Dear Mhegan,
The head-turner. The achiever. The one who’s always been so good at doing so many things.
Your beautiful face and gentle presence draw children to you: they listen, they love, because you carry a quiet grace that makes them feel seen. I admire you deeply—not only for everything you’ve accomplished at such a young age, but also for the way you open your heart.
I admire you when you let yourself be vulnerable. When you show the other side of being “the eldest.” When you share the stories behind the curtain, the moments of ugly crying when the words can’t even come out. I admire you most even when life feels bleak and lonely, you keep walking in faith, and you still see light and hope.
We are with you in prayer.
May you find assurance in God’s Word that He has always been with you. He was there when you were that chubby little girl in DVBS, raising your hand eagerly just to recite a Bible verse. And He’s still here now—guiding you, growing you in His presence.
Always remember: your worth is not in what your hands can do or achieve. So when they grow tired, may you never feel unworthy of love or belonging. Your worth is in Christ alone—He loves you as you are and sustains you to become more like Him every day.
When the time comes that you grow weary of teaching, may you rest in God’s Word and let Jesus carry your burden.
When you feel lost, may His Word find you and lead you home.
When the weight of being “the eldest” feels heavy, may you rest in His arms like a child.
When the rhythm of life grows too loud for your tambourine to keep up, may God play a quiet song and invite you to slow dance with Him.
And when you no longer know how to be the achiever, may His wisdom teach you humility and remind you to seek His Kingdom above all.
I don’t know what lies ahead for you. I can’t promise to always be there—but I will always be your Ate. With me, you can be that little girl again. (Okay, now I’m crying—so OAAA! Haha.)
May you always find quiet moments with God.
Pray without ceasing.
Seek His Word like precious silver.
Know Christ more deeply.
Desire the Holy Spirit’s presence more than anything else.
As Ann Voskamp says, “The world has enough women who know how to do their hair. It needs women who know how to do hard and holy things.”
And as Scripture reminds us: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers—in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Thank you for coming into my life, especially when I needed someone to yap with. Thank you for listening, for praying with me, and for simply being there. Thank you for the hugs, the selfie moments, for loving the kids, and for taking care of them so well. Labyu Mhegannnn Ong! Haha
