I am everything they say I am

I've recently heard comments from people I know well to people I don't really know. They've been saying things like this:

• "You're a sweet girl."
• "You're a good person." 
• "You're strong."
• "You're kind and caring."
• "You're a great mom." 
• "You're a great wife."

I've had a really hard time believing them. I really, truly have. When I look at me, I don't see that person at all. Here's why: I've been told I'm a bad mother, because I love on, snuggle with, and kiss my kids. Because I put their needs in front of my own. Because I make them matter and I make sure they know it. I've been called a bad sister because I care. A lot. I've been called a bad daughter because I care for my mom. I support her emotionally, physically, and monetarily. I support her a lot and really, truly love her. I've been called a bad friend because I'm loyal and caring and want to help others as much as I can. I've been called a bad wife because I respect and follow my husband. Because I am loyal and loving to him. I've been called a bad Christian because I follow the Bible and our Lord. Because I do what I can to do life God's way instead of man's way.

Yes, I've been accused of all of these things. When I look at me, I can't imagine how I can do all of these things and yet still be bad, but I am to the accusers. That's their problem, but it hasn't failed to rub off on me.

These people who have accused me of being a sweet person, a good person, strong, kind and caring, a great mom, and a great wife see me. I am everything they say I am. The other day, I was shocked when a friend told me they would never think of me as being depressed or low. I was shocked when another friend who doesn't know me well saw me as strong and willing to grow and learn. I was shocked when someone told me I was a good person, plain and simple. This is what people see me as. Not the above negative comments, but the good comments. It took me a while, but I got it. I'm not seen as the bad person I've been accused of being. I'm seen as the good person I am. It's wonderful to know that I am exactly what they say I am.