bullies.

Bullies.
They're everywhere.
Middle school,
college,
your workplace,
and the locker room of an NFL team.
What?
What?

I had a bully in middle school.
Actually, back in the Dark Ages,
we called it intermediate school.
Her name was Jennifer.
And she made a good portion of
my two years in intermediate school
hellacious.

She was popular.
She drew a crowd.
I had lots of friends,
but even the largest amount of friends
 is diminished when
you're suffering at the hands of one bully.
She marginalized me.
She made me the outcast.

I had a stubborn streak, however.
I rarely let her know of her impact on my life.
I sucked it up and got creative.
Until I got home.
Then I cried.

My best advice as you listen
to the young ones around you?
If they tell you they have a bully,
do something.
Anything.
Engage.
I never gave my mom that chance.
I didn't tell her about Jennifer.
I wish I did.

Want to know what can be one of
the most powerful things
as you interact with the kids around you?
Talk about bullying.
And if you had a bully,
tell them.
If you have a bully now,
because bullies aren't just middle schoolers you know,
tell them.
Speak the truth.
Throw open the door on bullying
and let the kids in your life know that you understand
and that you're here to help 
because
you know it hurts.

My heart breaks for the
professional football player who is living this.
It has reminded me
that everyone-
anyone-
can be bullied.
And it's not okay.
Ever.

So Jennifer?
She looked at me one day in gym class
toward the end of eighth grade
and told me that she didn't know why
she was ever mean to me.

Me neither.

Speak the truth.
Today.

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace...  ~Zechariah 8:16

I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.  ~John 16:33

Many blessings,

Deni 

ps If you are struggling with a bully today, please tell someone that you trust. A teacher, your parents, a friend, a minister…anyone. Let them help you.