How do we explain what we see in this world?

Terrorist attacks, sex slavery, racism, world hunger?

Subconsciously, we probably ask ourselves questions like these quite often. But consciously we rarely do. We're so busy living our lives we rarely stop and wonder WHY?

But then something happens to wake us up. Our parents get divorced. The girl down the street gets abducted. A relative gets cancer. That wakes us up for awhile. But then we can often sink back into the denial. That is, until another tragedy hits, another incongruence. Then we're likely to think, Something isn't right here. Something is really, really wrong. This isn't how life's supposed to be!

So, WHY do bad things happen?

Why isn't this world a better place?

There is an answer to the WHY question, found in the Bible. But it's not an answer that most people like to hear: the world is the way it is because it's the world that we, in a sense, have asked for.

Sound strange?

What or who could make this world different than the way it is? What or who could guarantee that life is pain-free, for everyone, all the time?

God could. God could accomplish that. But he doesn't. At least not right now. And we're angry with him as a result. We say, "God can't be all-powerful and all-loving. If he were, this world wouldn't be the way it is!"

We say this hoping that God will then change his position on the matter. Our hope is that putting a guilt trip on him will make him change the way he's doing things.

But he doesn't seem to budge. WHY doesn't he?

God doesn't budge -- he doesn't change things right now -- because he's giving us what we asked for: a world where we get to treat him as though he is absent and unnecessary.

Remember the story of Adam and Eve? They ate the "forbidden fruit." That fruit was the idea that they could ignore what God said or gave them, and strike out on life apart from God. For Adam and Eve sort of hoped that they could become like God, without God.

They consumed the notion that there was something more valuable in existence than God himself, something more valuable than having a personal relationship with God. And this world system -- with all of its faults -- came as a result of the choice they made.

Their story is the story of all of us, isn't it? Who hasn't said -- if not audibly at least in their hearts -- God, I think I can do this without you. I'll just go this one alone. But thanks for the offer.

We've all tried to make life work without God.

Why do we do that? Probably because we've all bought the notion that there's something more valuable, more important, than God.

For different people it's different things, but the mindset is the same: God isn't what's most important in life. In fact, I'd just as soon do it without him altogether.

What is God's response to that?

He allows it. Many people experience the painful results of others' or their own choices that run contrary to God's ways...murder, sexual abuse, greed, lying/fraud, slander, adultery, kidnapping, etc.

All of these can be explained by people who have refused to give God access and influence over their lives. They are going about their lives as they see fit, and they and others suffer.

What's God view on all of this?

He's not smug. In fact, God could rightly be viewed as leaning forward, compassionate, hoping we will turn to him so that he can bring real life to us.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."1 But not all are willing to go to him. Jesus commented on this when he said: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."2

Again, Jesus brings the issue back to our relationship with him. "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."3

But what about when life is unfair, when bad things happen to us?

What about those horrible circumstances that hit us in life, caused by someone other than ourselves? When we are feeling victimized, it's useful to realize that God himself endured horrendous treatment from others. God more than understands what you are going through.

There is nothing in life that could be more painful than what Jesus endured on our behalf, when he was deserted by his friends, ridiculed by those who would not believe in him, beaten and tortured before his crucifixion, then nailed to a cross, in shameful public display, dying of slow suffocation.

He created us, yet allowed humanity the freedom to do this, to fulfill Scripture and to set us free from our sin. This was no surprise to Jesus. He was aware of what was coming, foreknowing all the details, all the pain, all the humiliation.

"And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."4

Imagine knowing something that awful was going to happen to you. Jesus understands emotional and psychological anguish. The night that Jesus knew they would arrest him, he went to pray, but took some friends with him.

"And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here and watch [keep awake] with me. And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wills."5

Though Jesus confided in his three friends, they didn't understand the depth of his torment, and when Jesus returned from prayer he found them asleep. Jesus understands what it's like going through pain and extreme sadness alone.

Here it is summarized, as John describes in his gospel: "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God."6 "For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."7

There is no question that there is pain and intense suffering in this world.

Some of it is explained by selfish, hateful actions on the part of others. Some of it defies an explanation in this life. But God offers us himself. God gives us the knowledge that he has endured also, and is aware of our pain and needs. Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."8

There is ample reason to be afraid, troubled, but God can give us his peace, which is greater than the problem before us. He is after all, God, the Creator. The one who has always existed. The one who created a universe on the backstroke.

Yet even in his power, he's also the one who knows us intimately, even the smallest, insignificant details. And if we will trust him with our lives, relying on him, though we encounter difficulties, he will hold us securely.

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."9 He went through our ultimate threat -- death -- and overcame it. He can take us through the difficult circumstances of this life, and then bring us into eternal life, if we will trust him.

We can either go through this life with God or without him.

Jesus prayed, "O righteous Father, although the world has not known you, yet I have known you; and these have known that you sent me; and I have made your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."10

You might find yourself asking, "Why is life so hard?" Without God, humanity is easily drawn into hatred, racism, sexual abuse, murdering each other.

Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly."

This post was originally published here. If you have further questions about God? Please see www.everystudent.com If you have asked God into your heart please visit www.startingwithgod.com

Did this post get you thinking? Did it raise new thoughts or questions? We welcome your comments below.

Do You Feel Worthless?

When you hate your life and yourself, you often feel worthless. But you're not alone. The reality is, that every one of us questions our value at some point.

  • Do people like me?
  • What does my life matter to anyone? Does anyone really care?
  • People say such mean things about me, that must be what I’m really like.
  • Why do people hurt me? I must not deserve any better
  • Why am I such a mess up?
  • Why doesn’t anyone notice me?

We Base Our Worth on What People Think

We all base our worth on how others view us. If someone else finds me worthy of their love, I must be worth something, right? But if I don’t feel like I am receiving approval from anyone, if no one else is noticing my worth, then maybe I’m not worth anything.

We base our value on praise from others either for something we’ve done or bought or the way we look...because essentially, if someone else thinks I’m O.K., then I must be O.K.

While I would like to say, don’t worry about what others think, I don’t think that is realistic.

I think all of us are wired this way….we are wired to be loved and accepted.

Base Our Worth on What God Thinks

The problem is people never love perfectly.  Their views and opinions are constantly changing. They can never completely fill us up. And quite honestly, some people love horribly.

Let me just say to the child who has never been unconditionally loved or accepted by a parent, I am truly sorry, but it is NOT your fault, and it does NOT mean you are worthless.

I believe the only way to gain deep-rooted self-worth is to understand how God, your creator, views you. Even if you struggle with something as dark as depression and suicidal thoughts, God can and will help you, because His love is perfect, unconditional, and pure. He thinks you are worthy. Once you understand this in the core of your being, in your soul, you will no longer depend on the fleeting approval of others, but your worth will be built on the solid foundation of an unchanging God.

It is absolutely possible with God's help to stop hating yourself. If you will start looking at yourself the way God sees you, you can change your self-loathing to self-assurance. You can change from hating yourself to knowing you are made in God's image. God says you are: awesome, special, loved, cherished, beautiful, chosen, and so much more.

God talks to us through His Word, the Bible.  It is His love letter to you.  The Bible is full of the truth about how God feels about you.

Do you ever wonder "Am I worthy of God's love?"

Below are some of my favorite verses from the Bible that describe who you are in God's eyes.

Let these words soak in. You can even try inserting your name into any one of these statements from the Bible.

Bible Verses about Feeling Worthless

God designed you and thought of you before you were born

Imagine being dreamed about before you were even born – God dreamed about you!

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:13-16)

God Thinks about you

Imagine how it would feel to have someone love you so much they couldn’t stop thinking about you – that’s God!

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!" (Psalm 139:17-18)

God Sings over you

Imagine someone singing a love song just for you- God does!!

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

God Will Never Forget You

Imagine someone tattooing your name on their hand – God has!!

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Psalm 49:15-16)

God will never abandon you

Imagine never having to worry about being alone – God is always there.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

God Delights in you

Imagine someone who finds joy in knowing you – God does!

"He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19)

"The LORD’s delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love." (Psalm 147:11)

God Cares for you

Imagine someone who is willing to take on your burdens – God will!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

God makes you NEW

Imagine someone who doesn’t care about your past, but will accept you and make you new – that’s God.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God sees you as a Masterpiece

Imagine being thought of as priceless, created with a purpose in mind.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)

God Loves You

Imagine a love so deep that someone would offer their child’s life to save yours and then make you their child – that’s what God did.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." (Ephesians 1:4)

"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)

God Saves You

Imagine that despite your past mistakes, someone offers you a do-over for free, that will not be taken away – God offers you this!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." (Romans 8:1-2)

Did the Words Sink In?

Are you beginning to understand? You are SO precious. Not because of what people think, not because of what you do, not because you look a certain way or have achieved a certain thing. You are worth so much because God loves you. Even if you struggle with something as overwhelming as self-harm, depression, and suicide, prayer and leaning toward God can change your life. If you want to learn more, here are some more resources for finding self-worth and some additional verses of hope.

Interview with a Rock Princess on True Love: Lacey Sturm (Formally of Flyleaf)

Lacey Sturm…you probably know who she is but just in case you don’t, she co-founded the rock band, Flyleaf, and was their lead singer for 10 years until going solo.  Now she has debuted her solo project, Life Screams.

But I’m really here to tell you about her deep and personal memoir that was just released this month, The Mystery: Finding True Love in a World of Broken Lovers.  I got the privilege of reading her book and interviewing her about it.  She was a sweetheart during our interview and really poured out her heart.

She has had her struggles and she is not afraid to talk about them!  She wants others to learn from her experiences and she wants to help people!  I haven’t met too many rock princesses but I doubt many of them would be willing to be so vulnerable and share such personal experiences in order to help others.

In her book, Lacey talks about orphan identity.  Lacey grew up fatherless, and so her perspective of who and what a father is, was based on her not having a father and also observing other fathers who had neglected, abused, or abandoned their daughters.  In her book, Lacey wrote: “My orphan heart thought to be loved by someone was for them to save me.  I didn’t understand that the only person who can save me is God.  My orphan heart thought love was to complete someone else and to be completed by them.  I didn’t understand that when two people who aren’t whole try to complete each other they both end up with less than when they started.  I didn’t understand that the only one who can make a person whole is God.”

Lacey talked more about this orphan identity in our interview (by the way, I’ve been cut out of the video feed because…if we are being real here…we all just really want to see Lacey, don’t we!?!):

As Lacey says, with an orphan mindset, you feel like a burden on others.  You don’t want to burden anyone with your problems so you don’t reach out for help or accept help when it’s offered.  We (people in general) have an innate need for community with other people.  Our society teaches us to be independent and to make it on our own, but in truth, we need each other.  We need someone in our corner…friends or family to be “our people.”  We need them to support us, to encourage us when we are down, to celebrate with us when things are good, to listen when we need to talk, to give us wisdom when we don’t see clearlySo, don’t be afraid to make deep connections with people.  Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you are struggling because you aren’t meant to carry your burdens alone.

Lacey Sturm is a supporter of TheHopeLine!!

Lacey talked about being purposeful with your heart, emotions, and displays of love in her book and in our interview.  She points out that if you aren’t purposeful then you risk falling in and out of love, over and over, according to your circumstances, whims, and ignorance.  She explains how to be purposeful with your heart:

Lacey says, “There are boundaries for knowing when it’s safe to let your emotions lead you and when it’s time for you to lead them.”
Two of the boundaries she set up for herself to be purposeful with her heart was: 

1. Have people in her life who loved her and have people she would listen to no matter what, especially when it came to wisdom regarding relationships.

2. And she wrote down a vision of what she wanted in a husband.

Then she took her vision to God and asked Him to help her so that she would listen when God said, “Not yet,” or "No,” and that way she would know the relationship was safe and she wasn’t just manipulating the situation or tricking herself into thinking it’s good, like she’s done in the past and then been hurt by it.
The one thing Lacey wants someone to take away from reading her book is:

“God is the true love that we are always searching for.  And everything that we find that makes our hearts come to life is actually a reflection of who He is.  This world is just a shadow of His love for us and so when we get infatuated with some part of His creation, we have to recognize that there is an artist behind it.  And when we put all of our stock in a person or anything—a talent, a gift, a calling, something in nature, something beautiful, art—then all of a sudden we’ve stopped short of what we’re going after and that thing will always let us down, if we make it out to be God before we get to God himself.  He is the only one who can be God for us.”

In her book, she shares raw, honest, and personal stories that will give you insight into not only her life but your own as well.  She also has these letters dispersed throughout the book called, Hero Notes.  She has people; such as, Evan Tachoir, Brian Welch, Stephana Mosely, Joshua Sturm, Korey Cooper, and many more. They each write a letter to ‘the reader’ with words of encouragement and wisdom they have learned through their experiences.  There is some really good stuff in there! 

Connect with Lacey Sturm:
https://www.laceysturm.com/
https://twitter.com/LaceySturm
https://www.instagram.com/officiallaceysturm/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LaceySturm81

I Choose Forgiveness

I feel that many times when the topic of bullying awareness is brought up, we talk about our experiences and how we overcame them. We tell students to “talk to an adult” about what’s going on and tell victims of bullying that what they are going through is not a reflection upon their self-worth.

It seems as if one of the most important parts of bullying awareness is rarely talked about – forgiveness!

Not Forgiving Gave the Bully More Power

Forgiveness is simple but yet complex. As a victim of bullying, I was never able to fully heal from my experiences until I learned and started practicing forgiveness. I have found out the hard way that not forgiving the mean girls did absolutely nothing positive for me, but instead gave them more power over me. Their actions from the past were affecting how I was moving forward into my future.

I did not become angry as some do when they withhold forgiveness, but I had guilt about holding onto a grudge. Both the past and current actions of my peers who were bullying me, seemed to hurt more and more every day. The following summer, when I had no contact with these individuals, the pain of not forgiving them continued to grow. Even when I wasn’t around the bullying, I was giving power to the mean girls over me by not forgiving them. I was giving them the response that they wanted me to have.

Forgiveness Takes Time

It took time to fully forgive those who have hurt me. Honestly, I am still forgiving some. You may be thinking, “Forgiving is good but what my bullies did to me was so bad I’m not sure if I can do it. Not everything is forgivable.” I have believed this lie and have taken this to heart.

I tend to subconsciously think that Christ died just for those who are morally good. The truth is – He didn’t. He died for that family member that I have a broken relationship with, my best friend that I love dearly, my friends, myself, AND those who have hurt me! If He can forgive all of those individual sins, then what is stopping me from forgiving the mean girls? Selfishly I think, if I can’t forgive my enemies, how could God ever forgive me? I’m really not any different from them.

Forgiveness Is Not...

Forgiving is not admitting that what your enemy did to you was okay, or that it did not hurt. It is simply not holding on to their actions anymore. Forgiving others does not mean you are obligated to become friends with them, and it does not give the other person permission to repeat their actions.

Forgiveness Is...

Forgiving is being in physical chains but having access to the key. The longer you wait to come out of the chains, they become heavier on your body and soul. The person who locked you in the chains does not feel the effect of the weight upon your body the way you do. When you find the courage to pick up the key and take the chains off, your body is instantly relieved.

Forgiving those who bully you does not guarantee that you will no longer be hurt by them but holding a grudge will absolutely do you no good. Most likely the person bullying you has been through the same thing themselves and takes their pain and uses it to hurt others. Those who have been hurt, tend to hurt others. As a part of bullying awareness, we need to talk about the power of forgiving the bullies because if we don’t forgive them, even if they did not seek forgiveness, what does that show about your character?

If you want to forgive the bully and you are not quite sure where to start, here are a few pointers:

  • Start praying for your enemy.
  • Try to find a positive trait about them.
  • Start to compliment them. This will start to change your perspective of them.
  • Remember that God forgives them.

Forgiving does not have to happen overnight, but if you want to change your emotional self, it does have to happen.

Lama Leah is a blogger, and supporter of the arts, social change, and God’s chosen people. Read more from her on her blog: Lama-Leah!

Tough relationships and people talking about “letting go” or telling you to forgive is hard. God can help you find the peace to forgive. Read more here

She sits at her computer looking back over her shoulder, frightened he’s going to walk in the room and discover she is searching for a shelter.

Her heart sinks as she gets her 20th text this hour questioning her whereabouts, telling her she should be home, accusing her of being with another guy. She does everything to assure him she is just shopping with her mom, but he wants her home.

The above scenarios are reality for many people who are in abusive relationships. I hear these kinds of stories all the time on my radio show.

Here’s a radio clip from when Jessica called in to seek help for her terrifying situation:

On a daily basis approximately 71,000 victims receive services for domestic violence in America from either emergency shelters, transitional housing, child advocacy groups, legal advocacy and counseling. (Source: National Network to End Domestic Violence)

It is not O.K. that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.  So, let's talk about it.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, first and foremost, know that you are NOT alone, that this is NOT your fault, and help IS available.  I want to start by pointing out some definite warning signs, provide a few safety tips and offer encouragement.

Let’s begin by talking about some RED FLAGS! If you are just beginning a relationship with someone and something seems a little off, it probably is.

If you are beginning to wonder if you are getting into an abusive relationship, here are some warning signs:

  • Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
  • Early in the relationship flatters you constantly and seems "too good to be true."
  • Wants you all to him- or herself; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
  • Insists that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, quit school, or quit your job.
  • Does not honor your boundaries.
  • Is excessively jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
  • Wants to know where you are all of the time and frequently calls, emails, and texts you throughout the day.
  • Criticizes or puts you down; says you are crazy, stupid, and/or fat/unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
  • Takes no responsibility for his or her behavior and blames others.
  • Takes your money or runs up your credit card debt.
  • Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.
    (www.nnedv.org)

If you have experienced any of this, please know you are not to blame. You didn’t know what you were getting into, and once you are in the relationship it can be hard to see what’s going on. If you are starting to get concerned, it is time for you reach out for help….but how?

Three Important Steps to Escape an Abusive Relationship:

1. Get Support.

As mentioned above, abusers will often try to isolate their partner, so you may not have a good support system anymore and you may be concerned that no one will understand. But I promise you there is support. Please confide in someone and if you don’t think you have anyone to talk to, please chat with TheHopeLine®. We will listen to you and help your find resources in your area to help you get to safety. You are not alone.

2. Make a Safety Plan.

  • Have an escape route in mind to get out of the house quickly if your partner becomes violent. If you have kids, tell them the plan.
  • You might want to alert your neighbors that if they hear yelling coming from your house that you would like them to call the police. It might not   be a comfortable conversation, but it could save your life.
  • Pack a bag with essentials and store it at a friend or family member’s house in case you ever need to leave suddenly. This could include clothes, medicines, important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, etc.), money, etc.
  • Speaking of money…if possible, open a bank account or hide money so you can be financially independent for a while.

3. Internet Safety. Since abusers are most often controlling and suspicious, chances are they are monitoring your on-line activities. It doesn’t take much expertise for them to be able to track what you are doing on-line – so be careful and follow these tips.

  • Avoid making any sudden changes in your internet use. For example, don’t go in and delete your entire internet history if that is not something you typically would do. That could raise their suspicions. In fact, continue normal internet activities on your computer/phone like shopping or checking the weather or news.
  • You can delete certain items from your browsing history, but with just a little digging or spyware, those could still be discovered. The best practice would be to use a safer computer (a friends or the library, etc.) to look for shelters, a new job, a new place to live, bus tickets, etc.

Now if you have taken the courageous step to get out of the abusive relationship, I know your fears are not necessarily over. You may still feel very unsafe. This was certainly the case for Stacey when she called my show. In the following clip, Stacey shares her fears after her ex found her via social media. I then opened it up to have other radio listeners give Stacey advice. Lisa called in with some awesome tips that she used to protect herself from her own abusive partner.

4 key points Lisa makes for keeping yourself “hidden” from your abuser are:

1. Get a PO Box in a neighboring town or county.

2. Change your e-mail address

3. Get rid of social media (You don’t know who your abuser may be using to dig up information.)

4. Ask your cell phone provider to set your number to always come up as a blocked number when you call anyone.

I also received many comments on my Facebook page from people who had good advice for Stacey. Here is some of their GREAT advice:

Sarah Jane talked about Social Media Protection – “Block him. Block anybody that knows him, talks to him, or even are friends with him on Facebook. Turn everything to private. And completely STOP accepting friend requests even if they seem like completely normal people sending you a request. It's probably him. Or somebody who knows him and he's sent them your way to "watch" you. Call me paranoid, but I've been down that road before. He will go to all lengths just to make sure he's giving you hell or at least staying up to date with your life. It'll forever have you watching over your shoulder, and to this very day I still do.”

An even safer route would be to take Chris’ advice, “Bite the bullet, take a social media break for a while. Shift your focus, and bury yourself in prayer.”

Laura talked about the importance of keeping a record of each interaction the abuser has with you, “Document EVERY SINGLE ENCOUNTER no matter how big or small. Do your best to block him but if he breaks through write it down and keep it all together. Do not engage him.”

There is a lot of important information in this blog for you to consider. Remember you don’t have to do this on your own. Support is available.
Finally, I want to encourage you to pray continually, asking God to protect you and provide for you, and ask others to pray for you as well. If you don’t know who to ask for prayer, please post a request on TheHopeLine Prayer page. There are people waiting to pray for you.

God promises His protection when we call out to Him. I shared three verses from the Bible with Stacey to bring her comfort. Please listen to the clip below…these promises are for you as well.

"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance."
(Psalm 32:7)

An Open Letter to My Bully

Dear Bully,

How are you doing? I want to thank you.

Thank you, my dear, for helping me become a strong person by pointing out my best and worst personality and physical traits. Even though I am now thanking you, I am not going to let your opinions about me change me. You told me I am fat; I’m not going to lose weight for you. You told me that I’m weird, well, I’m just going to embrace that. You told me that I’m ugly; I don’t put makeup on for you every day. I put makeup on because I enjoy doing it and love playing with different colors. You told me that I’m stupid; I’m smart in my own ways. Your words won’t change me, but instead they will strengthen me.

Hurt People Hurt Others

It is obvious that you, yourself, are hurting, and you find it easier to bring others down then lift them up. You are insecure, have low self-esteem, and have probably been hurt yourself by someone else. I feel sorry for you. While I make a choice not to hurt others because you hurt me, you did not make that same decision. I want you to know that you are precious in God’s sight and that I’m praying for you.

I also know that I will not purposely surround myself around people who bully me because I’m tired of being hurt. I am tired of the little comments, and the rumors.

Choose Love

We both have been hurt by different people and we both have a choice. We can choose to continue to hurt others, or we can lift others up. Both of us are doing one of those options.

In the end, no one will remember who was the smartest, funniest, made the varsity team, or had the cutest outfit.  We will be remembered by how we treat others and how you treat yourself.

Lama Leah is a blogger, and supporter of the arts, social change, and God’s chosen people. Read more from her on her blog: Lama-Leah!

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