Hindsight is 20/20 – 2026

Terri Holley

Dear 21-Year-Old Terri,

I know your college years have been difficult at times, but you have so much to look forward to as you approach graduation. Forty years from now, you will look back and realize that you made truly lifelong friendships that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

You are going to start a career in banking where you will meet the man you will spend the rest of your life with when you least expect it. The two of you will start a family soon after getting married, and you will move several times in the first 10 years of your marriage – following his fast-track career. Each move will have challenges, but it will also help to make your marriage stronger. Stay true to yourself and keep your faith through every situation you face. Your trust in God will always give you strength to face every obstacle. God is going to lead the way and plant you exactly where you are meant to be. 

You will also experience the dream of opening your own business and your husband will start a bank shortly thereafter. Both endeavors will be successful and bring you joy in ways you never imagined.

Love,
Your Future Self

Rita Carr

Dear 39-Year-Old Rita,

Rest in knowing God’s plans and purpose will unfold; you’re His child. Your life is not done in your own strength, but God will continuously strengthen and equip you. Today, walk in God’s strength, as He has accomplished Great things for His Glory in the older you (John 3:16)!

Always rest in the hope of Jesus Christ through the journey, as the pains and sorrows of life are a refining gift to bring you into the beauty of who you are in Him. The choices of your youth do not define God’s great love and purpose for your life, because the older you has seen the beauty of God’s wonderful plan and purpose for your life unfold (Psalm 139:14-18).

Life’s disappointments and pain do not determine God’s promises, but are preparation for His very promises to be fulfilled in your life. Rejoice and embrace God’s every promise for your life, because His promises are forever true. The older you walks in the beauty of these promises still today (Romans 4:21).

Lastly, do not be afraid of life’s challenges, which do pass; yet forever embrace that God never leaves His children to journey alone (Isaiah 65:24)! 

Love,
Your Future Self

Jocelyn Loza

Dear 15-Year-Old Jocelyn,

I see you standing in that school hallway, backpack on your shoulders, smiling at the camera like everything feels normal. What people can’t see is how much you’ve already carried and lost, an uncertainty that came far too early. Home isn’t broken, but it isn’t simple either. You’re learning how to be strong before you even understand what that word means.

You pour your thoughts into notebooks and schoolwork because it feels like something you can control. Keep writing. Those pages aren’t just survival; they are the beginning of your voice. One day, that voice will carry weight.

But here’s what I need you to know: value yourself more. Stop shrinking. Stop comparing yourself to the “pretty” girls. You are beautiful, fiercely and undeniably beautiful. And those boys who look with shallow eyes? Let them look elsewhere. God is preparing an amazing man who will love you deeply, honor you fully, and see you for exactly who you are.

Treasure the time you have with your stepmom. Learn from her. Laugh more. Be present. Stay close to your sisters because they will always be your safe place. There will be trials ahead, but they will not break you. You will build a life filled with purpose. You will become the mother you once needed.

Stay close to God. You are His daughter. He has been guiding you all along. Be courageous. Never, ever let anyone dim your light.

Love,
Your Future Self

Rae Bond

Dear 17-Year-Old Rae,

Hey, girl. Brace yourself because you are getting ready to go on a wild ride. Life will take you from Idaho to Washington, D.C., and eventually to Tennessee.

Trust your instincts and don’t doubt yourself so much. Expect God to open some very unexpected doors, summon up your courage, and march right through!

There will be times when life will hit you with tragedy and sadness that may feel overwhelming. Your faith in God will get you through, and the journey will enrich your life with meaning and purpose. Listen.

Laugh as often as possible. Big laughs that surprise even you. Laughter makes most things better and brings perspective (and a son who becomes a comedian).

Find balance in life. Take whatever work you do seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Embrace your mistakes, because that is where you learn and grow.

Learn to let things go. Let go of past hurts and past mistakes. Open your mind and your heart to new experiences, new challenges, new people, and growing faith.

Finally, remember every word Mom ever said. Even “dust bunnies are low-maintenance house pets.” Life will prove she was right about almost everything!

Love,
Your Future Self

Lauren Hall

Dear 5-Year-Old Lauren,

Your soul is hard to carry right now, but you’ll learn to balance the weight of your emotions. Never listen to the ones who say you’re “too sensitive” or “care too much.”

Disney princesses are currently shaping your view of love. Please know you are a strong, capable girl who doesn’t need to be rescued from herself. You were delicately designed to be who you are.

The question of “What do you want to be when you grow up?” will always feel intimidating and overwhelming. That’s okay. Focus on WHO you want to be rather than WHAT.

Love God. Love people. Follow the doors that open, and connect with those placed in your path.

You’ll make mistakes. You’ll love hard and lose hard, but your intuition is a gift. Trust it.

Your husband and children will develop new pieces of you that you didn’t know were missing. Becoming a mother will awaken your deepest parts. Take time to heal. Never be closed-handed with your whole story.

As you grow, your love of family, legacy, and tradition will deepen.

Although his words will haunt you, Papaw’s right. You will “do something to make a difference in this world.”

Love,
Your Future Self

Debbie Hughes

Dear 6-Year-Old Debbie,

So many things will change. Be ready, be flexible; you can always learn and take a different path in life.

Listen to your family elders. Sit with them and let them share stories of their childhood. Be inquisitive; they have history. Learn their skills or crafts; they will be valuable in your future. It will all come together on that path.

Read the books, work the puzzles, play the games. Go outside and smell the fresh air. Know that this is the time to relax. Your future is developed by each step you take daily.

A firm belief in yourself will build the self-confidence you need throughout your career. Greet people with a smile, and start a conversation with them. You will learn so much if you listen. Your circle will need different friendships for different life stages.

Learn from your teachers, do the work, and make the grades. You may find that nugget of information the teacher shared will resurface in a future conversation.

The paths may change, but don’t fret about what you don’t know. Just enjoy the ride. Every day is a gift to learn and become a better person for society.

God, family, and friends will be the cornerstone of each path.

Love,
Your Future Self