Category: Peer Pressure

Movie Review: Hope Lives (2022)

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Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

Ecclesiastes 9:4 ~ New International Version (NIV)
Title: Hope Lives
Rated: PG
Director: Anthony Hackett
Release Date: 2022
Runtime: 1hr 53 min
Official Movie Description
An inspiring drama that shows the triumphs and pains of a group of high school students who are victims of bullying, and how one man can make a difference.

This Mother’s Day, me and my grandmother (who is more like my mother) checked PureFlix–a Christian film streaming channel–to see if they had added any intriguing movies for us to watch. We stumbled upon Hope Lives, a new movie that was just recently released. Although I was a little unsure of what to expect from the movie, it easily became one of the best films that I’ve ever watched.

The protagonist–who is played by the wonderful director, Anthony Hackett–lost his daughter as a result of bullying, which was revealed in the opening scene of the film. Dramatic start, I know. But hey; it is a drama, after all.

While Mr. Ryan is heartbroken due to what happened, I admire how he uses his experience for good by volunteering to form a club with high school students to discuss ways to stop bullying. The fact that the movie went so in-depth into the topic –without being violent or derogatory–was super refreshing to witness.

Each of the students that Mr. Ryan counsels experiences bullying in a different form, but we really get to know each of their stories and struggles, making every main character likeable and relatable over a really short period of time.

It really stood out to me that every highlighted victim of bullying eventually learned how to stand up for themselves in a way that didn’t include violence or inappropriate language; I think that it shows the people of today’s world that while you shouldn’t sit there and allow people to mistreat you, it is more effective to stand up for yourself without punching back (neither verbally, nor physically).

As the club members begin to build friendships with one another, the film begins to dive into other important topics such as body image, self confidence, and showing yourself respect just as much as you would expect it from others. The acting feels real (another great element of the movie) and I think that makes the smallest of moments that much more powerful and memorable.

Hope Lives (2022) is the utter definition of an emotional roller coaster. While there were many wholesome, funny moments, I also found myself frozen in shock and nearly in tears, at some points. It’s honestly amazing how this film is extremely family friendly and fun to watch, yet there are a lot of powerful moments that will likely sit with any viewer, regardless of age.

Every moment that I spent watching this film was a moment well spent. I thank God for letting me watch it in full with Goodmommy on her special day.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10 out of 10 stars)

Recommended Age: All Ages 10+

In closing, I would recommend this movie to absolutely ANYONE who is 10 years of age and older. It is powerful, inspirational, and a film that I believe everyone can get something special out of. This was a fantastic watch for both me and Goodmommy, and I would definitely watch it again, in the future.

Thank you so much for stopping at my corner of the Internet. God bless you all, and I will see you next time! Peace in! ✨

An open letter to my younger self…

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Dear younger self,

First of all, let me say that I love you, and I know what you’re facing: I was you. While I’m not that much older than you, and I still have much to learn, I hope that you will read these words with an open heart. God has given me lots of wisdom, and like you I am learning every day. I still have things that I need to do and I still have imperfections. But through it all, God has always been there for us, and He always will be. This is the advice that I have for you.

Just be you. I know that you may look in the mirror and see imperfections. But God says that you’re beautiful, inside and out. Even with your flaws, you are the apple of His eye. Don’t ever look in the mirror and wish you looked like someone you’re not. From now on, when you look at your reflection, say “If God says that I’m beautiful, then I think so, too.” The more you say it, the more you’ll believe it. Just shine. Be the the light in the darkness that God chose you to be.

It’s okay to have just a couple friends, because sometimes “friends” can be the same people who will try to take advantage of you in your highs and abandon you in your lows. However, through it all, God is your friend. You are your friend. Goodmommy is your friend. And you might even meet one or two more friends along the way~but don’t rush it. For the Bible says that a friend will stick closer than a brother. And considering that we have a great little brother already, I know that can be pretty hard to beat, LOL.

Keeping the peace is more important than being right. I know that you’re a perfectionist. I am, too. Naturally, we want everything to be perfect all the time. Sometimes, we might think that something isn’t fair or that someone owes us an apology. We might think it in our heads. But a rule to always remember is avoid speaking everything that pops up in your brain. Every thought isn’t meant to be spoken. And if you ever need guidance, pray about it. God will tell you what to do. He’s good like that.

Don’t compare yourself to people. There will be times where you may look at someone else and think that they’ve got everything together. They may always have the biggest smile on their face. They may be popular. They may be pretty. They may be rich in money and jewels. But never forget that sometimes only God knows what’s happening beneath the surface. Rich in money is far from the same thing as rich in peace, joy, and love.

Stop worrying about what other people think about you. What do YOU think about you? What do the people who love you for who you are think about you? And most importantly, what does GOD think about you? What does He call you in His Word? These are the voices that you should listen to. The rest is nothing but background noise.

Let God fight your battle. Life might not be easy in every moment. You may need to make important decisions, and sometimes you might not know what to do. If and when these moments come, be still and listen. Let God fight for you, because He’s already won this battle. Some of the trials that we face are simply a test, where God is asking us “Will you keep your faith in Me?” In everything, God is able. And in His timing, the perfect timing, every season will pass. And with each season, God will make you stronger in Him.

With lots of love,

– Your future, teenage self ♡

If you could say anything to your younger self, what would it be? Feel free to share your thoughts in the chat. I’m super excited to hear from you!

Thank you all so much for reading! Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all! ♡

5 Qualities I Value in a True Friend – Reblog

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Author’s Note: What’s up, y’all. Today, I’m going to do a reblog of one of my favorite posts where I share 5 of the main qualities that I value in a friend. I hope you all enjoy! ~ Q’Zion ⭐

If you had to choose 5 words to describe each of your friends, what would they be? Afterwards, think about 5 things that you value in a good friend. How many qualities do your friends have in common with your list?

In our teenage years, it’s natural to desire to be popular and have a lot of friends. However, it may be shocking when we realize that there are only a few people who really have our best interests at heart. This doesn’t mean that anyone is perfect. It just means that it’s better to judge whether a person is your friend or not by how they treat you and who they are as a person, instead of how pretty or popular they are.

Today, I wanted to share 5 Qualities that I Value in a True Friend. If you would like, you can comment your values, either in a friend in general or the friends that you already have, down below!

  1. Loyalty

Although it’s a sad reality, there are a lot of people that will pretend to be your friend, and act like they don’t know you, the next day. I really appreciate a friend that sticks by my side, no matter what. Even though we might not always agree, I appreciate people who always have my back, despite the bumps in the road that we might face from time to time.

2. Honesty

Another thing that I love is when a person can admit their mistakes or feelings. I know that no one, except God, of course, is perfect. However, when we do make mistakes, it’s a good thing to apologize for what we did. Also, if a friend of mine feels a certain way about a situation, them explaining to me how they feel allows better communication, and therefore, a better relationship!

3. Humor

Do any of you have that friend that can make you smile, even when your day isn’t going as planned? If so, then you know how awesome of a feeling that is. Personally, being someone who loves to laugh, a friend who knows how to make me giggle, especially when I really need it, is a great friend in my book.

4. A kind heart

This is pretty practical, but I value a friend who is kind. This not only means that they are kind to me, but that they try their best to be kind to everyone around them. A person who can get along with a majority of people that they meet, and truly has a heart for people is a person that I truly respect and will likely get along with.

5. A cheerful attitude

Never have I liked to be around negativity. Therefore, having a friend that is optimistic and just about always in a good mood can make me feel good as well. Positivity is the absolute best policy!

I hope you all enjoyed my list of 5 Qualities that I Value in a True Friend. Remember, a good friend is not a perfect person, but a person who has a good heart and spirit. The inside is what matters most!

Have a wonderful day everyone! ✨

Believe and you can achieve !

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Hey, y’all! Happy Tuesday.

So, if you checked out my Valentine’s Day post discussing how we (me and Goodmommy) went shopping, you know that I bought a cute white shirt with the word “SHINE” and small silver beads elegantly placed on the front. I explained how we bought it specifically for a special occasion and that I would share what the special occasion is with you all today. And guess what. I came through with my word, y’all.

I was chosen to attend a Middle School Student Forum to represent my school!!! Just before I went to bed, I was jumping up and down inside with excitement. To have my straight A’s pay off, now allowing me to use my voice to make a positive impact on my community is truly a blessing.

We took a few pictures before we left. It was close to 9 AM, so we didn’t want to wait too long to get there. Though, all the pictures turned out adorable. This one is one of my favorites. Goodmommy is such an amazing support in all of this. My assistant principal gave me a document of some of the sample questions that the board members might ask. Just before bed time, we practiced roleplaying the introductions and sample questions. It’s always a good idea to be prepared. Also, thanks for your help, Goodmommy. :))

It only took us about 25 minutes to get to the building, and believe it or not, I was the first student to get there. To be honest, I was a little shocked. I’ve always been an early bird, though, so it was nice to be able to take a look around at the large auditorium and take some photos as momentoes of this wonderful memory.

The set up of the whole entire room was super organized and well-planned (to my liking.) They even gave each student an assigned table and seat based on our district. We also had a small notebook and pens for notetaking, as well as little tins of mints if we wanted a little snack. I really appreciated how friendly everyone was. They made me feel super welcome and comfortable.

My assistant principal also gave me a printed copy of the sample questions, so I was able to write in my notebook some of my answers regarding the criteria.

And here’s my assistant principal, himself. It was super nice to meet him in-person for the first time! He was nice enough to come over and greet us with a warm welcome as soon as he saw us.

After close to an hour of introducing myself to a couple of my table mates, taking notes, and drinking my Gatorade, it was soon time for the discussions to start. I enjoyed having a conversation with the board member of my district and some other students who attend a variety of public schools in my community.

Being able to hear and give feedback from those familiar with the academic and educational industry as well as hear from other students’ perspectives was really eye opening. I found it informative to learn about what kids my age may experience while attending in-person schooling, as well as how that correlates to my virtual public schooling.

We (including students in all 6 groups) were able to discuss topics like mental health, bathroom issues, peer pressure, connectivity with each other and our teachers and the list goes on. The fact that they are allowing middle and high schoolers to share our input on what we appreciate and would change about our school programs was a wonderful idea that I’m happy was put in place.

It also gave us a chance to get used to having healthy discussions and learning how to speak confidently in front of an audience. Not only giving our input, but being able to listen to the opinions and feedback of others in a respectful way. I found it such a great method for giving back to my community.

Of course, to celebrate this beautiful occasion, some of our parents (including Goodmommy) came over to take a photo of the board member, me and the other students at my table. I appreciate the amazing photography to make this memory last.

All in all, I thank God and all the staff and administrators for the wonderful honor of choosing me to be a representative of my school, the students in my school, and everyone in my community.

It truly was a wonderful experience that I will never forget and always cherish. And it has showed me that when you are committed and believe in what God has for your life you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.

Be Natural. Be Beautiful. Be YOU.

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Beauty is skin deep. Sure. It may sound a little cheesy, and you’ve probably heard it a zillion times. You might even be tired of hearing it. But, despite how cliche it might be, this saying is absolutely true.

Valentine’s Day is about love, which is wonderful because God is love. And while February 14th is centered around the love we have for others, we also mustn’t neglect appreciating and loving who God made us to be.

Tomorrow is International Natural Day, also known as International Day of Self-love. Y’all already know that that’s a biggie on my blog. So, of course, I had to discuss it today. Whether you have a partner or not, the days before Valentine’s Day are to help remind us that we don’t need everyone’s validation.

It is a chance for us to realize and believe that we are all precious in God’s eyes. He said that we are the apple of His eye. And don’t be mistaken; God doesn’t look at what we look at. People will look at height and outward appearance. But God looks at our hearts. And as long as our Heavenly Father is pleased with us, both how we live our lives and who we are inside, then that is all the validation that we need.

Valentine’s Day is a day for us all to celebrate both inner and natural beauty. It is also to show those who we love, and who the Lord has placed in our lives to love us just the way we are, that we appreciate them, care for them, and are thankful for them.

And mind you, self-love doesn’t mean that we should be cocky or arrogant. It doesn’t mean that we should be putting ourselves on a pedestal. The first commandment is to love the Lord our God with ALL our soul, with ALL of our mind, and with ALL of our strength. The second is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31 NIV) God ALWAYS comes first.

When I say “self-love” I mean coming to terms with the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. Living our lives as Jesus Christ sees fit, and respecting ourselves because we know that God loved us enough to give His one and only son to die for our sins.

“Self-love” is knowing that we are worth it because God sees worth in us. If God, the King of kings and Lord of lords loves us so much as to give up His only child, then we must be worth loving. We are worth loving because God loves us.

Have a beautiful day, everyone! Always remember that God IS love! ✨

Don’t look at your neighbor’s grass; keep watering your own – Words of Wisdom #6

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Have you ever heard the question, “Why do bad things always happen to good people?” It’s simple, yet it contains a certain complexity that really makes you sit down and think.

Today, I was visited by my great-grandmother. Me, Goodmommy, and Bigma sat in our kitchen, bonding and laughing together. And this subject ended coming up. I find it so astonishing how God lets things happen for a reason. We can gain so much wisdom from everyday conversations. And all we have to do is be still and listen.

The question that I previously mentioned might seem true. Sometimes, people can take their attention off of their blessings, and they wish they were in the position of other people. Despite how hard they work, the grass seems greener in the neighbor’s yard.

But, let me share something with you that God has enlightened me of: The neighbor’s grass may be green, but only He (Jesus) knows what‘s actually happening beneath the surface.

To elaborate on these Words of Wisdom, someone else’s life may seem perfect. However, we don’t know what the popular kid’s lives are like when they come home from school or how some celebrities really feel under the blinding flashes of the paparazzi. Despite the fact that people’s lives (yards) look like a dream (green), doesn’t mean that they don’t have internal struggles.

Truthfully, the same people that seem to have it good are often those who have mental illnesses, commit suicide, and are truly unhappy and dissatisfied with the lives that some may envy.

We don’t know what they may have went through to get them where they are today. We don’t know what they may go through on a day-to-day basis, or if they weep when they are alone. Sometimes, the only one who sees their pain is the Lord.

So, all in all, no human on this earth has a perfect life. Bad things don’t always happen to good people. Even if it looks like that is the case. Looks can be deceiving.

Don’t pay attention to your neighbor’s grass; keep watering your own. And if you are truly thankful for what you do have: the many blessings right in front of your eyes, your seed will surely grow.

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Have a beautiful and blessed day everyone! ✨

Think Before You Speak – Words of Wisdom #5

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James 1:19 NIV (New International Version)
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

In my lifetime, I’ve heard the words “be quick to listen and slow to speak” so many times, I can’t even count. And I’m grateful that I have, as in this short scripture lies a lot of wisdom that everyone should know and follow.

When some become angry–which in my case, isn’t often–it can be tempting to do or say something that they shouldn’t. All this is is the devil knocking on a door; trying to destroy a relationship, an opportunity, or the peace in our homes and hearts that he doesn’t want us to have. But just like any knock, it’s up to us to choose whether or not we will answer the door.

The Bible says “Refrain from anger” In other words, it is telling us to think before we act and speak out of that anger. God is slow to anger. And as followers of Christ, its important that we follow in His footsteps.

Now, keep in mind that its normal to be angry sometimes, specifically when we are wronged or deceived. While we should be slow to anger, being angry is not the only factor of this equation. It is also how we act even in our anger and how long we allow the anger to effect us. 

Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV (New International Version)
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Okay, okay, so let’s wrap up this addition to Words of Wisdom with some key points:

We, followers of Christ should…

  • be quick to listen and slow to speak: we need to listen–and think–before we act.
  • refrain from anger: no matter what, we should be slow to become angry.
  • NOT sin in our anger: even when we may get angry, we must NOT sin.
  • NOT give the devil a foothold: just because he knocks doesn’t mean we have to answer. DON’T answer that door. Instead, we need to follow God’s path for us.
  • NOT let the sun go down while we are angry: this means we also need to learn to let go of our anger and learn to forgive.

Remember that it is a wonderful, and crucial, thing to ask God for help if you struggle with refraining from acting out of anger and being slow to speak but quick to listen. I find myself asking Him for wisdom, too. As long as we humble ourselves enough to admit that we need Him, and we obey His words, He is always able and willing to help us in all things that will give Him ALL of the glory.

Have a happy, healthy, beautiful and blessed day, y’all!

And remember, God is Love. ✨

How to Be More Kind to Yourself

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How to Be More Kind to Yourself

-ajoyfulchristianteen 🌻

Kindness is a fruit of the spirit, and a blessing within itself. Showing others kindness (the love of God) is important, but in doing so, we may often neglect showing ourselves a little kindness, which, believe it or not, is just as important.

Life has it’s own trials and tribulations, but I think that we can easily forget that those tribulations can be a result of us mistreating ourselves.

Here is a list on How to Be Kinder to Yourself ! 🌻

  1. Block out self-talk that puts you down – Our feelings about ourselves can often be caused by what we think in our minds. Replace all negative self-talk with positive statements.
  2. Forgive yourself – You and me are imperfect, and no matter how hard we may try, we will always be. Therefore, if you do something invalid, forgive yourself, and try your best to do better in the future.
  3. Don’t develop grudges – All grudges do is keep your mind focused on one specific event, person, or experience. We must learn to forgive others, not for them, but for us, and move on.
  4. Take healthy risks – Sometimes, there are things that God wants us to do, but we let our fear hold us back. It is a good thing to take healthy risks, even if they scare us, sometimes.
  5. Be thankful for another day – Learning to be thankful for the large and little things in life can help boost our mood, and teaches us how to be humble, as the Lord intends.
  6. Embrace your differences – It’s natural to want to fit in with the crowd. However, it’s so much better to embrace who you are, and be yourself.
  7. Learn to be ‘OK’ with having a small amount of friends – Although it can be tough to accept, everyone is not a true friend. Therefore, it’s important that we learn to appreciate the one or two true friends that we do have.
  8. Encourage yourself – In all things that we do, we must speak life. Tell yourself positive things that encourage you to keep moving forward with faithful steps.
  9. Help others – Giving and helping others is being kind to yourself, as it is treating people how you would like to be treated.
  10. Don’t be afraid to laugh – Laughing truly is one of the greatest medicines there is. So every day, take a few minutes to laugh out loud to put an extra pep in your step.

Bonus–Positive Self-Talk

Here are some examples of positive things that we can say to ourselves to increase positive self-talk.

  • “I am a winner, not a loser.”
  • “I am perfectly and wonderfully made.”
  • “I am worthy of love.”
  • “I don’t know everything, but that’s okay.”
  • “I am a blessing from God.”

I hope you all enjoyed this list on “How to Be More Kind to Yourself.” Being kind to others is important, but never forget that we all need a little bit of kindness.

Have a beautiful day! Remember to show yourself some love! 🌻

7 Positive Ways to Deal with Negative Peer Pressure (Reblog)

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Note: This is one of the very first posts on my blog that I wanted to share with you all. Enjoy!

I’m back today with another fantastic post! Okay. I have something that I wanted you to do. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been a victim of negative (and/or harmful) peer pressure. And if you haven’t, well…it’s up to you what you want to do. ✨

But, let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure at least 95.99% of people can remember a time where they have been pressured, whether the attempt was successful or not, into doing something that they really didn’t want to do, but did anyway, most likely to fit in.

Now, don’t feel bad if you have, because a lot of people have been through it, including me.

Now, since school will be starting soon, I thought that there couldn’t be a better time to discuss positive ways to handle and deal with negative peer pressure. I mean, we all have gone through it. Why not figure out good ways to handle it?

So, let’s get right into it!

Tip #1: Ask yourself if you really want to do what’s being requested of you. ✨

Let’s just make up a scenario. You’re hanging out with some kids your age, and your “friend” asks you to smoke. Well, the best thing that you can do, before you answer, is ask yourself a question like, “Do I really want to do this?” If your answer is a ‘yes‘, then ask yourself, “Why do I want to do this?” If your answer is “Because I want to fit in,” or “Because I want my “friend(s)” to think that I’m cool,” then, I’ll answer the question for you right now. The answer is no.

Tip #2: Walk away/leave the situation. ✨

If you’re not the type of person that likes confrontation, (which is completely understandable), then do the most simple thing that you could do in this situation. Leave. If you feel as though you might have a hard time saying ‘no‘, then instead of giving in to the negative pressure, just leave the situation. It might be hard, at first, but believe me, you’ll be glad you did.

Tip #3: Use a buddy system. ✨

If you have a true friend(s) who is a positive role model and influence, who has the same stance as you on an issue, then work together to stand up for yourselves, and back each other up. I mean, if you don’t have to do it alone, why not let your bestie back you up?

Tip #4: Give yourself some love. ✨

What’s the point of having friends if all they do is pressure you into things you don’t want to do? Remember that you are worthy of respect and kindness, and that, in the long run, it’s better to be your own, true friend, then have a whole bunch of fake friends who don’t have your best interests at heart.

Tip #5: Find positive role models and/or new friends. ✨

Let’s get real: It’s always nice to have someone to confide in. Whether it be a new friend or a family member, remember to surround yourself with people who love and respect you. Those who have your best interests at heart will make you feel comfortable and appreciated. And that’s what you deserve.

Tip #6: Think about the consequences if you give in. ✨

If you are tempted to give in to the pressure, or have already given in, think of the future consequences if you say ‘yes‘ or continue on the route you are on. Trust me, taking time to think about the road that you should take can help prevent a lot of trouble from taking place. I know. This can be hard. But you’ll be thrilled that you did it, looking back.

Tip #7: Don’t try to use negative peer pressure on others. ✨

I mean, it’s kind of low to complain about getting peer pressured if you are doing it to someone else. Even if it’s subtle, try your best not to put negative pressure on other people. And, if you are doing so, try to apologize and make it right with the person that you’ve been pressuring. After all, it’s important that we love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:39 NIV)

Alright, everyone! I hope you enjoyed those 7 Tips on How to Deal with Negative Peer Pressure, and that it will help you during this new year of school!

Comment down below other positive ways to deal with negative peer pressure, as well as your other thoughts on the issue.

You don’t have to take any disrespect, or insensitivity from any “friend” that you have. Just remember, do things, such as the ideas listed, to deal with negative peer pressure in a positive way. You can be serious and get your point across without being violent.

PHave a wonderful, fabulous, and joyful day, beautiful people! ✨

Be Selective with your Battles

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Hey everyone! I have a question for y’all. Are you the type of person who always wants to get the last say? Maybe you’re having an argument, and you feel the urge to prove your point. If so, then no shame! However, it is this topic that I want to discuss today.

Truthfully, it’s important that we are selective with the battles that we choose to participate in. What does this mean, exactly? It means that having peace in yourself is better then winning a battle. We might want to act in some situations, and sometimes, that is okay. Other times, the best thing to do is leave the situation alone or take a break until you can speak in a peaceful manner.

Keep in mind that walking away from an unhealthy situation does not mean that the other person wins. It actually means quite the opposite, because you didn’t escalate the situation to an unnecessary level. Once you have confidence in yourself, you will see that getting the last say isn’t important. In the end, knowing that you walked away without feeling the need to be the “winner” is a great accomplishment, and something to be proud of.

So, remember that not every battle is meant to be fought: love always wins! ❤️

1 Corinthhians 13: 4-7 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.