Lately, I've been reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. In this book, John and Stasi talk about how women are beautiful beings created by God that are fierce and delicate at the same time. It's definitely a wonderful combination. In one of the chapters, Stasi talks about beauty (not just in the physical realm) and what it does. She states that "beauty offers mercy." God offers us mercy each and every day. We need to start doing the same for our neighbors. It can be difficult, but it is something we have to do.

I'd heard the lesson in youth group so many times. "Forgive as God forgave you." "You need to let go." I tried and tried. There was this one girl who wasn't the nicest to me. She would laugh about my clothes. She would make me feel uncomfortable by asking me in front of everyone if I liked a certain boy. She made fun of the fact I was in Beta Club. She didn't stop until a mutual friend, a popular cheerleader, told her to knock it off. I told her to stop twice. I would complain about her to my family and friends, and I was told to hit her, or that she would get fat someday. (Only one person told me these things. I got okay advice from other people). This, of course, was in middle school. When high school came around, she pretty much left me alone. A snide comment was made here and there, but I could take it.

Recently, I saw her. She put on weight, and it was pretty noticeable. I wasn't happy about it. I wasn't comforted at all. I felt sorry for her and wanted her to feel happy and healthy. I started to feel mercy toward her. We made some small talk and went on our merry way. She didn't make fun of my clothes, my interests or anything about me at all. We had an adult conversation, and it was beautiful. We talked the way two twenty-something women are supposed to. I began to feel myself forgive her. I don't think we'll be best friends, but I know I won't get instantly annoyed when I look at her anymore. God doesn't call us to be everyone's best friend, but He does call us to forgive. It's not easy, but it's so worth it.