Sticks and stones will break my bones
but names will never hurt me.
As a child, do you
remember chanting this in self-defense?
For
years I struggled with insecurity—feeling ugly and awkward because I wore eyeglasses
as a little girl. That may sound like an exaggeration now, but when fueled by
other’s words it wasn’t then. I learned all about sticks and stones and experienced
the hidden wounds they caused.
I began
wearing glasses as a nine-year old and had a gym teacher who called me unkind
names like, four-eyed-monkey-face. In junior-high my science teacher announced
to the class that girls with glasses don’t get asked out on dates.
I know; I’d like to give them a piece
of my mind too!
Every
little girl struggles with self-image and these callous comments only
solidified the truth I saw when I looked in the mirror. I never seemed to
measure up to the beauty I saw in others.
Years
later as a young mother, I grew in my faith and relationship with God. During
my prayer time one afternoon I sensed Him say, I love you and you’re beautiful—even
your glasses. I have no idea where this came from, but as His words washed
over my heart I began to sob. Then a peace I can’t explain filled me as I sat
in His presence.
God is
such a gracious Father. I experienced healing that day and began a journey of
seeing myself through God’s eyes rather than the eyes of others—a journey that
continues to this day.
The
older I get my past becomes clearer. The healing of my hurtful memories is part
of learning who I am as a child of God. As
I discover more about Him, He shows me more about myself and other areas that
need His healing touch.
We all
have events in our past that have roots to our present struggles. As we spend
time in God’s presence, praying and listening, seeking Him through His word,
the He uncovers hidden things and brings our brokenness into the light. Healing
is the result.
As we
share our story, others are encouraged and God is glorified. Romans 8:28’s truth
of all things working for our good becomes a reality. Instead of the hurts
being for harm, they become redemptive through the healing ways of God.
Everything
that God has done for me gives hope to share with another person who struggles
with a similar hurt. When I’m willing to share my brokenness, I’ll see His redemptive
results. As I walk the path toward Christ-likeness, transparent about where I
have come from, others will see an imperfect vessel touched by the Spirit of
God.
Only
Jesus Christ can heal and bring wholeness to our past. His desire is for our
best and to take the areas of weakness and give us His strength. In our broken
world Jesus offers healing for our heart through His Spirit who makes all
things new.
How has
Jesus ministered to your broken places?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation,
Jeanne
Tweetable: Sticks and Stones may break bones but names will never hurt me
Tweetable: Every little girl struggles with self-image
Max Lucado's book, You are Special:
Tweetable: Sticks and Stones may break bones but names will never hurt me
Tweetable: Every little girl struggles with self-image
Max Lucado's book, You are Special:
Beautiful reminder, Jeanne! It's hard to imagine adults being so thoughtless.
ReplyDeleteBut praise God, as I get older I grow to accept who I am more each day. He made me just like I am. He must have thought it was good enough...and I should, too!
Thank you!
Thank you, Vonda. His view of us isn't skewed :) Praise His name!
ReplyDeleteJeanne - you brought back vivid memories of some of those hurtful words in my own childhood and how God has healed and restored. And often He uses us in the lives of others - His children whether small or big - to bring that healing word and balm - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts, Sue. I agree; words are powerful. How important that it is to have the mind of Christ to be able to hear His words about all others. O, that we could all se ourselves through His eyes.
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanne ~ So beautifully expressed, my beautiful friend. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanne for sharing this profound truth. In His eyes, in His love, that is our place of rest and restoration.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising a teacher could get away with calling a student names. I witnessed a couple of supervisors do this at a company I was at last year. I was appalled when I tried to complain that I was told these were private jokes between them. Jokes??
ReplyDeleteHow appalling.
Jeanne, I believe your words touch every young girl who in some way never considered herself "good enough." The sad part is not much has changed as the images young girls and women see throughout their lives are unrealistic reflections that they are told they must live up to. Regarding the sticks and stones, it is ironic that the same imagery comes out of the pages of the gospel. Jesus was nailed to a cross of wood (sticks) and often threatened with stoning. His bones were not broken but could have been from the severe beatings. Moreover, He knows what it's like to be called horrible names. Praise God for a Savior that indeed understands our hurts and brings hope and healing!
ReplyDeleteMy apologies to everyone about my lag in getting comments posted. We are in our seventh day without any internet. I am sitting in a parking lot to access a different tower for a signal. For some reason our local tower has not worked at all.
ReplyDeleteEmily, thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts. You are beautiful too--inside and out.
ReplyDeleteHis healing is wonderful, Margie. For years I saw myself through the filter of others. I still struggle at times, yet know His eyes see the truth.
ReplyDeleteMaureen,
ReplyDeleteBullying is an old sin. It still goes on today even with all of the anti-bullying seminars and focus. But, you are right; a teacher SHOULD know better and set a standard for students to model. Thanks for your thoughts on this.