Growing up as a Navy brat, I was met with many struggles, especially as a young elementary school student. I’m pretty sure first through fifth grade is where kids learn to master the art of teasing, and, because I was always the new kid in school, I was teased a lot! I think the thing I was most teased for was my nose. It’s kind of hooked and other kids used to make fun of me for it. They’d call me “Gonzo” or “The Witch,” and I was embarrassed each time they said those things. Now I am glad I can look back on those days and laugh about the things that were said about me.

This week I feel like I’m back in elementary school. In my 43 years on this earth, I’ve learned that people will make up anything they want about you if it gets them what they want. Adults can make up the vilest stories about you, thinking that others will listen and hate you too. Unfortunately, some people will listen to them and believe what is said about you, but it’s okay. All you have to do is remember who you belong to.

Each one of us has faults. I have faults, you have faults, we all have faults. Not one person is perfect except for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Years ago I took a self-confrontation class and learned how to really see myself in the mirror. It’s easy for us to recognize the faults in others, but it’s another thing to recognize our own faults, however, it is important that we evaluate our “selves” every day. Jesus said, “deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23),” and that’s exactly what we have to do. How can we remove the plank from our eye if we can’t even see the plank? The only way to see it is to look for it. Deny the selfish desires, take up the cross of death that we deserved, and follow the One who can handle the very burdens we are facing today.

The things that were said about me in court yesterday would have embarrassed me 35 years ago, even though they weren’t true. Satan strives to embarrass christians. He tries so hard to make us act out in our flesh, and we WILL act out in our flesh if our hearts are full of “self.” Thankfully I know to whom I belong and I’m confident that I should not be ashamed of who I am, even if someone else says otherwise.

Are arrows being shot at you? Are you in a season of sorrow or heaviness? If you are, I can relate. But there is someone who understands what you’re going through better than I do. Jesus has already faced the burdens we endure and He is more than willing to carry the weight of them for you. When He says to follow Him, He means it. When you gave your life to Him, He promised He would be committed to you forever and He never breaks His promises to us. You are not alone, friend, and I’m praying for you today!