A special group of moms and tween girls have opened their hearts to us, and they are BRAVE and VULNERABLE in their transparency.
For the next several weeks, we’ll continue to hear from mom and daughter teams about a particular topic they feel led to speak about. All of these topics are included within the pages of
Building Circles of Grace, which is chock full of conversation starters and engaging activities to keep moms and daughters connecting deeply through God’s Word.
If you’re just joining us, we welcome you! Click here to view the first episode of Mom & Daughter Heart Check.
WE ARE CURRENTLY DELVING INTO THE TOPIC OF BULLYING.
It’s important to note two very important correlations between our first and second video. Both of our young friends in each video initially attempted to handle a really tough situation on their own, but they bravely discuss why that didn’t help resolve the challenge with their bullies. What did make a difference was talking with their mom and asking for help.
BOTH MOM AND DAUGHTER TEAMS ALSO SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER.
If your child is being physically assaulted, trust your mama gut. I’m not suggesting prayer is the only solution. However, prayer should most certainly be part of it.
It’s also important to distinguish the difference between a disagreement with your friend and bullying behavior. The difference between an argument with a friend and the assault from a bully is in the intention behind the conflict and the repetition of incidents. Bullies exhibit behaviors such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. How many of us have been on the receiving end of this kind of behavior?
JESUS HIMSELF WAS THE TARGET OF BULLIES IN HIS DAY.
After his arrest, Jesus was beaten, ridiculed, and even spit upon. Yet, how did he respond? He responded with kindness and love. He forgave them. He prayed for them. Because of our human brokenness, we cannot respond perfectly like Jesus. However, we can try to be more like him. After all, we are his image bearers.
JESUS CHALLENGES US TO RISE ABOVE OUR FEELINGS OF HURT AND HATE TO LOVE THOSE WHO PERSECUTE US.
God created each and every one of us out of love and with a loving purpose. When we feel oppressed by the hurtful actions of others, it can be tough to think of positive reasons that they are in our lives. However, I firmly believe God does not waste any experience—good or bad. He can be using your faith and courage to plant a seed in the heart of another—perhaps with the very person who has bullied you.
If you are dealing with your own mean girl, take heart.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
This is a season you will weather as the girl of grace you are. Keep the conversation going, confide in your “safe” people, and never cease praying. Even if you can’t see God’s hand at work, it doesn’t mean He isn’t fighting for you. Be encouraged, friends!
