Bullying...It's not a teasing matter!

I can't always be with my children for every event in their lives,to protect them and make sure they are safe from a world of hurt. But teaching them how to react when faced with those hurts...I can do! I guess having 8 siblings somewhat prepares you for the world! Maybe all those battles were for the good in some ways!

As I read the definition of what bullying is, my heart just can't let it go. I guess the mom in me can't seem to find the grace that my God and my daughter has for the three young men who chose to be the tail instead of the head. Three young men she thought were her friends. They lost the respect that day from our daughter and from the rest of those that were witness to the meanness. When others wanted revenge she said No....that's not what God would want! I'm proud of my girl! Those boys have missed out . They were so busy looking at the outward that they failed to see the beauty of a loving forgiving friend. A beautiful young lady who has chosen to lead instead of follow. I know she's not perfect! However she is willing to be taught and humbled from time to time. Corrected when necessary.
bul·ly ¹  (bl)

n. pl. bul·lies

1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.

2. A hired ruffian; a thug.

3. A pimp.

4. Archaic A fine person.

5. Archaic A sweetheart.

v. bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, bul·lies

v.tr.

1. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner. See Synonyms at intimidate.

2. To make (one's way) aggressively.

v.intr.

1. To behave like a bully.

2. To force one's way aggressively or by intimidation:

 I dare not put any label on any child. However, the mom in me would like too! I myself was called a bully once. Which I admit, I was not nice to this one little girl. However the meanness in that mother's tone towards me was far worse and to this day I can still hear her voice!

My daughter was met with some unnecessary meanness that day. Not once but several times.Words that cut like a knife into her tender heart. Breaking her to the point of tears.Words that set her apart from the rest of the friends that were surrounding her. Humiliating her in front of her peers. Some would say...Boys will be boys! Or....That's middle school for you!
I would say...Would you want your daughters to be treated like this? Your sisters? Teach your son's to be gentlemen! Teach them to be leaders and not followers! Teach them to love with the grace and mercy of the God they have been taught about. Teach them to humble themselves and make this wrong right. No apologies have yet to be given. However forgiveness was graced upon them days ago. For it's by God's grace that I will now lean upon Him as I teach my daughter to act justly and to love mercy...to walk humbly with her God. Maybe it's me that could use this lesson?! She seems to have learned this one!

 Micah 6:8

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.