The Misadventures of the Imperviable Bubble Girl

I am not a people pleaser, I am a New Yorker.  That is what I would tell you.  However, if you really wanted to rattle my cage you totally could.  Because after all, I am a Christian and it is not a good, kind, nice, caring, loving thing to do to treat you poorly.  Where do we draw these lines?  How do we care for people who hurt us (and are much more cognisant of that then we give them credit for) and really truly care for them (not "kill them with kindness")?  How do we preserve ourselves in the process?  How do you handle the situation when you know that with all the reason in the world the other person won't "get it"?

I have an acquaintance in my life that likes to "get under my skin".  This person is a very good and fast manipulator.  Just when I think I am being super tough, boom, there they are affecting my well being.  This person is not only a child of God, but a person who works in ministry that is well liked by many... so what is a girl to do?

I learned a new trick!  I am the imperviable bubble girl!  Today I conducted myself in a respectful manner.  I participated when needed, I didn't respond when not needed.  I didn't take on the roll of keeping a slowwww meeting rolling, I let it hang there in oblivion.  I didn't take on any extra-lame task that this person was trying to get me to pick up.  I didn't apologize.  They made a crack about my haircut and I didn't laugh ackwardly to make them feel better.  I am better than a rock... I don't need a fortress...I am a bubble.  When I was ready to float away I did.

I guess I have operated under the mantra of "their emergency is not mine" all this time.  Quite frankly that just isn't good enough.  Prior to my bubble days I would still jump even if I was avoiding the trampoline.  Now I don't have to be confident... because I am imperviable.  My heart belongs to God, not you.