Your mother probably said it maybe your grandmother, too. They parroted the overused maternal maxim: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

They meant well, but let’s just say that they were not being completely truthful. They wanted us to be strong in the face of criticism, verbal abuse, and the bullying behavior of others. It was like, Hey, if there’s no blood it’s no big deal.

But we all know better.

When was the last time a stick or stone was hurled at you?

Now, when was the last time what someone said hurt you?

There is a certain feeling of unfairness when people who are trying to do good even trying to serve the Lord get hurt along the way.

We get depressed. We think about getting even. We think about quitting.

In fact, one of the most common reasons people stop trying to make a difference has to do with getting hurt and not getting through or over it.

Good Samaritans get mugged.

All the time.