The act to cause harm or sadden another.
Good morning Champions!
Mondays bring a fresh start to our week and oh the possibilities and opportunities we will encounter if we are looking!
Today's topic is not just one we hear about concerning children or teens attending school. Sadly bullying can carry over into adulthood. Unfortunately, there really isn't an age limit. When not addressed early on, it just changes it's form but none the less, we find ourselves encountering it at one time or another.
Peeling back the onion so to speak...
I've found that bullying often occurs when the bully is trying to seek control over the one being bullied. It makes them feel powerful. Be aware, it slips in, in many different ways. It could be comments made to another, leaving them out intentionally, talking about them to others, and on a more extreme level, physical altercations. Unfortunately, social media provides a huge platform for this as well. Here is the thing, you may have to ask yourself if you've ever been on the receiving end of a bully? Now time to say ouch, have you ever demonstrated actions of being the bully? Bullying isn't just a new tag word we are hearing. It is real and running rampant. I believe once a behavior is identified ( in ourselves or in another) then we have power to change that behavior if needed. Today, will you join me in taking a stand? Bullying on any level is not ok. Let's build one another up! If you are experiencing being bullied, take a stand today and say enough! Do not allow someone else's low self esteem and insecurities hold you hostage any longer. If you took a personal inventory and realized that you have been a bully to someone, reach out to them. I'm sorry, is a great place to start then follow it by changed behavior.
Pray over the situation. Pray for the person. Give it to God. If need be make that difficult decision to separate yourself from that person if you are being bullied. We are called to forgive but forgiveness doesn't mean condoning or accepting abusive behavior. The difference begins in each one of us. Being responsible for our own actions and practicing kindness in a world that needs it, sounds like a great place to start!
Let's join together and stand tall as we say enough.
I will leave you with a simple but meaningful phrase from a few years back,
What would Jesus do? If we honestly thought about this and practiced it, we could be and would be the difference makers!
Have a beautiful day on purpose!
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
