"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1st Timothy 4:12
Recently I officiated at the wedding of two wonderful young people. The groom was good-looking, funny, gentle, and completely in love with the bride. The bride was stunningly beautiful, intelligent, funny, and completely in love with the groom. It was my honor and my joy to officiate their wedding, and I praised God during my little wedding sermon for bringing those two people together.
But there was something that I noticed at the rehearsal dinner, at the wedding, and at the reception and dinner and celebration that came later: just about all the young men who were there - the groom, the groomsmen, and their male friends - had been nerds at one time (or were still nerds today). And they had married (or were with) beautiful young women who were clearly having a great time with them.
In high school (and probably in college too), it seems that young men who are nerds are often teased and belittled. The standard image is that these young men are not good at dating and often struggle to even talk with women; their jokes don't work outside their group; the pretty young girls seem to be attracted to the athletes; the nerds spend way too much time playing video games and only dreaming of beautiful young women being attracted to them.
Obviously...something in this narrative is out of whack! Because if it is true, then there is NO explanation for what I observed at this wedding. Nerds (and perhaps former nerds) were with beautiful girls who clearly were glad they were there. If you didn't know any better, one might believe that someday nerds become fine young men.
I believe that everyone gets a chance to grow up. Sometimes high school (and even college times) can be great times to learn about yourself and to try new experiences; but they can also be lonely times when self-esteem is often manufactured and false in order to protect oneself.
That's a shame...because those nerds were sure having a good time at this wedding. They were hilarious, they looked great, and many of them were REALLY good dancers. And the beautiful young women who were with them had a wonderful time.
The bottom line: be yourself. You can be no other without living a lie. Give yourself a chance, young people. Grow into the person the Lord intended you to become. Be careful, be bold, but be yourself.
And all you young male nerds out there: there are beautiful young women who might someday be attracted to someone just like you.
I know it can happen.
I just saw it....and it was wonderful.
Love always wins...even for nerds.
Amen!
