"Sticks and stones may break my bones - but words will never hurt me."
WHO wrote that? Are they out of their mind? Why did our parents teach us this little diddy? Because in my world - the words are killers for me. Words are so powerful that with their presence we can permanently damage someone, but their absence can be just as painful.
This week, someone called me "fat." This person is not significant to me. He doesn't have a place in my world - not even a little. And yet this word, this adjective, this insult that he threw my way has had me reeling for most of the week. I am trying to make it not matter - but it's out there, and the reality is, I still see "fat" when I look in the mirror so the fact that someone else said it... Even without validation, truth or justification - it still stings.
Equally this week, I am needing some validation, some praise, some encouragement. Partly to counter balance the "fat" comment and partly because I am a girl and I need to hear I am loved. I need to hear I am good, determined, feisty. I need to know that I matter.
It might seem cliche - but say what you need to say to the people you love. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Even if you do have a lifetime - there will never be any harm done in letting the people around you know how they affect you...why they matter to you. INVEST in your friends and family. The return will always be abundant.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones - but words will never hurt me."
I won't be teaching this to my kids...
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I so TOTALLY agree with you. Words matter! Use them wisely and graciously!
ReplyDelete'lje
Jetta, you are loved. You are good, super determined and feisty. But most of all, you MATTER and so do your feelings. Only someone who has their own major insecurity could say such a thing to anyone else. It's the ones who are most insecure who tend to tear others to shreds. We just think we have insecurities. I'm sorry that anyone would feel like they had to say that to you, especially after all of the hard work it has taken to get to the place you are at now.
ReplyDeleteJetta, You are clothed with strength and dignity. God gave you this clothing and you must not let anyone take that from you for any reason.
So true, so true. I love you!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Oh Jetta, words can cut, even from people who don't matter. I've been there before and will probably be there again. Keep your head up and just chalk it up to him having issues in his own life... You are strong, beautiful and insprirational. You are loved by people who don't even know you! Chin up girl, you're so many words and that three lettered one isn't even in your universe!
ReplyDelete