Those so called "truths"

Recently, I've found myself hearing more and more stories of bullying. Friends that I love and value are having rumors spread about them, in turn causing them to hate where they are today. I've found myself being bullied without ever fully realizing it and also accidentally being the bully. I've found that simple words like, "did you really just do that" or, "I can't believe she did that" are the doors to bullying... The fact that it's so easy to walk through those double doors of gossip is what shakes my heart.

What makes our society so accepting to bullying? We go about our day hearing gossip and rumors and know it's not right or true, yet doing nothing about it. Why don't we stand up? Over 160,000 kids stay home from school everyday due to bullying. How is that okay? Why do we say, "look what that persons wearing" or, "ohmygosh did you hear what happened last night?" We find ourselves, wether meaning to or not, in a never ending whirlwind of gossip and rumors. Most of us hear the rumors and want to say its wrong but are too scared of the outcome towards ourselves so we stay silent instead of defending the innocent. 

I have to remind myself constantly to be kind to those I don't like and to love those that I don't think deserve it but it's hard for me to convey that to others. Paul writes, "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:29 NLT) yet we still struggle with it. 

If you're reading this and you've been bullied, Paul has some advice... "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31, 32 NLT). He's not saying it's easy to forgive, to forget, to love. But he is guiding us in what we should do. Forgiveness brings a breath of fresh air, of peace, of hope. Don't give up. 

If you see bullying going on, stand up for those that are in the rumors. All it takes is one simple act of defiance against bullying to change a life. Don't doubt your effect. When you hear it going on, just simply say "stop!" I guarantee it makes a difference. Wether they continue to gossip or not after you've left is up to them, but the feeling you get from not partaking is one that is uncomparable to the breath of peace that comes from resistance. 

My dance studio recently started a program called "The Messengers" and our current piece is over bullying. The effect that it has had on those around has been overwhelming. I always knew the numbers were high but I never knew how many lives were truly effected. My prayer tonight is that anyone being bullied, witnessing it, or partaking in it, stands against it. 

Will you be the one that makes a change?