God Pleaser

They called me “Mary.” In the hallway, they would fold their hands, bow their heads and snicker. I never understood why this was an insult, we were going to a Catholic school after all! Was I too nice? A goody-goody? Did I ask too many questions in Religion class? The

truth is, it didn’t really matter what they said or why they said it, it was more about the way it made me feel. Different. Weird. Ashamed. Unloved. Judged. Ridiculed.

There were other weaknesses they found to target: I was skinny as a rail, flat as a board and my last name was easy prey (Pots and Pans, Ma and Pa Kettle, you can imagine). Although I just realized that I naturally referred to these things as weaknesses–when they are absolutely not! They are part of who I am–who God made me to be–and it must have grieved Him that I was ashamed rather than proud. Those kids were taking things that should have been seen as beauty and trying to twist them into something ugly. And every time I hung my head or cried, I was letting them. My mom would tell me that it was about them, not me. I see that now, but at the time it just didn’t make sense. I was the one hurting. I was the outcast, the unpopular one (at a time when being included and popular was everything)...

As an adult, I’m obviously not teased in the hallways like I was in middle school. But, if I choose to, I can carry that insecurity and shame with me when I focus on what others think or say about me. I have often referred to myself as a “people pleaser,” but I recently learned that this really isn’t a thing. It’s more about how I feel when I think others approve of me–and striving to make others happy all the time is no way to live. It’s natural to want to be liked, but our self-worth cannot be based on what others think, it’s futile. The only opinion that matters is that of My Creator, and He is pleased with me no matter what. Amazing grace indeed!

All of this was the catalyst for my book, God Says… (coming soon!). This is an important message for people of all ages—the only thing that matters is the truth that God speaks over us. Whether we’re in a school hallway or dealing with a difficult co-worker, we need to stand firm in who Christ says we are:

Loved

Valued

Important

Beautiful

Gifted

Wise

Forgiven

My prayer for you is to embrace this truth. It’s a daily battle against the Enemy, but we know who wins in the end! Jesus loves you, Dear Friend, and that is everything.