People used to (and kinda still do) make fun of me because they think something of me that's not true. It hurts, and it's hurting other people when you make fun of them. You may not see it on the outside, but it cuts real deep on the inside. People may not remember what you say, but they'll always remember how you made them feel.
I used to go home upset everyday after school because people made fun of me. I didn't want to go to school. I never told my mother but tried to make it through, and it was really tough... nobody wanting to be my friend because other people might make fun of them, too (or they were the ones picking on me). I've worked my entire life since the fourth grade to convince people that what they've been saying isn't true. A lot of them are finally taking me seriously.
It hurts when people say stuff like that, and I don't appreciate it. I used to be upset because people didn't want to be around me. It so doesn't feel good! I know that a lot of you know how it feels when someone doesn't like you. It hurts. I'm still trying to get over it... but it's not easy. Being the target of hate can be devastating and often results in tremendous sadness, grief and fear. During such a time it's not always humanly possible to respond to hate in any way but to feel the hurt, absorb the hate and feel anger towards the perpetrators of the attacks. These feelings can often lead to prejudice against others whom we feel may be responsible for these attacks.
However, we need to be aware of and stand up to physical and emotional hate and empower others to do the same. Guys, if you have any hurt inside of you... turn it over to GOD, and HE will make it all go away. It may not go away immediately, but it will. GOD works in mysterious ways, and all we have to do is believe in HIM and have faith that HE will make what is wrong, right (or left). Haha... some humor for you.
At Varsity, there are people there just like you. Ones who want to find a place where they can be safe and find hope and encouragement. Believe what people say when they tell you something about themselves that's not true. You'd want them to do the same. Remember the GOLDEN RULE... DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. Translation: TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED. If you're hurting, tell me! I'll try to help you make it through whatever it is you're going through.
"They cannot take away our self-respect if we don't give it to them."
-- Jacob Painter / Chief Photographer
