But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3: 14-17
I was led to this verse yesterday morning, during my devotions. Immediately I thought, Yeah, I totally understand that.
Each of us has different high school experiences. You may have focused your attention more academically, maybe steering clear of the social spectrum; while others found it less enticing, maybe even difficult, to dive into the books. Likewise, some of our experiences were smooth and positive; others were not. Mine was that of much struggle. I won’t degrade my experience to total awfulness though, as it shaped my life and my future.
I was raised in a Christian home – one which I don’t take for granted, even though, then at times, I found it strict and undesirable. Looking back you always see things differently. My parents have been my two pillars. Their devotion to God and to each other and their example is what led me to receive God’s gift of salvation. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was just seven years old. Even at that young age I was called to walk in a close relationship with God.
It must have been evident, though I didn’t recognize it, that I was different. I stood out, especially when I reached high school age. It caused me to be a target for ridicule.
Many times – oh, so many times – the same few kids would torment me for my behavior; my faith, really. There were many other things they used to tease and make fun of me for but they were persistent about trying to get me to swear, almost to the point of tears. “Just say __________.” “Come on, just say it!” “It’s because you’re a Christian.” “You don’t do anything wrong!” “Goody two shoes!” They would harass me in mocking tones. I began to hate those three words: “goody two shoes”! At the time I thought I’m not perfect; why do they think I am? I wasn’t trying to be perfect. I was raised to be obedient to my parents and to God. It was simple – no other reason.
This is what “goody two shoes” means in the urban dictionary:
“A person (almost always a female) who tries to be as good and “clean” as humanly possible. She is more often than not a staunch conservative and takes pride in her virginity and her practice of abstinence. She is definitely a God-fearing girl who always goes to church every Sunday, and indeed, based on the way she dresses, she looks like she’s going to church every day. She cannot abide it when people cuss in front of her – the most extreme goody two shoeses faint when hearing foul language – and of course she would never consider smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or having any physical contact with a boy beyond holding hands or perhaps a kiss on the cheek. Can be nice but eventually begins to lecture you about your “sinful” lifestyle and just becomes a pest.”
Looking back, I was probably viewed as that exact “definition”, and they were mostly correct.
I wanted so bad to be socially accepted by my peers that even years after I graduated I Continue reading “Insults Be Blessed”
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