They’ll Hate You Either Way
The ten best people I know in this world are hated. When I say "best people," I mean I look at the way they live their lives and truly believe they attempt to live beyond reproach. They love their families. They are passionate about making a difference in this world. They are beyond generous. They live with joy. They lift people up; they don't tear people down.
Yet, despite being beloved by many, they are ruthlessly hated by some. People despise them. They are hated privately, sometimes publicly. Some individuals would pay money to see them hurt....or worse.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned this year is that you WILL be hated. Regardless of how much good you try to do, impact you try to make, or people you try to lift up, you will absolutely be hated. You will be hated for what you believe. You will be hated for what you don't believe. You will be hated for what you say. You will be hated for what you don't say. Heck, you might even be hated for completely falsified and made-up reasons.
Now, you might be thinking this is an oddly pessimistic and downtrodden post. However, there's a flip side to this. If it's true that you will 100% be hated by some, you might as well just live the life you're called to live. If it's inevitable that some will despise you, you might as well be despised for living in truth. If enemies will surely come your way, you best make the biggest impact you can along the way.
I've long ago conceded that despite my best efforts, many people on this planet hate my guts. I often disagree with the reasons they hate me, and some of it is indeed falsified and manufactured, but there's nothing I can do about it either way. Therefore, whenever someone asks me how I can share controversial and countercultural ideas day after day on the blog and podcast, my answer has gotten simpler: People are going to hate me either way, so I might as well make sure it's the right people for the right reasons.
Again, I'm not saying this to be a Debbie Downer. I don't need pity, and this isn't my attempt at self-loathing. Instead, it's my call to action for some of you to get out of the stands and onto the court. I know you're scared of what people will think of you. I felt the same way for years! Unfortunately, they are going to hate you anyway, regardless of whether you pursue your callings and attempt to make an impact on this world. Therefore, you might as well go for it! What do you have to lose?
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