[Once a week, I am going to be sharing with you a brave story sent in from a reader. You can comment, respond, encourage. Want to submit your own story or a story of a brave friend of yours? Head to thatisbrave.com!]

This week’s #thatisbrave story comes from Kourtni. Cute name, huh? This story is so important, especially during the holiday season when “family” is such a thing. Her words and name are used with her permission.

. . . . .

Since I was in high school, I’ve struggled with feeling beautiful and loved. My mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when I was young, so I had to grow up fast and basically play the adult role at a young age. When a girl needs her mom most, during adolescence and such, I wasn’t able to experience that comfort or encouragement. Over the years I’ve learned (still learning to this day), that the Lord loves me more than anyone and pursues my heart daily. He calls me beautiful, even when my heart doubts. I am HIS and loved so much, I’m thankful for this struggle, because the struggle is a beautiful process in learning to love and trust in the god who made me.

. . . . .

If you have any encouragement for Kourtni and her brave story, leave it below in the comments.

. . . . .