Marked For More x Sarah Jakes Roberts

Welcome to this space. It’s important to me that you feel safe and authentic here. You don’t need to pretend or act like you’ve got everything figured out. The purpose of creating this space is to give you a chance to just be yourself. While preparing for this gathering, I reflected on what it’s like to be a teenage girl—a time that is often misunderstood or underestimated.

Growing up, many of us were taught to be seen and not heard. If we had feelings, we were expected to suppress them because we “didn’t have bills to pay.” It seemed as if not paying bills invalidated our emotions. This mindset left me feeling like I couldn’t express myself at home. Whatever struggles I faced, I had to handle them alone. Over time, this created a sense of loneliness, even when I was surrounded by people.

Loneliness can become a habit. You might find yourself in spaces meant to support and uplift you, but you’re so used to feeling isolated that you struggle to open up. As we begin this journey together, I want you to think about what it might take for you to feel safe enough to share in a room like this.

When I was your age, I often felt awkward, lonely, and unsure of my worth. I compared myself to others, always finding something better about someone else that made me feel worse. Comparison breeds insecurity, and it’s hard to connect with others when you’re focused on what you lack.

But today, I challenge you to shift your perspective. Look at the girl next to you—not to compare yourself to her, but to remind her that she’s worthy. Tell her, “You’re not crazy. Life is hard, but you’re not alone.” Only you and your peers truly understand what it’s like to grow up in today’s world—a world where comparison, anxiety, and depression are more accessible than ever.

This stage of life is challenging enough, even without the added layer of navigating faith. Being a Christian while growing up is hard. As teenagers, you’re figuring out who you are, and faith adds another layer to that journey.

Loneliness often drives us to make decisions we wouldn’t otherwise make. When we feel isolated, we may engage with the wrong people, seek distractions online, or act out in ways that don’t align with who we want to be. Let’s be honest—have you ever felt unseen, sad, or like nobody understands what you’re going through? If so, know that you’re not alone.

We’ve all made choices we regret, often because of the emotions we’re struggling to handle. But here’s the truth: feeling lonely or unsure doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. These feelings are part of life, and they’re especially hard at your age. Together, let’s create a space where we can be real, support one another, and grow into the people we’re meant to be.

You are worthy. You are seen. And you are not alone. Let’s walk this journey together.