Let’s Build Each Other Up
I can remember being picked on when I was younger. Actually, that’s an understatement. The “picking” was so hard that it’s something I will never forget it. But, I also remember my mother telling me that it wasn’t about what people said to you, but how you responded. And it looks like that’s something Lindsey Swift must have been told as well.
Credit: Facebook
The young woman was out jogging when a van slowed down next to her. The man inside started heckling her about her weight and then drove off before Lindsey had a chance to respond. As she replayed the incident in her mind, she decided to post her response on Facebook. And what she had to say is priceless!
Read on for some excerpts from Lindsey’s epic response…
Your comment was a clear indication of both your incredibly witty repartee and a feat of observational comedy. I am indeed a big girl, and I am indeed beautiful. Thanks for noticing. I'm not sure who you were telling I was fat, you clearly have eyes, and the only other people present were me and my boyfriend. I assure you that despite your concern I do own a mirror, and my boyfriend has seen my fat body as he too has eyes. Don't tell anyone but I think he might even like it.
Normally I don't get militant about these things... However, I can see why comments like these might put a person less confident than me off from running, and that is shameful. Everyone starts somewhere.
Let me make one thing very clear, I am not ashamed of my body. It has never stopped me from doing anything I want. My fat body has done things that you, hanging out of the window of your babe-magnet white van could only ever dream of. My fat body has been swimming in crystal clear Thai seas that you have probably only ever seen on TV. It has lived in countries you wouldn't dream of visiting and been a part of cultures you are too small minded to appreciate. My fat legs have carried me up mountains on more than one occasion. My fat brain speaks languages you probably don't see the point of learning, which is why you spend your time hanging out of van windows since you have nothing better to occupy it with.
Recently I made the decision to get fit as I thought it would be a fun thing to do, and good for my health. Not that I have to justify my body to you, but I have a goal to run 10k, and I will get there. I'm a stone lighter than I was, and can do a whole host of things I couldn't do before. It baffles me that anyone would try to discourage that kind of effort. Excuse me if my assumptions about you are wrong, but I only have your actions to go by.
But in all seriousness, now I have written this, I feel sorry for you. Your behaviour is not normal, and your manners are well below par. Most importantly though, I forgive you. Here's hoping that anyone with a goal, fat or thin, isn't put off by this kind of thing. I know I haven't been.
Engage your brain before opening your mouth.
Lindsey.
There’s probably not much of a chance that Lindsey’s offender will ever see her post, but that’s ok. Because this response, which is gaining all kinds of popularity, isn’t really about him. It’s about the fat-shaming and mean-spirited “teasing” that takes place on a regular basis.
Lindsey took a negative experience and turned it into an opportunity to inspire and encourage others. God’s word tells us that we are meant to build each other up. We can’t control what other people will do or say. But we can be mindful of how we treat others and how we respond to the haters of the world. Don’t forget that at the end of her post, Lindsey chose to forgive. So, ask yourself -- who can I encourage today and who do I need to forgive?
“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Inspiring response to fat-shaming photos will lift your spirts!
Ephesians 4:29
h/t: GodUpdates