Soul Shoppe's Bullying And School

At a recent assembly, a 4th grader courageously sat in the “chair of respect” and share how she was being bullied and teased at school.  Once she shared, we asked the rest of the students if they had ever seen her get teased or bullied.  We such honesty, half the hands in the room went up.  We then asked them to take their courage to the next level and raise their hands if they were willing to admit that they had done the teasing.  One-third of the group raised their hands.  Finally we asked if anyone was willing to clean this up and apologize.  Without hesitation, one brave hand shot straight up first.  This boy stood up, walk up to the front of the room, took the microphone, looked straight into the girl’s tear-streaked brown eyes and said, “I have been teasing you since we were in kindergarten.  I didn’t know it hurt you so bad.  I’m sorry and promise I won’t do it again.  Will you forgive me?”  And with tears in her eyes, she smiled and said, “thank you so much and yes, I forgive you.”

Imagine if we all have the courage to step out like that day after day.  Imagine what classrooms, schools, homes and communities would feel like if we were brave enough to stand up and apologize for the way we hurt someone.  Imagine the compassion, understanding and appreciation we would have for each other and ourselves.  Everyday we all make mistakes and have things to “clean up” with one another.  Often times, we just let the little things build and we don’t say anything and before you know it, you’re mad at someone and you don’t even remember the reason.  You stay away from the other person, separate and disconnect.  It doesn’t have to be that way, there is another way.

Today, think about someone you might have hurt, offended, gave the “crazy look” to or stopped connecting with and find your courage, stand up,  apologize and then ask for forgiveness.  It will be SO worth it!