Language Barrier
By Noelle Dey
In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer. Psalm 109:4 NKJV
I was astonished by her response. With a furrowed brow and no words, she stared a hole right through me.
Each year I edit my personal mission statement, but there is one line that never gets taken out. It says, “Bless at least one unsuspecting person a day.” I might go out of my way to strike up a conversation with an elderly person at a doctor’s office or ask a homeless person how I can pray for her.
The responses have always warmed my heart… until I was caught in a stare-down at the alterations store.
I recounted the sequence of events with my sister later that evening. The lady behind the counter was Hispanic and she spoke to her coworker in Spanish. I understood most of what she said. So when I came to the front of the line, I used my two years of high school Spanish to tell her that I liked her pants.
My sister asked, “What exactly did you say to tell her that you liked her pants?”
I said, “Me llamo sus zapatos!”
When she could finally speak my sister explained that I said, “My name is your shoes!”
I’m embarrassed to admit how offended I was prior to my sister’s Spanish tutorial.
When I take honest inventory, I realize that when I feel snubbed, it’s typically because there is a language barrier of some sort. It might be my own insecurities. Or someone might be offending me out of their injured past.
Naively, I have said the first half of Psalm 109:4 many times, “In return for my love they are my accusers.” But God whispers to my heart, “Sweet daughter, you don’t know the whole story… take note of the second half of the verse!” Ah yes… this is who I strive to be… a girl who gives myself to prayer!
Have you ever been offended? Let’s grow in Psalm 109:4 together. Before letting the offense grow roots in your heart, give yourself to prayer.
- Start with yourself! Ask God to reveal anything in your own heart that needs attention. From my experience, God has brought my insecurities, unresolved bitterness and old wounds to the surface. Let God heal your brokenness.
- Pray for the person who offended you. There is a hidden reason for ugly outbursts. If we could see what is unseen, I guarantee we would be filled with compassion more than offense!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us as we grow. Thank You for showering us with deep compassion when we are offended. Tender our hearts so we can give ourselves to prayer in those tough times. We love You and pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen!
For more encouragement, check out Noelle’s book Transformation by Truth: 30 days to a healthy heart, mind and body.
© 2021 by Noelle Dey. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Monday, 12 June 2023.
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