“So, what is your life worth, anyway? Doesn’t look like much…”
Yes, that is what the person said to me. And, yes, it took everything in me, not to hit back with…
Well, hotshot, what’s your life worth?
Because, how do you reply after a question like this?
I didn’t answer. Instead, I sat there dumbfounded with a pocket knife hanging out my side. Like a victim. Bloody. All I could do was stare at it. Then, it hurt more.
And, while I knew, these words were insult-fueled, they were all I could think of…
Am I a waste?
Am I no good?
Does God think I am a failure?
Insults become attached to us – and come alive in us.
I wonder, has someone insulted you? Maybe they’re insulting you today? Maybe they won’t shut up in your mind.
Insults often hit like this:
“You’re sin caused this to happen.”
“You are no good.”
“You are ugly.”
“You are selfish.”
“You are rude.”
“You don’t ever ____.”
“You are worthless.”
(Add your own)
You know the words, but how do you know how to protect yourself? This is what has eluded me for decades.
Until recently…
Let me tell you about that, but before I do, let me tell you about my daughter.
She has this saying. It is one she speaks if she really doesn’t like, want, or consider something good to hear. When something comes at her like this, she pushes her hands towards you as if she’s handing back what she doesn’t want.
Then, she sings, “Take it, take it, I don’t want to bake it.”
She doesn’t receive it. She hands it back. And, so should we…
If words spoken, are only meant for insult, not to build, grow or transform…if they are only meant to hurt…we should do what my daughter does… push with our hands and mind and say, “Take it, take it, I don’t want to bake it.”
We don’t have to bake in our heart ungodly words deep in our soul. We don’t have to receive kill-words. We don’t have to permit someone’s injury to become ours.
Because then we get hurt and hurt others a similar way.
Instead, we can repent (if necessary) and not accept mean and hurtful words. Take it, take it, we don’t want to bake it!
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Eph. 4:29)
Kelly’s new book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears has been called “A must read,” “Breathtakingly honest” and a “Great Toolbox to Overcome Fear.” Read it today.
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What a wise, young lady your daughter is, Kelly! I love the saying and am taking it with me today when thoughts or words begin to splat. Take it, take it. This girl ain’t gonna bake it.
xo
Love your daughter’s saying! I am making it mine as well!
Awww, I love the saying your daughter made up. Words have a lot of power, and I think it’s such a great response to somebody who’s hurting us with their words. I think I’ll teach “take it, take it, I don’t want to bake it.” to my kids!
Cautionary words here, Kelly — for us to heed when we speak AND when we listen!
Out of the mouths of babes! I love how our kids make such great life coaches!
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My pastor preached a message from Proverbs a few weeks ago. The takeaway: WORDS MATTER.
It’s really that simple and complicated all at once.
You do wonder what people are thinking when they speak, although I’ve probably said some stupid things…
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
This post is what I need for today. I’m going through a situation where someone is saying slanderous things about me. My hubby and friends keep reminding me that it’s more about what’s going on in that person’s heart and I know it’s true, but not letting any of those false accusations cause woundings is another issue. I love your daughter’s little saying. I’m going to use it 🙂
Praying you’re blessed as you use your giftings to impact the lives of others.
~Sherry Stahl
I don’t want to bake it either. Down south people “stew” over things, and believe me it builds up and then comes crashing down.
Kelly, I love your daughter’s saying. Too often we let those hurtful words simmer and then start baking them. Thanks for sharing and for hosting.
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Kelly – I love what your daughter says. It is just perfect. I work with so many families that due to their loved one’s illness they get spoken to harshly. I try to encourage them to let run right off, but I like having something in your head to whisper. A wise daughter you have. Maree
Your daughter is so wise 🙂 Great wisdom!
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