Skip to main content

The Fit For Life Wife Takes on Bullies!

I recently witnessed an instance of bullying carry out on Facebook... between adults. That's right! A good old fashioned hurtful anonymous message and a battle of the wits that rivaled my high school experiences unfolded before my very eyes at the ripe old age of 30.

Should we be surprised that bullying still happens among adults? Probably not. Why not? Why am I not shocked and outraged? Because bullying still exists in our schools today and within the highest levels of government and bullying is a learned behavior. Where do today's youth learn this behavior? You guessed it! From us. They learn this behavior from us.

So what are we to do about the issue of bullying? As I watched this event unfold, I read the comments of people calling for revenge, justice, police reports, and -- my favorite -- toe pokes! What is a toe poke, anyway? All of these adults were outraged that a strong, beautiful woman was being bullied for her successful weight-loss journey. Rightly so. But did anyone stop and take the time to consider that calling for violence and beatings of this bully might be uncalled for?

When we react to bullying and violence with more bullying and violence, we are only perpetuating the problem. We need to be the example. We need to take the time to respond rather than react.

In my personal experience being bullied (in high school), most people who bully you or pick on you do so out of a place of hurt; they lash out at others to feel better about their own insecurities. How do we stop them from attacking us? Maybe it is as simple as showing them mercy and love because nobody has shown them that kindness before.

Mercy. And love.

Jesus tells us during his sermon on the mount, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Jesus also commands us to love one another and says that we will be known as Christians by our love (John 13:35).

Two very simple principles that we can share with others and exemplify not only for our children but also for our peers. Since I became a mother, I understand the power of example more than ever before. Everything I do or say has the power to indirectly impact my child's behavior and future behavior. That is a lot of power and responsibility.

Bullies use their power and strength to influence or intimidate others and bring them down. What if we consistently used our power and strength to be a positive influence on others and lift them up?

When we witness instances of bullying or are the victim of a bully, let's take pause and think about extending the mercy that we want to experience ourselves. Rather than reacting to their actions and stooping to their level, choose joy for yourself and show the bully how to choose joy in their own life. Think about who is watching you and how your actions impact those around you.

Then choose love.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TOS - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or The Only Snag?

When I was about 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a condition wherein excessive pressure is placed on a bundle of nerves that pass into the arm from the neck causing pain and weakness in the arm. I was a fast pitch softball pitcher and first noticed symptoms of TOS after pitching at an all day tournament. My arm swelled to the point that I could not bend my wrist, and although it's my favorite color, it turned a very unpleasant shade of purple. My parents took me to a specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital , but little was known about TOS or its treatment at the time. They simply told me to remedy the situation by quitting sports. I played softball for another year after that, relinquishing the position of pitcher and taking on second base so I wouldn't have as much strain on my arm, but eventually I gave up softball all together. Three years ago, my younger sister found she had the same problem while playing softball in high school. Unfor
12 comments
Read more

Chasing Perfect

With the new year right around the corner, you are undoubtedly about to face a flurry of New Year's resolutions plastered across your social media feeds. You may even be scribbling your own goals and resolutions in your daily journal, or sharing them with a loved one for accountability. Goals are great. I think we should all set goals and regularly reassess them and measure our progress... but when it comes to setting that New Year's resolution, I have a challenge for you. As the hours turn to minutes, and the seconds tick by on the countdown to our new year and new selves, I want you to ask yourself what it is that you want from 2019. Do you want to be the perfect mom (does that even exist)? The perfect spouse? The perfect disciple? Do you want a perfect body? Maybe you want to find the perfect job or the perfect house or the perfect [enter object here] that will finally make you happy. I have chased the perfect body. I have chased the perfect wife. I am constantly
Post a Comment
Read more

While I was Away...

To those of you who have stuck with me through blog post frenzies and lulls, I would like to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I love having an outlet for writing and to have an audience, even if there's only two of you, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I am sending you virtual hugs through your computer right now. Go on, reach out and hold it. While I was away, I was not just resting on my laurels. I did complete my 8 mile long run two weekends ago, as scheduled. It was an amazing experience. My hubby came along with me, but felt pain in his shins around 2.75 miles. He urged me to go on without him while he limped along behind. I had let him set the pace for the first two miles, but when I left him, I increased my pace drastically. I set off for the third and fourth miles at a comfortable pace, but as I turned around to head back to the truck, I felt an overwhelming urge to catch up with the hubster and finish my miles with him. As a result, I was chasing hi
4 comments
Read more