08/17/2026
Author’s Note:
“The Blue Jay’s words weren’t stones, but they hurt just as much. They filled Milo’s thoughts… Am I enough? ”
Words hurt. We have all heard the age old mantra: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Well, I think by now we all know that’s “cap.” 🤪
Sometimes people say something to us, and we choose to accept it as truth. We allow their words to shape who we are and, more importantly, what we believe about ourselves.
But here’s the thing. Something can hurt and still not be true.
Who we are, our inherent value, does not shift because someone decided to be a Blue Jay. (Blue Jay is the new Karen.) ✌🏻
I am a believer, so I believe my identity is rooted in Christ and who He says that I am. I also believe that every human being has inherent value because we are made in the image of God. Our value does not begin with belief, and it certainly isn’t determined by another person’s opinion of us.
And even if you don’t share my faith, the truth remains that someone else’s judgment of you does not become fact simply because they said it.
Words can hurt. Especially when they come from someone we love, respect, or trust. The lesson isn’t that we shouldn’t let words hurt us.
It’s that hurt is not proof.
Someone else’s words do not automatically deserve a place in the way we see ourselves.
In a world where people sometimes use their words to hurt, we all need to understand and accept this:
Who you are doesn’t change because someone said something about you.
And if you have wee ones, teach them this:
“Who you are doesn’t bend with the wind.
It’s held deep inside where it’s always been!
Blue Jays will come, they may even stay,
but they don’t decide who you are in your way!”
Happy Monday, friends!
Stay thoughtful, and go spread some joy! 🖤✌🏻
Excerpts from Milo the Mockingbird: A Woodsland Story © 2026 Keri Bentley. All rights reserved.
