Bullying Hurts
Carol Condon
carolcondon5@aol.com
The young
student was trying to fit in but that was not going so well. His mom and dad
were great people but lived very busy lives. He took their busyness as a
failure to fit into their schedule and even wondered if he was wanted or just a
responsibility. Were they committed to him or did they truly love and want him?
He just couldn’t be sure.
His time
in school was even worse. He did not have enough self-esteem to even try to fit
in. Most of his time was spent dodging the hurtful remarks that were hurled in
his direction when the “in” students were present. His daydreams were filled
with hopeful days of when he finally fit in.
Would those days ever come? He had been called more names than he could
count. The “accidental” occasions where he was tripped and shoved added to his already
painful existence.
When I
heard his story I wanted a chance to go to his parents and paint them a picture
of what their actions or even their lack of actions looked like. I wanted to go
into his school and grab all the students who spent their free time bullying those
who didn’t fit into the acceptable mold and teach them a much-needed lesson.
Bullying
hurts and can ultimately change someone forever. Bullying occurs when a person
uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. By
definition this means that weak and defenseless students are not the only
victims. Our homes, places of employment, and sadly our churches have their own
set of bullies. Those holding the authority over others have the opportunity to
intimidate those in a weaker position and this hurts. However, what if
intimidation was put away and was replaced by humility and patience? I am
pretty sure this would be found pleasing in His sight.
Ephesians
4:2 NLT
Always be
humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each
other’s faults because of your love.
