Subject: Joking
Dear Righteous Rapper:
I feel like nobody takes me seriously. When I discuss things with my mom or give friends advice, they don't listen and think I'm always joking. I'm not a class clown and I mean what I say. Even when I try to address this problem, people think I am kidding. What can I do?
---Jest Tired Of It!
Dear Tired:
I wish I were sitting with you because I would have a much better understanding of why you aren't taken very seriously. There must be something in your personality or the way you present yourself that makes those around you feel like you're kidding. Some people may just view you as always cracking jokes. It could be because you used to be a joker. Or maybe others don't have much of a chance to see your serious side.
Why do you think you might have a reputation for being funny? I would suggest you sit with a couple of good friends, tell them how you feel, and ask for them to honestly tell you what they think about this. You will probably get your answer and some suggestions on how you can be come across differently in the future. Your youth pastor could also be helpful. He or she should have good insights into how you interact with other members of the youth group.
When I feel misunderstood by others, I usually ask some people who know and love me if I have a "blind spot" in my life. A blind spot is something that we truly don't see in ourselves, but others do. It can be painful having people point out our blind spots but it's also very helpful. Look at it this way: Talking may feel uncomfortable, but not knowing is unbearable.
But be sure and have this discussion at the right time. When I ask about any of my blind spots, I don't do it when I'm upset about how my friends have been viewing or treating me. Instead, I ask when I'm ready to hear what someone who cares for me has to say.
We can also turn to God and ask him to reveal these blind spots to us. After he does, we can call on him to help us work on whatever is holding us back from being the person he wants us to be. Sometimes blind spots can be painfully revealing:
Like a crazy man who throws pieces of burning wood and arrows of death, so is the man who fools his neighbor with a lie, and says, 'I was only joking.' When there is no wood, the fire goes out. Where there is no one telling secret stories about people, arguing stops.
Proverbs 26:18-20
This may not be your case, but ask and find out what your blind spots are and I think you'll find the answer to your question.
Love In Christ
--The Righteous Rapper
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