That's all I have to say about that.

That was me in my senior year of high school.

I like to think that I was a nice girl. Actually, I'm pretty darn sure I was a nice girl. I am now in the 35+ category (YIKES!!!) and believe that I am STILL a nice girl.

I realized way back then that we are not all dealt the same hands. Some more fortunate than others. Some prettier than others. Some smarter than others. I'm thinking that I was usually in the "others" category, but very blessed, nonetheless. At the guidance of my parents, I learned that just because you have been dealt a better hand than others does not give you the right to feel superior, let alone BULLY, CRITICISE, BELITTLE, or EMBARRASS those who were not.

Now, I'm sure I had my fair share of high school drama, BUT I can safely say that I was NEVER a "mean girl". Nor, did I fall victim to one of them. But I knew who the "mean girls" were. I remember them quite well. I even remember the "mean girls" older and younger. They are people you never forget. They are the people you can't wait to see what they've become at your high school reunions. And even though you know it's wrong...you secretly, for a very brief and un-Christian-like moment want to see them bite it in front of everyone. Uh huh...you know who I'm talking about. BUT, instead we pray for their hearts to become humbled.

I have recently re-encountered one of those "mean girls". She was a mean girl to someone I know and love very much. She and some of her mean friends (boys and girls) shaped and hurt this person more than you can imagine. As the years have passed, I started seeing more and more of this mean girl. It has become very apparent that some people NEVER change. They might even get worse. 

The jabs that this girl has thrown at me have left me quite taken aback. They were cheap jabs, too, in front of other people. Most of them were regarding things that I own that may be a little worn, tattered, or in her opinion, out-of-style and sometimes my clothing. The more I think about them the more it hurts and the more I wish I had fired back, leaving her equally wounded and embarrassed. But I chose one more time not to stoop and to bite my tongue...and boy! is that hard!!!!

I shared this with Shan. He gave me his usual level-headed response. "Claudia, don't worry about her. It will come back to her." Frustrated, I disagreed and told him it wouldn't because she's THAT girl, the one who gets away with treating people like crap to make herself feel better. But, I know it will come back to her. We talked about how insecure and sad she must be. I wouldn't sleep well knowing I had treated someone that way. 

We have too many friends and activities in common to avoid each other. SOO...From now on, I will find my strength and defense in THE WORD and knowing that the things she is judging or criticising about me are all surface things (my clothing---I'm no fashionista but I do ok, my house---which is very nice and serves the purpose, my car---which is a Honda Odyssey and I'm not sure what's wrong with that at all, etc.). However, one thing she will never be able to criticise (and happens to be the most important thing) is my character and personality. I take comfort in that and knowing that it's truly about her, not me.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

-Romans 12:19-20

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

-Psalm 18:3

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

-Romans 12:14