Health & Fitness
DEEP WITHIN
This article deals with anti-bullying and ways that society can take action.
When I was asked to write an article on anti-bullying I started
to wonder what the difference is between now and 30 years ago. I remember when I was bulled in elementary school where, for the moment it hurt, but a week later forgotten. Certain boys were known as the big bully of the play ground who made others fearful from their physical strength, not their mental capabilities. However, all of this changed with the advent of texting, cell phone cameras, and facebook. Instead of brute force, it has become push the button. Unfortunately, cyberbullying has been the catalyst for many to commit suicide, emotional damage, and slander. Bullying is eroding the fabric of a civilized society. There has been a dramatic shift in attitudes toward a more reptilian mentality. The cyberbully has become viciously narcissistic that only
thinks how wonderful it is to prey on those who are different so that they
might feel superior.
How do we win the war? RESPECT! We need to respect each
other as part of the human family made in the image of God. As we see others
being bullied, we need to put respect into action. Walk the talk. We need to
reach deep within ourselves to examine our own attitudes toward those who are
different. Is it so wrong to embrace those who have a different sexual
orientation, different color or culture, and may look or smell funny? Is it so
wrong, as it says in Matthew’s gospel, “Do to others as you would have done to
you?” Another way to win the war is to follow the recipe of Micah 6:8, “do
justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” Our faith has to be part of the solution to the problem. In so doing, we will exemplify God’s love as we teach the world to sing in perfect harmony and cure the disease of bullying once and for all.
