Fresh air and open space have always shown forth endless possibilities. From swings, monkey bars, and slides, to the infamous playground bridge, and the seesaw, the limit to what could happen was non-existent. Even hand games to our favorite nursery rhymes, like "Miss Mary Mack,” "Apple on a Stick,”"Shame Shame Shame,” "Bubble gum Bubble gum in a Dish,”and a host of others, sent our minds on adventure after adventure. Recess was always popping, hip, and happening. We were free to run wild, play with our friends, and literally let our hair down. We had some sore losers in, "No its my turn, no waitit’s my turn again.” We even had some outright dramatics in,"Stooop I’m not your friend anymore.” In fact, for many of us the playground was the very first time that we were introduced to petty conflict and opposition. Phrases like he said, she said, I don't like you, you can't play with us, you're ugly, you're fat, and four eyes four eyes began to occupy our time, and distract us from the original intent of our youthful oasis. Some of the burdens of self image, and self worth that we carry even today, stem from what should have been the most joyful and care free years of our lives. When we fell down and scratched our leg, the teacher was present to place a band-aid on the wound, symbolically initiating the healing process which encouraged the sore to heal. Yet, here we are, years later still dealing with the sores of a scared spirit simply because; words hurt.
People talk, and will always have something to say be it good or bad. Let's be real, no one has ever gone to counseling about a compliment and kind words. The pain, hurt feelings, and harbored anger all stem from words of hatred. And, if the truth were exposed, one might find that you are still learning how to cope with not only playground phrases, but also a few playground mentalities. Don't you find it strange that even on your job people who know nothing about you, act as if they are TMZ on all things related to you and your name? Isn't it a little peculiar that even in a collegiate environment, some of the people that are most silent in your presence, have the most to say in your absence? Who would've thought that even in the tabernacle of fellowship, even some saints facilitate the old, I heard this and they said that? What have I done, other than be myself? It's as simple as this....I'm different, and it is because I am different and it is because you are different that you have been picked out to be picked on. Simply because you hold yourself to a greater standard than drama, gossip, and foolishness. Simply because the favor of God is evident in your life, and people are jealous. They believe that the only thing that can bring you down is words of hatred, and dissatisfaction.
If the facts were revealed words more often than not, hurt. Words, if used strategically and tactfully, disconcert you in your efforts to be better today than you were yesterday, and you find yourself perplexed and in a state of despair. You're in awe of the extent to which people will go to discourage you, and inflict pain upon you. All you want to do is be used by God, and all of a sudden the "Praise Police" spiritually pull you over, in a cruel effort to give you a reality check.
Well, here's the true reality check. Who is like the son of God that he should be exempt from persecution? Might I submit to you that God is building your character and confidence in him by exposing you to such ridicule. Do you know that Jesus himself was talked about, lied on, abused, and mistreated? I would even go so far as to say that when he preached the sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5 he knew then what you would be going through now, and spoke life by saying, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11). In other words, let you haters be you motivators. Don't let them motivate you to quit, throw in the towel, and give up. Chanel that energy and refocus it, not only to succeed where they preyed that you fail, but to love them in return. The true test of salvation is when you feel as if every part of your being has been floored in a humiliating circumstance, and you still stand on the word of God by responding with love. Respond to gossip with the Gospel understanding that scripture tells us, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you" (Luke 6:27). React to worrisome people with the word acknowledging that God said, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
If you haven't noticed, there is no possible way to get back at every person who has ever done you wrong. Let's not forget the fact that it’s not your responsibility to handle your opposition to begin with. God is the ultimate judge, for he has the final say. Do not allow your joy to depend on other people's opinion of you.
You are a child of the most high God, who is able to do anything, but fail. Your purpose is great, your life has meaning. Someone loves you, and cares for you so much that he (Jesus) left a comforter (The Holy Spirit) to lead and guide you, and to be with you in every way possible. You are so much more than what they say, and always remember to never ever allow the voice of others to be louder than the voice inside of you. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but God has all power especially healing power!
Let us bow:
Lord,
We thank you for being with us, and for leading and guiding us even when we thought that we were alone. God we acknowledge you just for who you are, and we are grateful for the Lamb that was slain for our sin and iniquities. Lord we thank you for Jesus. We thank you for the stripes of Jesus by which we have been healed, and for the love that you've shown us since the beginning of time. Now Lord we approach your throne with the a pressing request, God we seek your council and your guidance on this particular matter Lord because we know that you said in your word for us to be angry, and sin not Lord, and some of us feel overwhelmed. Some of us feel as if we are on the verge of a breakdown, but Lord we know that our time is not your time and that our thoughts are not your thoughts and so we humble ourselves recognizing that when you're ready, you have the power to take what looked like a break down and turn it into a breakthrough and God we say thank you. We lift you Lord for only you can break the chains of the struggles within, only you can deal justly with those who have made it their business to see to our destruction and discomfort. In fact Lord, we ask a special blessing on their behalf because we know that the solution to all problems is your love, your joy, and your peace so we walk circumspectly praying for a renewed mind and a refreshed perspective that we might give you Glory and Honor in all of our ways. We consider it done Lord, for we know that you are able. We worship you Lord because you are great and greatly to be praise. It is on the name above all names the name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
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