I watched my daughters eyes fill with tears She wanted to have some good friends so bad, and I wanted it for her too Several times she had made some good connections but inevitably the friendships ended sooner than she wanted This last time when her tears came I asked what happened... She said every time she tries to make friends they start gossiping, or cussing, or asking why she doesn’t have a phone or asking her why she doesn’t have a boyfriend (she’s only 12 years old) I told her that she didn’t need those things to have good friends But she lost it more as she explained that they make fun of her for not having or doing those things My heart broke for her 💔 I see the value of limiting what a child is exposed to, but it’s hard when other kids devalue someone for not being like them I tried to explain that one day she would see that real friends don’t shame you for not participating in foolishness and that people shouldn’t make you feel bad for not gossiping or not cussing I prayed for her heart and prayed that she would find true friendships that didn’t belittle her for being different I believe in homeschooling I believe in holding off on a phone or boys I believe in teaching them not to cuss or use language But it’s hard to see the rejection in live time for someone you love We have a high standard for our children, we believe that character and integrity are worth more than having trashy friends This is the cost of difference, this is the impact of not being of this world We fly a flag that is not normal in this world, I exist in it, but am not of it. We still have a mission to spread light even in the face of opposition.