Hitting Rock Bottom
A few weeks ago I wrote an article called “I Don’t Belong.” Many responded to the article because the feeling of being left out is so relatable. This topic is not popular to talk about yet it’s something that every single person deals with.
In my previous article, I encouraged people to pay close attention to their actions and start being the includer. My heart behind the article was to start a new trend of women inviting others into their space. It’s a risk because there is always a chance of rejection. But you also might change a person’s life by making them realize they aren’t invisible. Jesus didn’t create anyone to be invisible.
Last night I got a text from my sister, Keeli, with a picture of a poem my niece wrote. I had tears streaming down my face after reading just the first two lines. The real and raw words of my niece made my article come to life.
Rock Bottom
She had just hit rock bottom
The people she trusted just abandoned her
She thought her life was as dark as obsidian glass
She never thought this would happen
She knew every time they went and hung out behind her back
She guessed they just didn’t have enough space for her
She thought she would be able to fossilize her friendships
But in the end, they just wanted her gone
But she ended up finding new people that had the time and space for her
So she came back from rock bottom
Olivia B
She walks the halls of Intermediate school as a young girl looking to belong. She thought she fit in with a certain group until they encouraged her to hurtfully exclude others. She told me it made her feel toxic and insecure. She knew it wasn’t right. She made the brave choice to walk away. She knew the consequences of losing her tribe. The ignoring and mean looks on the playground began almost immediately. She felt like she hit rock bottom.
But soon she realized she wasn’t alone. She looked over and saw other girls waving their arms for her to join them. They wanted to include her. Through her choice to embrace the other girls, her heart began to heal.
I know this is just the beginning of her experiencing the hurt of excluders but I also know that I will continue to encourage her to be God’s light for others.
Kids today are growing up with instant access to what is going on with their friends. They know immediately when they aren’t invited. I pray as moms, aunts, or grandmothers we can teach children that they can always feel like they belong because of WHO created them. We can remind them to smile and say hi to the ones being shoved to the side. We can ALL start the trend by noticing those who feel invisible and GET INTO ACTION. Be the INCLUDER!
I pray you to share this article with your daughter, niece, son, or any children you influence. Remind them that their worth isn’t wrapped up in fitting in. Prompt them to always leave room at their table because everyone deserves to feel loved. Encourage them to allow others who might be a little different into their group. We all may not look, act, or believe the same but we can all smile, say hi, and make others feel included. My niece’s poem is about restoration and realizing that there is always someone out there willing to include her. And now she knows she has the power of including others herself.