Last Updated on July 9, 2018 by Stacy Averette

Have you ever been hurt by an unkind word said about you?

What about an unkind word said about someone you love—especially one of your children?

A recent supper-table conversation:

“Mom, do you know __________? He told me today that his grandmother doesn’t like me.”

“Why doesn’t she like you? What exactly did he say that she said about you?”

“He just said she doesn’t like the way I act.”

“What did she mean?”

“Uhm, I don’t really know.”

At this point, a lot of things were going through my head and my heart. I look at this boy, soul-bare, flush-faced, stinging-eyes, picking at his food with his fork, fighting to disguise his hurt, wondering what I should say. He’s wondering, too, as are five other tender hearts gathered around the table.

My flesh wants to throw arrows and fire cannons.

Take a Deep Breath, Mama

I take a deep breath.

I breathe in grace and breathe out praise.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

I speak and they listen.

“Maybe he made that up. Maybe he misunderstood what she said or what she meant. Forgive him.”

“Maybe she was having a bad day and said it, but now she’s sorry for what she said. Maybe she said it, she meant it, and she’s not sorry. Forgive her.”

He said, “I know, Mom”.

My food has lost its taste by now. My belly is full of the rich soil of offense and bitterness is trying to take root.

I clear the table, go to the chair in the corner, and pick up the book I’m reading trying to distract myself.

The Father speaks to me, “Let it go. Give it to me. It’s too much for you.”

He’s right. He always is.

I lay down the book and my arrows.

I close my eyes and open my heart and give it to Him.

In return He gives me this gentle reminder:

“Now you understand how it hurts me when you speak unkind words about My children.”

I sit quiet and still, thankful for grace, forgiveness, restoration, healing, and lessons from my Father.

 

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