Standing in the familiar cul-de-sack, I glanced up at my childhood home.  The front porch light lit up the dusk air; soon I would be called in for the night.  I wiggled the cool, soft grass in between my toes.  The setting sun hung still in the horizon.  Its warmth brought me comfort, and my gaze begged it to stay.

I was a simple, shy girl, who craved acceptance and recognition. Many times I was left out of the inner circle of neighboring friendships.  Girls can often be catty and downright mean.  I grew tired of being the third wheel and I found myself retreating more often than engaging.  Why would I want to feel the sting of rejection, once again?  When would I be brave and confident?

There was a particular girl that I especially wanted a friendship with.  She had long, corn silk blonde hair.  She was confident and beautiful.  Nothing intimidated her and she owned the neighborhood.  

She called me over into the center of the cul-de-sack.  I instantly perked up and joined her presence.  The place where the grass lay bare and the dirt mound was high.  Hey, let’s play a game.  First of all, she said, we needed to stand back to back.  I could see the neighborhood crush peering out his window at us from across the street.  I thought that was a bit strange, but I shrugged it off.    

And then… in one sweeping second, I found my shorts at my ankles and the echos of laughter emerged.  I had been depants.  This is how the dictionary defines it:

verb (used with object), Slang.

 

to remove the trousers from, as a joke or punishment.  

I was the brunt of the joke, and the prank was on me.  Again.  Pools of water gathered in my eyes and my cheeks grew flush.  I ran home ashamed and lonely.  When would I have friends?  When would I, be brave?

• God loves me even when I mess up
• God has a plan for me
• He’ll help me do hard things
• My faith is important to me
• I can share my faith

 

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