October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. This is a topic that I’m very passionate about and wanted to share my thoughts with you on the subject and the worst advice on bullying I’ve ever heard. A lot of people grew up hearing the famous statement, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I’m sure that the person who created that quote and everyone who quoted it meant well. The intent was to empower the person on the receiving end against the negativity and ignorance that was being spewed at them. However, having personally experienced the power of negative and cruel words I can say that “words will never hurt me” is the worse advice I’ve ever heard in how to handle bullying.
The fact is words do hurt. Even God’s word says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Pro 18:21). So can you imagine the painful impact of someone or a group of people targeting someone with deadly words? It has always grieved me to see people being disrespected, treated unkindly, taunted, and teased especially when they did nothing to warrant those attacks.
Unfortunately, bullying affects children and adults. It has gotten way out of hand with victims of bullying committing suicide or committing murder.
Let’s do what we can to make a difference where this issue exists. Pray, fast, speak words of life to children and adults. Listen to children when they say that they are hurting. Also, recognize when they are being distant and talk to them about it. Teach children their worth and the power of their words. Discourage teasing even amongst siblings. Get involved in anti bullying organizations, schools, and community events.
“ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Pro 25:11
Reflections
1. How do you think God feels about bullying?
2. What do you think it will take to turn things around so that people are no longer victims of bullying?
3. Remember that God is a healer, restorer, and deliverer. He loves everyone equally the same. He has enough power to heal those who are being bullied as well as the bully.
An excellent resource to find out more information on this topic is: http://www.stopbullying.gov/
If someone that you know is feeling hopeless, helpless, or thinking about suicide please have them contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or they can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24hr crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Minister Kimberly Smith is a woman who is dedicated to God and has been serving the Lord for more than 30 years. She is a woman who radiates the love and compassion of Christ and emanates God’s great hope for people.
October is the month set aside to recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness. Many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence. It is not limited to a particular race, educational background, socioeconomic status, religion, or gender. Domestic Violence can occur within marital relationships, dating, and cohabitation relationships.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/). defines abuse as “a repetitive pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over an intimate partner. These are behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. Abuse includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of abuse can be going on at any one time.”
God really can destroy every detrimental thing in someone’s life. Sometimes He does it sovereignly and other times He has significant people and resources already in place to assist with a safe plan of action. If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence it’s important to note that none of us have the power to change anyone not even the abuse that is coming from someone that we love. Pray and ask God to intervene, pay attention to the signs of abuse, and by all means get help! Always remember that God will never stop loving you, and it is not a lack of faith to ask for help.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline website is a wonderful resource for someone who is experiencing this painful existence. It is full of information including the signs of abuse, the cycle of abuse, and so much more. The hotline is open 24hrs with trained advocates standing by to talk with you. The phone number is: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the number for the hearing impaired is: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). They also have a chat line that is open everyday from 7am-2am (CST). Note: it may be safer for you to use a computer outside of your home ie., library. To find out more information about this topic go to: http://www.thehotline.org/
Reflections
1. Do you know anyone (including yourself) who has been affected by domestic violence?
2. How was the issue of domestic violence handled?
3. A lot of people are very opinionated and judgmental when a woman stays in an abusive relationship. One of the first things they usually say is, “why doesn’t she just leave.” However, you rarely hear them say, “why does he keep abusing her.” What are your thoughts on those statements?
Below is a poem that I wrote about domestic violence titled, “The Bear and You.”
The Bear and You
A poem about domestic violence
by Min. Kimberly L. Smith
You have to learn how to play the music until the bear settles down
And learn how to walk softly until you think he’s not around
Meanwhile your insides are screaming and you just don’t know what to do
You’re praying some miracle would happen and somehow he’d wake up anew
Anew . . . able to love, able to speak kindly, able to apologize when he’s wrong
But, no matter how hard you pray, he keeps on shouting the same old song
His words are thrown out like fists with iron knuckles
They just keep coming and coming, no mercy is in his blows
And when he’ll get tired, no one knows
You seek shelter, somewhere where you can’t be found
But, next thing you know, the bear is back around
Growling, punching, scratching, yelling . . . when will he ever be through
Whenever it is, it won’t be soon enough for you
God Bless,
Minister Kimberly L. Smith
Dear Lord,
I pray a special prayer for the women that have been called to be pastor’s wives. I pray that as they support their husbands in ministry that You would grant them the petitions of their hearts. As they stand by their husbands may they never forget who You have called them to be. As they give of their time regardless of what’s going on in their own personal lives, I pray that You would strengthen and energize them, and always show them the space where they can be alone with You.
Even though they are married to men that are called to feed your flock I pray that their marriages never go lacking but, that they would be filled with love, unity, joy, prosperity, and peace. May there always be the right balance between their home life and church life. I pray that their husbands will cherish, support, and honor them as the queens that they are and that their children would be obedient and grateful for their mother and call her blessed. I pray that they never feel alone in the midst of ministry. May they always know that You are the rock that they can stand on and the pillow that they can lay her heads on. Please give them genuine, spirit filled people who will support them, have their best interest at heart, and intercede for them.
Father, I thank You for their unselfish ways and compassionate hearts. Bless them to have hearts that quickly repent and forgive especially when others are not showing godly character. Let them always know who they are in You, and hold on tightly to their relationship with You. May they never get caught up in the negativity in the church. Place a shield of protection around their hearts, families, and homes. Cover them in the blood of Jesus. Help them to quickly run to You if they are mishandled in any way and Father I know that You will speedily come to their rescue because they are precious, royal, and beautiful in Your sight.
In The Precious Name Of Jesus,
Amen
Reflections
1. What strength have you gained from your pastor’s wife?
2. How can you show your appreciation for your pastor’s wife?
God Bless,
Minister Kimberly L. Smith
Recent Comments