First Baptist Church of Herndon

Sticks and Stones

Linda Soller | Mar 30, 2015

If you work outside the home, volunteer, take public transportation, go on vacation, or any other activity requiring you to leave your house, you probably deal with the public. Unfortunately, more and more it seems people are so engrossed with what they want they can’t see the big picture. Technology allows them the immediate satisfaction of communicating their opinions and slinging their accusations. Every action or decision which impacts them becomes a personal issue. It seems to be a sad way to go through life. Last week I wrote of a person, someone I’d never met, who demonstrated a generous giving spirit. It would be lovely if I met such people daily or even weekly. She was not focused on self, but on others.

This week, as life would have it, I encountered someone on the entirely other end of the spectrum. This person, with incomplete, inaccurate information, lashed out at a colleague and myself in what I can only hope was a misguided, misinformed, and emotional over reaction. Even so their words were inflammatory, threatening, and hurtful. It isn’t the first time I had experienced such a communication from the individual, but I truly felt badly for my colleague who was an innocent bystander, wrongfully targeted. I will say my first reaction was disbelief. It was followed shortly after by sadness and concern for my colleague, and continued toward anger that either of us should have to suffer unfairly at the hands of this stranger who neither of us have ever met. Fortunately my faith calmed me and pushed me from anger. I remembered the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

As the eventful day progressed I could see how the rant was a form of adult bullying. I was supposed to feel fear and intimidation. All afternoon I dreaded a sleepless night as I ran the offensive email through my mind. Oh, did I forget to mention the message was delivered in an email? You know, that communication tool that allows you to basically provide your aggressive accusations without having to face your victim. It was during my prayers that night when I finally heard the answer I needed; just let it go. Life is too short to spend it honoring such behavior by focusing on it. It was inaccurate, it was unprofessional, it was grossly inappropriate, and therefore was not due the respect of my time or energy. You and I both know it’s not that simple. We are humans and we struggle to overcome such things. Sometimes even when we know we haven’t done anything wrong we find ourselves subjected to the fears, and insecurities which create the bullies of this world.

As we move closer to Easter let us remember how fears and insecurities of the powerful religious leaders played such a big part in Jesus’ crucifixion. He died for us, He knows and understands the ordeals we face each day, and He gives His support to help us manage. I actually slept well that night, comforted and secure in the knowledge of the truth of the situation. I said a prayer for the bully who lashed out, and for strength for my colleague. Last week I asked you to pray with me for Ms. Frieda and I want you to continue. I hear she is doing well so far. This week I ask you to pray for the bully I dealt with, and any bully you may know. Ask God to set them free from the fears and insecurities which apparently justify in their minds the unacceptable behavior they inflict upon the rest of us.   

Happy Easter – HE IS RISEN!   Have a great week! :o)  Linda