It is not easy to recall. To this day, I cannot bear to see it happen to anyone.
During a group trip, young people and sponsors enjoyed the sunny, warm day. Activities included hiking, a picnic, frisbee, free time and lots of fellowship. Laughter, music, clapping and conversations filled the air.
As the crowd gathered for a meal, several teenage gals stayed behind. Before anyone noticed, they circled a younger gal and began mocking her, making fun of her, criticizing her and threatening her. She was trapped, frightened, hurt and alone. No one else noticed the bullying incident. No one missed her presence. No one came to find her. No one realized the torment she endured. While laughter continued around picnic tables, a life was hurting deeply. While food was consumed, a heart was broken. When the younger gal was released, she felt too ashamed and sad to join the crowd. Instead she ran to the bus and stayed until it was time to leave. No one noticed. No one asked. In the middle of multiple activities, a soul was shattering and no one seemed to care.
Sadly, this story reminds me of too many scenarios today. It happens in schools...in workplaces...in families. In the busyness of life, broken lives go unnoticed. Neglect, cliques, bullying, politics and favoritism slowly isolate and destroy lives of people who simply want to belong and be loved. Tragically, it even happens in some places where people claim His Name. It should happen nowhere. It should never happen within a family of believers. Yet it does.
May we realize the weight of our words...the influence of our choices...and the extent of our example...wherever we live, study, gather, work or worship. A life may depend on it. By the way, I was the younger gal circled by the others. It was also a special outreach church trip. Thank God, countless other trips never included such an experience. But that day, He held me close, wiped my tears and taught me even more about breaking hearts. May we remember to love, look, listen and live knowing each heart matters to Him.♥~thl
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." Romans 12: 14>16
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