Pray the words of this Lazaroo aloud, in renewed courage:

“Do not be afraid of what they say…”
(Ezekiel 2:6)

You know the old saying, Jesus:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words can never harm me.”

People have chanted that little ditty for years

but they lied.

That’s supposed to comfort me when people

call me names
make threats
find fault with me
belittle me
curse me
lie about me
criticize me
predict terrible things about my future.

I’m supposed to tell myself

“They’re just words.
They don’t hurt.”

But that isn’t true.

They do.

I’d rather be dragged into a dark alley and beaten

than have somebody I deeply love
say words of betrayal and permanent rejection to me.

It’s hard not to be afraid of people

who are good
at saying what’s bad.

But may I never allow that fear to make me

shut up

when You tell me to

speak up.

_________

Exodus 3:13-14; Numbers 14:26-28; Joshua 7:13; Jeremiah 1:7-9; Jeremiah 10:11-12; Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 22:1-3; Mark 5:18-19; Mark 13:10-11

What is Lazaroo?

Take Me Deeper

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.