than the love of the Lord. Finally enough.

Telling a friend your opinion. You might lose her.

Walking to the pool in a swimsuit. You carry your towel this time instead.

Teaching a fifty minute lesson on sixty minutes of shut-eye.

Telling a boy in your life to shape up and start treating you with respect. Another to leave you alone. He's done enough.

Forgiving others of the things you so easily forgave yourself.

Writing, "so glad the Lord healed you. remain faithful to him," in a card to a classmate.

Moving across the country.

Living with a future secure in the Lord.

I've grown.