When I was a kid, I was bullied and made to feel less than. I have been considered eccentric since I was a kid. When I was young, I took little interest in looking cool or being the coolest. I loved my hand me down dresses and I picked my clothes based on comfort or self-expression. I was myself at an age, where most of my peers were trying to fit into a certain mold. Admittedly, around the time I was a preteen I started caring more about my appearance. Then as I started to care, I was bullied for different reasons. Teenage girls in their plight for self-assurance; will at times say unkind or untrue things to build themselves up. I even found bullying in my workplace as an adult. Sometimes there are people in their own insecurity, that will try to build themselves up on the hurt that they cause others. Friend, I am sure at different points in your life you have been bullied too; for one reason or another. Though we have to forgive those which caused offense. The reason people are unkind is from something inside of them, not you. It is not a talent to be mean and it is not a skill to be unkind. Those in which offer cruelty, need to be offered forgiveness and prayer. For the best way to stop a bully, is allowing God to step in and work in that person’s heart. Keep being your wonderful self my friend; God has plans for you. Believe it or not, He does for them too. So don’t let a bully leave you bitter. Offer grace and love anyway. Watch what only God can do in the hearts of those that so desperately need Him. For when we walk with God, we are more than. More than an unkind word or action. More than what another tells us we are. For we are God’s children and that makes us cherished, valuable, important and priceless. Keep shining my friend, just as God created you.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Romans 12:21 NIV

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Luke 6:27-28 NIV

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Matthew 5:44 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:5-10 NIV

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Psalm 139:14 NIV

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.