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.
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