I never imagined at 35 years old that my life would be where it is today. I'm single and a single mom. Don't get me wrong...I'm definitely not complaining about that!!! I just also never imaged after almost 3 years later, the amount of noses that get stuck up in the air at me. That is one of the bad parts about living in a ho-dunk small town!!
Unfortunately, it's human nature to be quick to judge others. Only problem....most of those doing the judging, if not all, don't know what they are being judgmental about. They hear only one side of a story or hear rumors and think they've got the right to turn a cold shoulder! I mean...even the bible says not to judge:
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear... Isaiah 11:3
There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbors? James 4:12
Yet even with a ton of bible verses about not judging, people are still so quick to do it. They hear something and think they've got you pegged! They think they know exactly what kind of person you are. They think they know all about you. But do they really know what "went on behind closed doors"? NO!!
From the outside, to neighbors, friends, and even family, it can look like everything is perfect. Open up that front door, invite yourself in and open the first closet you come to! My bet... (and I know this from personal experience) is that there will be a ton of skeletons fall out of that closet. Skeletons that you know nothing about. Skeletons that you have never seen before. Skeletons that would totally shock you...why? Because the perception made to you is that all is perfect. That's how society is. Make it look perfect and therefore, everyone will believe it!
For those doing the judging, I invite you to walk a month, week, day in the shoes of those you are judging. You have no clue what they have been through or are going through. You have no clue what God has asked them to take on. You also have no right to judge! Maybe you judge because you think you are superior. And then again, maybe you judge in hopes that no one will find out about your skeletons...
It's frustrating to be judged, hurtful, even crippling. Especially when you are someone like me. I was so affected by what people thought of me. When I finally figured out I couldn't control what people thought, it liberated me.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their "stuff". And the only reason people judge is because their "stuff" hasn't bubbled to the surface yet.
God even tells us that nothing will remain hidden.
And oh my! It doesn't!
Thanks for posting, girl!
It helps knowing no one is alone.
Love u!
Sarah