Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

  • Blog Home
  • About Me
  • Speaking Events
  • Contact Kristin
  • Books I Love
  • Savor the Savior Book
You are here: Home / Can We Talk About? / Can We Talk About Offendability?

Can We Talk About Offendability?

July 19, 2018 By Kristin Saatzer 3 Comments

Junior High School called and it wants its hurt feelings back. 

Image result for google images middle school hallway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, Middle school. This demographic gets a bad rap sometimes, but I (usually) enjoy these humans, even though extra grace is often required.

This stage of life is challenging for most. Many kids ooze insecurity, hold grudges, exaggerate stories, gossip, bully, and think narrow-mindedly.

Hmmm… Sounds like some grown-ups, doesn’t it?

Those of us active on social media see this type of behavior daily. It is oftentimes a mean scene on the World Wide Web, and  in Junior High. Offense Gone Wild. Only, from my perspective, the kids aren’t as jaded as the adults and they forgive easier.

I was  unfriended on Facebook for not liking someone’s celebration post, for not inviting someone to lunch, and blocked because I left an organization. I was reviled for my Christian faith and shunned because of a misunderstood family dynamic. Ah… the fun of social media.

My internet and other “real life”experiences, trained me to tiptoe around certain people, to consider my message at length before I speak, post, or send a text or email. I find myself  worried that I might cause hurt feelings, even by the most casual-type of spoken or written word. I am a pleaser peacemaker and  I  fret that I may unintentionally offend these persons by just being me.

It is exhausting.

Most of us have experienced, seen, and yes, inflicted offense in life and online.  One of my favorite books is Unoffendable by Brant Hansen. Here is the quote from the dedication page of the book:

“To all those who want grace for themselves but struggle to extend it to others.

Wait: that’s everybody.”

God is funny sometimes. As I jotted down notes for this post, a discussion took place between my twenty-one-year-old son and me. He asked me to stop making  dentist and doctor appointments for him, he said he wants to make them from now on, and explained his reason. I was somewhat offended! My feelings, injured for a few minutes (because Mom knows best) until I laughed at the timing, and let the  hurt melt away.

My word of the year is Surrender. One of my intentions this summer is in this area of offense. I strive  towards a deeper  compassion for the insecure, the  offender, the grudge holder, the bully, the gossip, and the “unfriender”. Their actions betray a need for love. Their grudges show deep pain in deep places.

Secondly, I recognize that I must be me. I do not have the stamina or brainpower to walk on co-dependent tiptoes. This is not healthy. Furthermore, I choose to step in  unoffendable  shoes. And, tomorrow,  when another son comes along with a mom issue, another family member decides to cast me out of their life, or I get  unfriended, I will choose  again to step back in those shoes. Extra grace is required along with humility, empathy, and prayer. Grace upon grace, just as God has given me.

Thanks for  calling and asking for your hurt feelings back Junior High, we can learn much from you and yours. However, it is time to move on.

Dear Lord,

We live in a world ripe with hurt, abrasive judgments, intolerance, and offense. Remind us today that life is not about us. It is about you and extending your grace. Give us a heart for the hurting as we recognize their pain in their negative words and actions. Help us to respond in a healthy way to people in our lives. Thank you for showering us with grace upon grace. It is to your glory that we overlook offenses.

Amen

Reflection verses:  

  • Isaiah 61:1
  • Matthew 5:44
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Colossians 3:13

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC:  chuttersnap on Unsplash
Pinterest

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Can We Talk About?, Devotionals, Surrender Tagged With: #branthansen, #unoffendable, Grace, Intentionality, offendability, Surrender

Comments

  1. Kimberly Lucas says

    July 19, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    Very good thoughts my friend. I love it. It is not easy to look beyond our own insecurities to what may be going on for that person that we are feeling offended by, By the sleekit just get outside of ourselves and look down on the situation so to speak , Good helps a** and also God could really use us more so to help them as we could look at things more objectively instead of subjectively. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Kristin Saatzer says

      July 20, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      True. Love you.

      Reply
  2. Jeni says

    July 21, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    I am offended by this blog. Just kidding! Why is it so much easier to be offended and to judge than it is to extend grace and forgiveness?
    Social media can be one big middle school nightmare. But it can be fun if we can shake of being “unfriended” and the occasional hurtful comment or post.
    Great blog as usual!

    P.S. I will never unfriend you Sister!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

My prayer is that this place and the words written here will bring you a measure of encouragement, friendship and desire to live out your life with PURPOSE. more about me

Subscribe to Blog and Updates

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Instagram

My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
To know her is to love her! She’s all the things: amazing mom, wife, Grammy, mother-in-law, sister, and friend! Happy happy birthday, Mom. I am deeply grateful God gave you to me. Xoxo
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
To know her is to love her! She’s all the things: amazing mom, wife, Grammy, mother-in-law, sister, and friend! Happy happy birthday, Mom. I am deeply grateful God gave you to me. Xoxo
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
Three years ago through DNA testing, Jeni & learned we had an older brother on our paternal side. We finally met! What a (surreal) gift it was to get to know this big-hearted man and to learn about his life. God’s handprint is woven throughout this story in the beautiful and even in the painful pieces.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Three years ago through DNA testing, Jeni & learned we had an older brother on our paternal side. We finally met! What a (surreal) gift it was to get to know this big-hearted man and to learn about his life. God’s handprint is woven throughout this story in the beautiful and even in the painful pieces.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
Jeni and I have the best one there is. Happy Mother’s Day to all the best mamas! 🌸❤️
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Jeni and I have the best one there is. Happy Mother’s Day to all the best mamas! 🌸❤️
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
Everything’s coming up roses!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Everything’s coming up roses!
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
Happy 1st anniversary to these lovebirds! 🤎🤎
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy 1st anniversary to these lovebirds! 🤎🤎
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Off to Prom!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Off to Prom!
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Micah passing off the birthday to Dan! Happy birthday to the captain of the Saatzer ship. 🎂💜
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Micah passing off the birthday to Dan! Happy birthday to the captain of the Saatzer ship. 🎂💜
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown." J.M. Barrie Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
Grateful for our time with the grandparents! Missed our @jojosaatzer_17 💜
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Grateful for our time with the grandparents! Missed our @jojosaatzer_17 💜
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
The best fans! 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
The best fans! 💚
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
The best day with the best girls. Happy birthday Sonya, Martha, and Kimberly! “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
The best day with the best girls. Happy birthday Sonya, Martha, and Kimberly! “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
💓
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
💓
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
16/16
View on Instagram

Categories

  • 4 For You
  • Advent
  • Blog Series
  • Books
  • Can We Talk About?
  • Christmas
  • Devotionals
  • Easter
  • FIGHT!
  • Friendship
  • Goals
  • Health
  • Lent
  • Light
  • Mother's Day
  • New Year
  • Parenting
  • Planning
  • Prayer
  • Repost
  • Scripture
  • Seasons
  • Summer
  • Surrender
  • Thanksgiving
  • The Practice of Gratitiude
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014

From the Blog

  • Is He Safe?
  • Four Faves for May
  • Room for Rest
  • Feb Faves
  • My Best-Loved Books of 2021

Popular Tags

Advent Books Christmas Christmas Season Comfort Courage Darkness discouragement Easter Faith FIGHT Four for You Friendship Giving Grace grateful Gratefulness gratitude Headlines Holy Spirit Hope Hope series Intentionality Jesus Journaling Lent Light Lingering New Year Parenting Praise praise therapy Prayer Pslamist Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2022 Kristin Saatzer · Website by Tanya at The Web Design Shop