Can't touch this....

I've been made fun of and called names many times in my life. At various times, people have made fun of my weight, my intelligence and my faith, among other things. I could give the cliche "it only matters what Jesus thinks about me" response (and it would be true), but that doesn't mean that it doesn't sting.

Yep. The old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is definitely not true. Words can hurt--sometimes more than a broken bone. Lately, though, I've been asking myself "Why? Why is that particular comment an insult?"

For example: In school, and even now, at times, people have labelled me a nerd, brainiac, etc. Those things have a negative connotation, but why? What that means is that you make pretty good grades and you don't totally despise school or learning. I had an over 4.0 GPA in high school, graduated college in 3.5 years, and started my career at 21. I'm trying to figure out how that's a bad thing. I guess because, in teenage society, it's not "cool" to be academically successful.

It's also been said (and I've even felt at times) that I didn't/don't have any friends. What I really have is a few true, godly friends, a husband who is my best fried and no two-faced acquaintances. I feel pretty blessed in that.

As for my weight--I have been chubby and on the opposite end of the spectrum, I have had an (self-diagnosed) eating disorder. But at this point in my life, I am happy with my weight and I look pretty darn good for a woman who had a baby 9 months ago. I can say that and I will.

And the clincher--"goody two shoes", "little church girl", and whatever else a person could think of pertaining to my faith. I'm a girl. I go to church. I try to be good. I'm trying to figure out where the insult is. My parents raised me to love God, to follow his word, and to have some self-control. That hasn't served me badly. I'm 24 years old, I have a husband and a son, and a good career which I gave up (and was able to give up) by choice. I have a house, a car, and every material thing I could ever want or need. And I have God on my side. These are just the facts.

Matthew 10:28 says "Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul."

People may hurt my feelings and break my heart, but they can never kill my soul.

Can't touch this.