Friday, July 15, 2011

The Hurt

I have cried so much, I don't think I have any tears left.

Every day this week, I have received anonymous voicemails, letters, emails and Facebook messages from viewers commenting on my clothes, my hair, my weight and even my jewelry. Just when you think viewers have "moved on", they feel the need to share their critiques. I shared with my husband how I'm getting to the point of not wanting to go out in public for fear of what someone is going to say to me, not to mention having to pray myself into work every day. For just one day, I'd like for what I look like to NOT matter.

Several have told me how I need to develop thicker skin, ignore them, or delete them. That is so much easier said that done. Even the big name celebrities have assistants who read all of their fan mail and throw about 99.9% of it, so the celebrity doesn't have to read what is written to them. I don't have that luxury. In fact, we are encouraged to respond to every communication we are sent.

Why do we feel the need to give an opinion about something as mindless as superficial things? Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, "I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." This convicts me knowing the things I've said or emailed about others in the past and Jesus makes it clear how God feels about it.

Satan can't demand any changes from you. When you are being criticized, he's just a gnat in your ear trying to get you off course and distract you. The only one who can demand any changes in your life is Jesus Christ because he paid the ultimate price for you.

18 comments:

The Miller's Blog said...

Keep your head up, Barbie. And remember that old saying: Hurt people hurt people. You know that many criticisms stem from others who are insecure about themselves and feel the need to put down others just so they can make themselves feel a little better for a brief few moments. You are beautiful both inside as well as outside. And you are an encouragement to all.

Anonymous said...

Everyone is perfect in the eyes of Christ.

Donnie South said...

Barbie,
Just remember, "You are the light of the world" and Satan can't stand anyone who is in the light. In reality, it is not about you, it is all about our "struggle is not against flesh and blood".
Lilliputians are always trying to make themselves look better by seeking to put someone down lower than themselves.
You are a precious child of the KING and though words hurt, seek to give them to your Father. He's big enough to handle them!
In Christ Alone!
Donnie South

Robin said...

Barbie, you are a Christian woman. You are a beautiful woman. I admire what you do. I don't care how you're dressed, whether you're wearing makeup or not, how your hair is done...or any of superficial things that people comment on. You love God, family, and country. You do your best to raise your kids right in a very unforgiving world. You are not ashamed to proclaim your Christianity. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you! God Bless You! And have a very wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

Girl, I've adored you since I first moved here....mainly because you're one of the most down to earth people that I know in our business. Everybody wont love you, but the majority will. We can share war stories sometime. Have a great weekend! John A

Anonymous said...

In God's eyes you are perfect. It doesn't matter what they think! I always think you are BEAUTIFUL on TV during the news. :) God Bless You & your sweet family Barbie!

Love, Katy

Anonymous said...

You are beautiful!! Press on toward the mark!

Tammi said...

I'm sorry about the hurtful words and comments, it is not easy to let things like that roll off your back, as people like to say. I just want you to know that I truly admire you, and respect you, you are a true inspiration to me as a Christian woman trying to live for Christ in this fallen world. I have emailed you several times in the past about various issues, and you were always so gracious and courteous in your responses! I will always remember you for that. You are also beautiful on the outside, you always look classy and beautiful!

Remember there are more people that love and admire you than people that don't!

Love,
Tammi

Malinda said...

People that are so quick to criticize like that are simply insecure and often bitter about circumstances in their lives. I can only continue with the words of encouragement I see others giving you. Keep your chin up. You are more than what these people think they see and certainly more than what they are criticizing. You are beautiful inside and out and I admire your heart and desire for the Lord. THAT is what they should focus on, not your wardrobe. Keep being you.

Anonymous said...

I think it's awful that you have to endure rude comments. Anytime you are in the public eye your a a target for negativity and that can be so unfair. Especially for someone like you who sets such a wonderful example. Why don't y'all do a segment on cyber bullying and the effects it has on adults not just children. Maybe they could interview you. I also think that it's unfair that you are asked and even encouraged to read such horrible things. Most major companies have someone who does this. We live in a cruel world. I pray your days get easier and the emails become more pleasant. Trust me there are more people who adore than don't unfortunately those of us that adore you don't often take the time to let you know :)

Wilson said...

You are beautiful inside and out, especially since you are a child of God.

Anonymous said...

Barbie,
I am so sorry there are just negative people in this world. You are the most beautiful person I have ever meet and that's just what's on the inside not to mention how you look on the outside. The more popular you are the more people will want to tear you down. Hold your head up and try to not let these comments get you down. For every person that is negative toward you there are 100 people who are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

If they can hurt you about small things in your life that don't matter in the big picture, they can then avoid their own hurt about big things in their lives that do matter.

You're beautiful.

Amy Mc. said...

One night last week after we watched your weather segment, my 6 year old daughter said "Mama, Ms. Barbie is beautiful." I said "Yes, she is because she loves Jesus." When we see you in person both my kids tell you they saw you on tv. No matter how many times you hear that, you still take the time to talk to them. It means so much! Thank you for showing Jesus to even some of your youngest fans!

Unknown said...

Barbie, I think you are a beautiful, strong Christian woman. Your blogs have been very inspirtational for me, and have helped me through some difficult things lately. I know it is hard to ignore comments which are hurtful, but Jesus did tell us to turn the other cheek. People who say and do hurtful things are hurting themselves. They feel the need to put others down in order to feel better about themselves. Try not to let them get you down, but, if they do, remember you are loved.

Stella McNeer said...

My dearest Barbie,
We both know that the old saying,"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me" is a lie straight from the pit of Hell. If others really knew you as I do, they would know that it is your Godly Spirit that makes you beautiful. Then, on top of that, God made you with physical beauty too. I will forever love you and count you as one of my dearest friends and sister in Christ.

Anonymous said...

You need to cry. You really need a psychiatrist and a haircut and then maybe you won't cry anymore.

Unknown said...

I don't know why people likes to bully people. Like one person said, they are insecure and hurt people hurt people.

Barbie. You are a beautiful lady. You are wonderful person. A very nice and spiritual lady. You are inspiration to everybody. When I was college, I wish I had intern with you. I think I would had learn so much from you.

Don't worry about it, because God will do anything to the ones that hurt his children. They will get theres.

Stay strong. Like a few of my friends have told me when people talk about me. Don't give them the upper hand and don't let them see that they have hurt.