Still that girl

I love music. There are some things that I cannot say that are said so much better through songs. I use music to 'escape' you could say. If I am mad, upset, and even really happy and excited I go to music. Music is really important in many of our lives. It really can affect us. There is music that pumps me up so I can go for a run and have motivation to do it. There is music that has no words, like movie soundtracks, that I like to listen to when I am reading my Bible, studying or just to relax. I have a playlist on my iPod of songs that I could listen to if I am really upset and need a cry or be able to get my feelings out. I also have songs that are happy and just cheerful roll-down-your-car-window-blast-your-music-beautiful-day kind of stuff.
If you have read some of my past posts you may know already, my favorite artist is Britt Nicole. The name of my blog is part of some of her lyrics as well. She has four albums (I have all of them) and they have gotten me through some of the best and worst times of my life. I can relate to many of her songs in some way. A song off her first album helped me through my first heart break. So I have a special spot for her music in my heart :)
Side note: (cause I like to do these) I met her one year at Revelation Generation and she was extremely sweet. She signed a cd for me and looked at me and said, "God has great things planned for your life." So, yeah, she is awesome.
Anyways...I am not here to promote Britt (she is just great). The other day I was driving back from work and I had a playlist going and one of her songs came on. It is called Still That Girl. The beginning few lines I love but it was the chorus that got me this time.

You were young, you were free
And you dared to believe
You could be the girl
Who could change the world
Then your life took a turn
And you fell, and it hurt
But you're still that girl
And you're gonna change this world...
You're still that girl

 The beginning talks about looking at pictures from years past and how the girl looked in the picture and realizing how much had changed from the picture to the present. She then sings that you are still that girl, and you're going to change this world. I came across a few pictures and old videos from a few years ago and it struck me how much has changed in just a few years. As you know, I have graduated college and moved across the country and working with an amazing group called Axis (you should support me!) But looking through those old pictures I see the memories. I see the smiles and laughter. I see the hugs and affections from friends. I also see me. And part of being able to see me is being able to know who I was, what I was feeling, and what was going on in my head when that memory was captured. I see a girl. I see me. 

Looking back at those photos I realize I have changed. I mean who doesn't when they go through college?!? Hearing the lyrics of you're still that girl made me realize, yeah I am still the same person, things have shaped me and changed me. Things have hurt me and I have fallen but I have gotten back up and grown from that. But I am still that girl. I sometimes do not know how to put my thought to words and that is where music comes in but that is where I am. I am still that girl from those pictures long ago. My surroundings, friends, and hair may have changed but I am still that girl and with God's help I am going to change this world.