My Son WAS Being Bullied

Many of you read my previous post about the tough time my son was having in school this year.

That post was not the end of the story though.

One afternoon, soon after that post was written, Jack’s carpool dropped him off and he came flying up the front steps saying, “Mom! Mom! You’ll never guess what happened today!”

I asked him what was going on and he told me that, during recess, a group of students began to form a kickball game.  Jack went over to join in and was immediately taunted by the two boys.

Here’s where the story gets good.

Jack responded with, “I’m going to play kickball with my friends and I don’t think there’s anything you can do to stop me.”

My sweet, non-confrontational little boy who had been practicing responses to their hassling for months finally stood up for himself!

And that’s not even the best part.

According to Jack, the two boys looked at each other, shrugged, and one said, “Ok.  Why don’t you be on my team?”

And that’s still not even the best part.

The best part is that Jack responded with, “Sure.”  The best part is that the Lord gave Jack a heart for forgiveness.  He relieved Jack of any burden of resentment against those boys.  He doesn’t harbor anger or bitterness towards them.  Instead, he forgave and experienced the freedom forgiveness offers.

After that, Jack reported things were so much better at school.  Let’s be realistic.  He’s certainly not BFFs with these boys nor does he seek them out as buddies.  The scars of being bullied are still there. There’s still a little bit of hesitancy sometimes.

But the Lord has provided in so many ways:

• Strength to stand up for what’s right.
• The willingness to extend forgiveness.
• The joy that is felt when a situation is resolved and the power of prayer is realized.

Now it’s summer break over here.  We are thankful for summer break; a much needed break from school and the struggles of this year.  Summer break this year came at the perfect time, the time the Lord ordained it to.  So soon after the break started, I could see a change in my son.  His joyful self re-emerged; the playfulness combined with his desire to grow in knowledge.  And I am thankful.

– Emily

(One other ‘follow up’ we thought you’d enjoy for those that follow this blog! Do you remember the precious Green family? That lost their angel third baby Hallie? Please meet the newest member of their family and rejoice with me. God is good. – Courtney)