I'm hearing lots of media talk today of sad, sad cases of bullying in schools. My thoughts immediately go to my own kids as they've just entered school. In the next 12+ years, chances are they will encounter their share of "mean kids" and unjust bullying. That someone could not see how great my kids are is beyond me, but I know it will happen. It will break my heart and hurt their feelings and I'm praying now that they will talk to us about it all and more than that, talk to their Lord - where their security rests.
I had my share of bullying (6 schools in 3 cities and people don't always like the new girl)...I was a tiny, shy, white, blonde-headed girl bussed to a junior high across town where I was a minority. A short, hispanic girl named Cathy wanted to fight me on the first day I was there. I kept dodging her until one day when I came out of the bathroom stall where her and her minions were surrounding me. I was saved by the janitor--shew. But after school each day put me in a panic. Luckily, she had lots of detentions and missed me on most days. One particular day I recall because I brought a pocket knife to school and stuffed it in my back pocket on my way out the door after school. I didn't see Cathy that day and thank God because I may still be in trouble for whatever I thought I may do with that knife? Crazy. However, we never fought and she soon got over whatever it was about me that angered her so. I think the next year, we were good friends. But, I didn't escape the year without being punched in the face and my lip busted...Derek, an older boy on my bus with orange tinted glasses had it out for me. However, my knight in shining skateboarding shoes took care of Derek for me. At the time, it was lovely to watch. Now - I know Derek must have been suffering in other areas of his life and/or home to harbor so much anger and violence.
Despite my survival, I still fear the harsh words and actions that may come to my kids throughout their school career. As I was hearing the horrible stories on tv and worrying about my own kids, I happened to read 1 Peter 2...
9For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin,and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
I am so thankful that we never endure anything that HE does not fully understand!
Side note: I was not innocent and surely made fun of people who were not deserving and I feel bad for it now. Not only do I pray my kids receive kindness, but that they, too, are kind and loving to others no matter what!
We had an amazing photographer take our pre-baby family/my big belly photos a few weeks ago. Here are a few of the ones we have so far. There are more to come! She's also coming to the house to photograph Payson a few weeks after he's born--can't wait! We took the pics on the UT grounds. It was a smooth and easy session and I'd highly recommend Tali to photograph your family! Although, I can't help, but stare at my belly button in each picture. Not only is it way out there, but it looks like I have two. That's what I get for having it pierced all those years ago, I guess? Oh well. Click the link below for Tali Wildman's blog... 
