I’m opening up Chapter 3 of Unboxing Blu — the chapter called “Ugly Duckling.” And let me tell you something… rereading my own words has me realizing God is still unboxing things in my heart that I barely even touched on in the book.

I share a bit about growing up as the tall, awkward, gangly girl who never quite fit in — the new kid, the tomboy with dirt under her nails, buck teeth, and more insecurities than confidence. But this isn’t really about the teasing or the pain from the past. It’s about the realization God gave me while writing this chapter:

Nothing is wasted.

Every awkward season, every lonely moment, every hurtful word — God has a way of redeeming it. Sometimes He takes us back into those memories to heal them. Other times He simply removes the sting. And somehow, in His upside-down kingdom, the overlooked and rejected pieces of our story become the very things He uses for His glory.

This episode is a little storytelling, a little laughter, a little prayer, and a whole lot of honesty as we talk about healing, grace, and how God meets us right in the middle of our mess.

If you’ve ever felt like the ugly duckling, this one’s for you.

And remember:

God wastes nothing. Not even the hardest parts of your story.

Get the audible book:

Get the actual paper book: