Sticks and Stones

Today, just a few minutes ago in fact, I was called a name.  My mom always told me not to believe the children's taunt,

"sticks and stones may break my bones, 

but words can never hurt me."

because it isn't true. Today though, the name calling hasn't broken me, it hasn't even hurt me. The name calling has brought me unexplainable joy!

Last year, some friends and I talked about the mission we wanted our dorm life to be this year. We haven't had a bible study in the lobby or gone door-to-door sharing the gospel. We have been intentional to be a part of the lives of the girls around us though. It's not always easy. When you are busy and need to start homework and that girl that just never stops talking is sitting in the lobby, it would be easy to take the other stair case.

Today I said hello to a friend as I walked through the lobby. I left my stuff in my room and came back out to offer her some of my Cinnamon rolls. In another chair was a girl I had never seen, 

      "That's one of them," my friend said to the new girl.

      "One of what?" I asked her, cocking my hip and getting a little sassy.

      "One of the bible-thumpers," she said with a grin.

      "When have I ever thumped my bible at you?" I asked, turning the sass up even more (she dishes it out so I've gotta keep up).

       "You're just all bible-thumpers, all down this hall," was her reply.

She is an unbeliever who I have never outright shared the gospel with. I've been kind to her, but to be honest it's some of my other friends who have pursued her much harder than I have. All of them have loved her, been her friend, and spoken truth when the opportunity arose. So, we are bible-thumpers to her. We'll take it!

It hardly counts as persecution, but it brings me joy to know that others around me know that I am a believer in Jesus Christ. It's also a reminder to pray for those around the world who are persecuted on much more serious levels. Take a second and pray for our brothers and sisters. Then, remember:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and hide it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16