Bully! Bully!

     As a child I was bullied. As a teenager I was bullied and as an adult I was bullied. Bullies are real and they have always existed and always will. Today a friend and I had a great conversation about bullying.

     We should each do all we can to teach those within our influence to never engage in this hurtful and dangerous practice, however, it will still happen. It isn’t the type of thing that can be legislated and enforced though strict policies regarding it should be. 

     This is a topic I have pondered frequently and it seems to me that the best antidote for it is to develop the kind of self-image and self-esteem that repels taunting and cruel words. Words hurt. Mocking and taunting hurt. That being said, if an individual has a true understanding of who they are and how much they are loved by their creator, it will be better and easier for them to overcome and be unaffected.Instead we need to arm them with knowledge because therein is power.

     Just imagine if every person, child to senior citizen, really knew and understood their eternal worth. We were created in the image of God yet all very different. Jesus himself was described in the scriptures as being of no apparent beauty. Physical beauty is not a true measure of worth. Society has flaunted an unreal expectation, especially for women. Being smart, funny, popular, fitting the mold and more do not constitute beauty or worth.

      So what does? It’s knowing who you are, where you came from and where you are going. It is knowing that you are indeed a child of the King making you a Prince or Princess of Royal Birth. We’ve all heard the adage that God doesn’t make junk. Well guess what? He doesn’t. Stand tall and hold up your head because you have worth in your uniqueness. Nobody has to fit the mold. Don't allow anyone to devalue you. 

      He looks upon each of us and sees our eternal potential rather than the flailing and awkward mortals that we currently are. He designed each of us with a unique purpose, specific gifts and talents (which we are required to develop and use to His glory) and the ability to become more like Him.

      As we encourage one another, uplift one another, accept one another and help one another to feel His love and the Spirit we can all overcome whatever adversity is thrown at us. Bullying is a challenge but as a beloved son or daughter of God we know that the enemy desires to see us fail. He relishes seeing us bask in misery, the kind he encourages and creates. Don’t let him win. Turn to the one who loves and knows us best.

     Each of us has a sacred duty to love one another, the second Great Commandment. As we do so we can feel His love and strive to emulate Him. This will bring us peace. Help others to feel the spirit. Look to the Son for He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Light.