For example, say I have 380 friends, but I find out that one person doesn't exactly think that I'm worth sharing air with and, suddenly, I start to believe that I must be the most annoying person in the world.
Or what about the soul who gets a zillion compliments, but if one person says something nasty, THAT'S the thing he/she believes. Why is that?
I am so guilty of it. I can't tell you anything else about my 3rd grade year except that the leader of the "popular clique" decided that I "had too many barrettes in my hair", so because I looked funny, they wouldn't be talking to me anymore. I recognize it for what it is now, but why is it, at 33 years old, I can still recall it like it was yesterday?
There are plenty more things like that permanently glued to my brain, but if you ask me to tell you what was said to me on my wedding day? I. can't. remember.
What is that about?
It's rejection and it completely STINKS. There is no one who is immune from it either. I don't know one single person who hasn't felt the sting of it. It hurts and it sticks with us whether we like it or not.
I would like to think of it as being something that was left back in the halls of the Jr. High Schools that we all attended, but that's so far from the truth. I can name 5 people, without giving it much thought, that are dealing with the pain of this right this minute. It's really all around us, and it makes me so sad. Why don't people consider how their choices make others feel? Especially when we have all felt like crap over other people's choices...
I have already mentioned that I have been the rejected, yet I have been guilty of being the rejecter, too. My prayer tonight, as this is fresh on my heart, is that I will have my eyes wide open to other's pain, no matter how small, and that I will offer the love of Christ, which we are called to, as much as possible. Whether it's a quick word of encouragement or just flat out including the excluded. Open my eyes, Lord.
Ok, I think I can go to sleep now. Thanks for letting me ramble this one off my chest.
17 comments:
So true and honest.
As I've grown in Christ, I've learned how to find my identity in Christ more in then others opinions, but I know the Enemy doesn't like that so he likes to play these mind games you speak of.
PTL we can always go before the throne and be reminded of who we are in HIM and kick the devil out of our minds.
Have a great weekend rejoicing in who YOU are in HIM!!
I, too, have grown to recognize more and more that my identity is in Christ and not in others' approval of me or opinion of me. However, when the rejection comes from someone who knows me and who I've loved deeply, it is a hurt like none other I've ever felt. I'm so thankful that my God understands it.
Sometimes, girls are just plain stupid. And mean. And selfish.
And sometimes, girls are amazing and generous and loving and kind. Like you. :)
Satan will whisper all kind of lies to his enemy. He knows exactly how to hurt a woman....tell her she isn't worthy.
When he does this I try to meditate on the truth:
Ps. 17:8 "Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings"
YOU are the apple of HIS eye and HE will protect you under the shadow of HIS wings. Now doesn't that sound all cozy and don't you feel special??
Such a great post Gayle!
Gayle (of the B. variety)
I still feel weird about the way I run because of something a high-school girl said to me when I was a middle schooler. Sucky.
Great thoughts, I am happy you posted this! :)
-Laura
Nicely put Gayle. I uderstand completely what you are saying!
Christa
Oh yes. I so struggle with this. And I was also scarred by how the ADULTS in my life (teachers, particularly) catered to the "popular" kids and brushed off the "regular" kids like me.
Thanks for staying up late to post!
gayle...i love your heart. just wanted you to know that!
~ BIG sigh ~ ......
((Hugs))
Angela
Yes we've all pretty much been on one side or the other... or both. Thanks for the reminder. I'll be asking God to open my eyes as well because I'm usually not very perceptive of how my own actions are taken.
Ramble any time, if you're going to ramble so thoughtfully!
:)
~Donna
It's SO true! We seem to remember the negative stuff so much more than the positive. "Sting" is a good way to put it - it makes us wince just remembering. Perhaps I could start today, to remember the sweet things said to me or done for me by my family. And try to let go of the rest. As well as keep my own speech sweet to others. Good, thought-provoking post!
Kate
It is so sweet to see the Lord so at work in you. Your spirit is precious, and I was blessed reading this.
First of all this has nothing to do with your blog post. I have been out of town for a week and just caught up with all of your posts. I love your blog.
i thought this was too funny today--in sunday school I asked the kids to draw their favorite foods--one of the 1st things Andrew drew was a cup of coffee--then he drew an apple--the apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it??
First of all this has nothing to do with your blog post. I have been out of town for a week and just caught up with all of your posts. I love your blog.
i thought this was too funny today--in sunday school I asked the kids to draw their favorite foods--one of the 1st things Andrew drew was a cup of coffee--then he drew an apple--the apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it??
HA!!!
Kent, this CRACKED me up!!
Yup, that's my boy! He is FOREVER swiping my coffee when I'm not looking.... lil turd.
Great post, friend!
You hit the nail on the head! And No it doesn't make any sense why we do this, but we do. That's why we have to be so vigilant in frisking our thoughts, taking them captive to the obedience of Christ, and replacing them with whatsoever is true, noble,...easier said than done, I know.
So true. I catch myself doing this, still! I love your thoughts here.
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