A Letter to My Baby Girl

Baby girl,

There is so much I want you to know. There is so much I want to say, and I pray that one day you will understand all of my intentions, my true intentions. For many years I desired to have a daughter. God promised me many years prior to your birth that I would conceive a girl. At times, the promise looked bleak and there were moments I began to question if you would ever arrive. After the loss of your sisters, I struggled with continuing to believe because I was afraid of another disappointment; but with the help of God, I fought my way back from that dark place. Eventually, God’s word was fulfilled with you, my promise. I will always remember the night God spoke to me in a dream, “Mariah is coming,” that night forever changed my life for the better. Even then, I had no idea the blessing that was in store for me.

I know that people call you a “mini-me,” and that is okay but, a “mini-me” is not what I hope you become. I hope that you are an original you, one that is confident in who God has created you to be and that you walk in that design without apologies. Yes, I will set the path but, you must follow along in your own set of footprints. I desire for you to be so much more than me and to go further than I ever could. I hope that you refuse to make the same mistakes that I have made and continue to make. I pray that you are not too hard on yourself but, you also realize that in order to be all that you can, you must maintain standards that some others may not understand.

I hope that you will not allow the misunderstanding of others to cause you to question who you are and that you will not allow the words or thoughts of others to change you. I pray that you will keep your beautiful smile, your outgoing personality, your love for music, your love for dance, your compassionate heart and your love for people. Never be ashamed of your passions although they may be misunderstood. I hope that you will overcome any fears that could possibly hinder you from reaching your goals and that you will walk boldly in the strength and courage that God himself has imparted into you. I pray that you will make the decision to change the negative habits that you may have learned and be the best you that you can be.

I hope that you will take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Never be afraid or ashamed to let go of people who constantly bring negativity into your life and encourage you to be less than what God has called you to be. Always choose friends that will encourage you, help you to achieve your dreams, love you for who you are, and have your back at all times. Baby girl, my prayer is that you will walk in good health and prosperity. I pray that you walk forward and choose not to look back as so many do because the past is the past and there is nothing there for you. Always press towards the mark for a brighter day and do not be deterred by what others think or say.

I pray you will understand your value and your worth and any man that comes along will be required to live up to the standards that your dad and brothers have set before you. You are a beautiful jewel and you have no reason to settle for less. Mariah, I pray that you remember that your body is a temple and a precious gift that should always be treasured. I pray you make sure that you are his choice and that you will not settle for being an option. You deserve to be the one and only and you deserve to be the apple of his eye. I pray that God will allow me to live to raise you from being the princess you are into the queen you are meant to be.

I hope that I am setting the path for you and being the example of a virtuous woman with integrity, strength, courage, and faith. I know you will make mistakes but I hope that you do not allow those mistakes to define you. I want to see you fly high and to stand tall in this life. I desire to see you overcome any obstacles that may come your way and achieve your goals each day. Remember, never allow failures to determine your choices or the betrayal of people to run your life. Most importantly, always know that people may leave you but God never will. Mariah, just as your name implies, you are beloved, the Lord is and will continue to be your teacher, and you are the star of the sea. I love you my baby girl!

Always and Forever,

Mom