YOU DON'T NEED TO FIT IN
blog 5
YOU DON’T NEED TO FIT IN
I was surrounded by a lot of negativity, which was disheartening as I grew up. I couldn't comprehend why some individuals would go to great lengths to bring others down. My peers frequently criticized each other, and it was painful to witness. I knew I was different because I preferred peace and togetherness.
I remember being severely bullied by my peers while growing up, and it was heartbreaking to see kids making others feel small and unworthy. One of my first memories of bullying was in 6th grade when my mom permed my hair because it was difficult to manage. My hair got so damaged that it fell out badly, and my peers started making fun of me, calling me names to make me feel worse about my hair. They would pull on my hair, make jokes, and laugh at me. It was challenging growing up with peers who didn't support each other or recognize the importance of uplifting one another instead of putting each other down. I endured years of bullying.
In 2022, someone who used to bully me complimented my hair and said they loved it. This person, who was about five years older than me, used to be the worst at bullying me, always trying to make me look bad or feel small. I remember a specific morning on the bus to school when she pulled at my damaged hair. The older kids would sit at the back of the bus, while we sat at the front. I felt nervous and anxious because I knew they would be unkind. It was one of the worst days of my life. Despite my mom and grandmother's efforts to make my hair look its best, the damage was severe. I felt my heart beating out of my chest when they started pulling on my hair, and it hurt me both mentally and physically.
Thankfully, my hair grew more beautiful, bouncy, and full of life. This had them in awe because my hair was so beautiful. Despite these challenges, I remained kind to them as we got older. We all have both good and bad memories. There is healing beyond the bad, so we can let go of the negative and cling to the positive.
I tried to fit in so many places where I didn't belong. I wasn't born to fit in; I am enough as I am. All things will work together for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28).
