Acceptance. Big word. Big problem in the school. Big problem in the church. And a big problem in the world.
We give off signals like a flashing yellow light. By the way we speak, or don't speak, share, or don't share, include or exclude we choose to reject or accept people every day. Sometimes aware, sometimes unaware. Either way, rejected, wounded, hurting people are all around us.
When was the last time you went out of your way to include someone who was different, new, or had a disability? When was the last time you hugged someone that seemed dirty, strange, or unlovable in your eyes? When was the last time you reached out to be a friend to someone who was all alone and didn't have any/many friends?
In our culture we're all afraid of the R word—REJECTION. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Yet, many times, we are unconsciously pushing them away for whatever reason. Maybe we're afraid of being rejected by them if we reach out?
Although I try to make it a point to reach out to those who are different, I get nervous and sweaty, because I've been one of those who have been rejected all my life.
You? You might ask. A gifted writer, speaker, and pet therapist! Yes, me! Why not me? Why not you?
Rejection happens to many people in all walks of life all over the world every day. And it needs to stop. But the only way it will, is when we decide to accept others, and stop putting up walls or stereotyping.
The truth is ANYONE can take on bullying behaviors. I am taking on bullying behaviors when I choose to ignore or not accept another person who is different from me or I think I won't like. We are all different. We are all unique. We are all special. We are all important. Together we are a body that makes the world complete.
I might only be an ugly toe to someone, but I still can give balance to another who may not have it. I may only be a big mouth, but may say a word another needs to hear to get healed. I may only be a finger, but may be able to point others in the right direction. I may only be a nose, but I may smell fire so I can warn others before they burn. I may only be an eye, but I may see something in your path that could harm you. I may only be an ear, but I may hear something wonderful to share with you. I may only be a voice, but I may tell you how much your loved and valued when others want to persecute and destroy you. I may be a heart, but may love and care for you like no other. I may only be a back, but I may be the only who stands behind you. I may only be a foot, but I may pave the way to make it easier for you. I may only be an arm, but I may be the only one reaching out to hold you.
The body, each intricate part, is so important to its function. And that's how we are as individuals. My kids, every one of them have disabilities, yet they have even greater abilities, and our family/body could not function well without them.
Our family is feeling that loss right now. One of my children, Brian, recently passed away. He had a rare heart condition and Asperger's Syndrome. By the world's standards he was disabled, a reject, an outcast, but he was one of the most important parts of this family and this body. He served, he gave, and he loved more than anyone I know. When people bullied him, he forgave them. When people ignored him, he loved them. When the world threw him lemons, he made lemonade. He was determined to use the ability God gave to help others, no matter what the cost.
That's why our family is doing a CHANGE of HEART for Brian in his honor. We are going all over the USA to educate others about accepting and loving one another, to stop abuse, bullying and violence. So, why not be the change for Brian and help us to make a difference to those who have been bullied and those taking on bullying behaviors to set them free. http://www.takeabiteoutofabuse.com/change.html
3 comments:
Studies show that people who are abused by their peers are at risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. They may also think about suicide more.
This is so true Edwin. Studies also show that if people don't break away from bully behaviors early in life, which is what we teach, many of them end up in gangs, prison, or dead. Not good end results. Jesus came to give life and that more abundantly, so we teach kids to choose that life.
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