Candid Adventures

Not exactly what you might think.  Just my thoughts after watching a the documentary 'Bully' on Netflix and my letter to the mother of one of the children affected.

I'm writing this with a heavy heart of hurt and disbelief. The fact that children can be so mean and cruel without a care in the world, without any regard for the pain their words or actions might cause, the pain and sadness they impart on another persons life is so disheartening and to think that it seems to be getting worse is beyond my understanding.

One particular child in the documentary stood out and I just truly hope that today if there is any response from him or his family it's a response to the testimony that he is living out and fulfilling his purpose here on earth. I do truly hope that it hasn’t gotten the best of him but rather he’s found a strength not only from the love his friends and family provide but our Saviour in knowing that he is here for a reason and that this isn’t the end!  To also truly know he is special in so many ways and that he isn’t alone.

It really broke my heart to see those clips of him at school sitting alone and attesting to the fact that other students didn’t talk him. I only wish they could all see the bigger picture; life and the world that’s out there. The  future ahead of them and life after high school. The reality they face when they're no longer the most popular person in high school, the reality that they no longer have 10 best friends or the simple reality that they're just like anybody else working towards a dream of making something of themselves and the reality that no matter how “great” they were then, it may not matter anymore. Even a year after they leave school when they're faced with not knowing what their next move will be or where to turn. A reality that so many face and the fact that you were the prettiest girl in High School or the most popular boy in High School won't really matter anymore.

Instead how you’re able to survive and live in a world like we do, with so much temptation, anger and bitterness. A world where the grounded are faced with everyday realities and have to find the strength to continue and not give up on their dreams and goals for the future. To now realise that life has so many curveballs waiting for you, that  you never expected, so many changes and obstacles ahead that you could never have fully prepared yourself for. 

I wish those kids could see the bigger picture, but I know they're young but the reality that many of them will face having their own children picked on at the hands of a younger them and how they will deal with it. Many I'm sure may still be the bully they are today 10 years from now, while we hope things will change; it’s the sad reality, and many will not know where to turn or what they can do to help their child. While some will be faced with the harsh reality that they were once that bully and seeing first hand how it's affected their child will I hope be faced with a challenge and join in with helping to stop this epidemic.

The message the families shared in that documentary is so important. It was shocking to hear the responses of those children on the bus towards their peer, a reality that so many of our children are faced with day in day out! I commend the families in not contributing to this but trying to do what they can to help their precious gift from God realise he’s here for a reason.

I stress this so much not just for you but also myself, as I’ve struggled so much and still do at times, when life gets hard and I myself often wanting to know what the outcome will be and if all this will be worth it in the end. It’s a challenge but I’m working on it, and I do hope that  your child has somehow found a way to cope and even change the views and responses of his peers, if even just a few, as it’s a step in the right direction.

A child shouldn’t have to fight these battles, he shouldn’t have to feel there is no where he can turn or no way out all at the hands of senseless teens who have been raised to have no regard for others or to care how their actions no matter how big or small is affecting another.