Sticks and Stones

" But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" 1 Peter 2:9

So let me take you back to another one of my childhood memories. I'll set the stage:

I was in the latter part of my third grade year. It was an overcast, dreary day but we found ourselves on the playground during recess...again. I was becoming weary of the monkey bars and the usual play of hopscotch and jump rope. One could only take so much year after year I mean, we (us girls) were growing up; becoming women. We needed a reprieve from such activity.

There was a small group of girls that had already broke away from said activity and would walk the perimeter of the playground. I decided that I wanted to be a part of this group even though I was not formally invited. I thought that I might just discreetly happen up alongside them as they were making another round and blend in; no one would even notice my entry.

It was so refreshing to stroll along beside seven or eight others that felt just a little more grown up than to have to behave in such an infantile way of swinging our legs over bars and slipping down sliding boards. I had found my tribe.

We made a few rounds as I listened to them talking and laughing and enjoying the time until one moment I must have laughed a little too loud and acquired the attention of the 'leader' of the group. She made it crystal clear that I was not included in 'her' soiree. I was stunned; looking to all the others for support but found none, I walked away defeated and heart broken. How could I have misread this gang of girls I felt so connected with?

I remember my heart hurt; my pride was demolished.

"Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you."

What a lie! They hurt deeply! I will never forget the pain.

Mama tried to make it better. She hugged me and encouraged me and gave me little gifts to lighten the load. She told me I should "kill 'em with kindness" and I did, as best as I knew how. I don't know if it made a difference but I do know some of the girls dropped out of the sorority one by one until there were just a few left to make their circle around the lot like vultures (oh yeah, kindness Kim!).

I am so thankful I am chosen; a child of the King; His special people. I don't have to feel like an outsider because He welcomes me into His fold (Ps. 116:12-19). He circles me in the arms of His love (Eph. 2:4). And I am forever and always His (Matt. 28:20).

Over the years of growing up I have had to draw strength from scripture like these and the words of my Mama. I had to remind myself to see my importance in Christ and not the immaturity of others.

Girls, I want to encourage you, even as adults to not let others misguided, hurtful words place value in what you believe about you. God made you right in His sight (Rom. 1:17). Trust in His Word and the power of His acceptance of you. He will always and forever see you through.

I love you & He loves you more!

Dear Lord, Thank You for life lessons, and though some are hard to bare at the time, looking back at them you have taught me huge lessons in growing and learning and leaning into You. Help us to be kind; always kind. Amen.