Devotionals

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You know the old saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I was taught this saying as a young child, as I am sure you were, as well. And, I tried very hard to believe that while growing up. I even said it to a couple of my fellow classmates in hopes that they would stop the taunting and ridiculing. It was all to no avail.

I just know that I had to have been the most talked-about kid in school. Most kids have enemies and friends, but I had enemies and more enemies who disguised themselves as friends. The same ones who would call me friend also talked mercilessly about me, to my face and behind my back.

After a while it all took a toll on me. I became a withdrawn kid who hated school but desperately wanted to fit in. I was angry with malice in my heart, and it showed on my countenance. I appeared tough on the outside but very much sensitive to the daily hurtful words. I was wounded, and because it, I wounded others. Much of that was unintentional.

Proverbs 20:24 in The Living Bible says, “Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?” That may be a bit much for a kid to grasp, but for me, looking back on my childhood now, I can see how God has used my experiences to help others.

You see, I am a champion of the under-dog, the one who has been labeled a misfit, the one who thinks no one cares, or the one who hurts beyond what they think they can bear. I have a place in my heart for those people. I have a hug, a smile, a kind word, and maybe material things, if that is needed. Because I know what it is like to cry yourself to sleep at night, to sit alone in the cafeteria, and to play alone on the playground. I know what it is like to have years of self-esteem problems. Because I can understand, I am able to relate and help someone else.

One day a teacher reached out to me and changed my life forever. It only takes one person to make a difference. Jesus Christ saw our need, related to us, and met that need. Let’s do the same for someone else.

“You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book.” Psalm 139:16 (TLB)

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