Thursday, October 7, 2010

Bullying

This subject has been in the news a lot lately and it has been on my heart.  There have been several instances that we have heard of where young people have taken their own lives because of the abuse that they have endured by the hurtful words and deeds of others.  Why?  Needless lives lost because someone doesn't live up to anothers' image of what is 'normal' or 'right'.  It all seems so wrong, so senseless and so terribly sad.

I can't help but wonder when it will end. We know that the persecution goes back to the days of the Bible.  We read about different types of prejudices throughout the Bible.  But when will it end?  We must teach by example.
As I sat in church on Sunday and listened to our Pastor's sermon, I thought about his words and how they related to me.  He spoke about Pauls 2nd letter to Timothy, when he encourages Timothy to be Faithful. 
He speaks of being an example of Christs' love and to not be ashamed.  And it reminded me that we all need to be an example of His love, and that has to start with me. 
I have to give thanks to my parents for being such good examples of His love for me and my siblings.  Although we did not always make it to church every Sunday, in fact it was  more often than not that we were not at church,in word, action and deed, my parents were stewards of God's Love.  They led by example.  Teaching us to be tolerant, to love others, to follow God, to Cherish family, to value learning, and morals, and right from wrong and they taught us understanding.  These are the lessons that I have strived to pass along to my children and that I hope in some way they have learned and that they have come to value and that in turn they will pass along to their children.  Maybe by doing so in some small way, we can help to carry on the gifts of Faith and Love that can be found by believing and be an example.
                           Re-kindle the gift of faith that is within you and pass it on. 

Teach our children that we will not tolerate intollerance.  Guide them through your example.  And put and end to bullys.  And if you know someone who is being bullied, let them know that there is help.  They don't have to feel so alone and lonely, there is someone they can talk to, someone who can help.  Don't let one more young person feel like the only way to put an end to it is to end their life.  Their life is worth so much more...

      "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
                                            2 Timothy 1: 7

2 comments:

  1. Here in our town a 15 yr old girl was killed by a 15 and 16 yr old girls. That is my daughter Kristy's age!
    As a parent it is our responsiblity to teach our children to respect everyone. I think that there are no consiquences for kids actions now adays. Some kids get rewarded for bad behaviour. I have seen it.
    No matter what your religion or if you even have one. We still need to teach our children morals and respect.

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  2. Michelle- the favorite childOctober 7, 2010 at 3:55 PM

    Luckily, I have amazing parents who raised me in Christ and taught be how to be a good person (though I haven't always done it, I will say I am pretty good). I like to think that I am doing the same for my daughter now, but only with the help of my "families"- biological family, work/community family, and church family. Bullying is unacceptable behavior- just ask Bella!

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