Bullied No More! a Poem by Martha Bolton

March 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment

By Martha Bolton:

How can you experience victory over bullying? Part of the solution is how you choose to react and seek support.

 

Recently a young jewelry designer took her own life,  leaving behind notes describing how she’d been bullied by some co-workers and classmates in the fashion industry.

It’s a tragedy when someone takes his or her own life because of ill treatment by others. But everyone who is bullied can make a choice. If only that young woman could have turned her terrible experiences around, and positively helped herself and others who face similar circumstances by standing up, standing firm, and reaching out for help.

We believe God could have helped her get through that dark moment and find her way back into the light.

          I’ve been bullied myself; I know it’s no fun.

          So what can a bullied person do?

Image by imagerymajestic FreeDigitalPhotos net

I will be bullied no more!

 BULLIED NO MORE

Say enough is enough by your standing; not by your retreat.

Say enough is enough through your triumphs; not by your defeat.

Say enough is enough with your faithful friends standing up for you.

Say enough is enough by telling your mom and dad and teacher, too.

Say enough is enough by being you, not by returning hate.

Say enough is enough by rising above, instead of biting their bait.

No one can make you be less than you are.  So remember when things get tough,

The ones who matter will have your back ‘cause enough is enough is enough!

© 2013 Martha Bolton

To be bullied NO MORE, and find hope when you are suffering from bullying, these articles may help:

 

Bullying Prevention Tips for Parents and Kids

Stop Bullies with Self-Confidence and God’s Help!

How to Stop Cyberbullying

Cyberbullied: Handling Mean Texts and Online Posts

 

 

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Yes, There is an Anti-Bullying Day

February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

by N. J. Lindquist:

Today is Anti-bullying Day in Canada. It’s also known as Pink Shirt Day.

 

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pink Shirt Day started with an anti-bullying stand taken by two Grade 12 students in Nova Scotia about six years ago. They witnessed a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school and rallied other students to wear pink as a message against bullying.

Two of my sons were bullied for very different reasons when they were roughly 12-13. As a parent, I felt angry and determined to stop it, while also a bit helpless – no one can live in another person’s shoes. Nor can you be with your child all the time.

Our sons survived and weren’t injured by their experiences, but I wonder if there were other kids who ran into the same bullies, and the bullies themselves – are they still bullies as adults?

Far too many of the people who commit suicide or attempt to do so have been bullied. The death of Amanda Todd, a 15-year-old from B.C. who committed suicide in October after posting a video detailing how she was bullied both in person and over the internet, brought attention to the newest for of bullying, cyber-bullying. But bullying has been around for a long time.

For more information on Pink Shirt Day and what you can do about bullying, read this article.

You can also read here on our site:

Bullying Prevention Tips for Parents and Kids

Stop Bullies with Self-Confidence and God’s Help!

How to Stop Cyberbullying

Cyberbullied: Handling Mean Texts and Online Posts

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Bullying Prevention Tips for Parents and Kids

October 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

By Linda Evans Shepherd:

For National Bullying Prevention Month we asked author Shannon Perry (with Master’s degree in education and counseling) some tough questions about bullying.

 

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What do we need to teach our kids about bullying? What should a child do if they become a bully’s target or witness an act of bullying? And what do you do if you find out if it’s your child who is bullying others?

Shannon Perry offers some good bullying prevention tactics:

Linda:  Shannon, I’m glad, as you are a certified instructor in crisis counseling, that you’ve taken the time to talk with me about bullying.  Can you describe to me what the act of bullying actually is?

Shannon:  Bullying is a form of behavior used to negatively affect others where there is an “imbalance of power.” This “imbalance” may be perceived social or physical power and may be based on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion or other perceived positions. Bullies like to dominate others and are very “self” focused. While some bullies believe they have the right to treat others as they choose, many bullies are simply insecure. Some bullies are victims of bullying themselves and others suffer from mental disorders and need psychiatric attention.

Linda:  As responsible adults, what can we do to help prevent bullying?

Shannon:  Teachers and parents have the responsibility to teach children how to recognize bullying and employ tactics to deal effectively with it. There are many steps that parents or educators can take as preventative measures for bullying:

  • Teach zero tolerance for any type of bullying behavior.
    • Show positive examples of acceptance of others via family time, the newspaper, magazines, tv, etc.
    • Discuss appropriate ways to handle/display anger.
    • Teach words of reconciliation and empathy such as “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”
    • Discuss movie scenes that involve bullying. As a family, discuss the appropriate behavior that should have taken place in bullying situations.

Linda:  If a child is being bullied by his peers, what steps can he take to stop the bullying?

Shannon:  Here are some practical things to do when confronted by a bully:

  • Hold your head up and look confident. Refrain from having a hurt or fearful look on your face.
  • Keep your arms to your side and stand confidently on both feet. Keep your hands out of your pockets; not folded or held up as if you want to fight.
  • Keep non-threatening eye contact with the bully.
  • Don’t run away unless you are in danger.
  • Don’t get physical with the bully or argue in return.
  • Do something that brings you confidence in your everyday life by developing a skill you are good at or taking a class.
  • Find good, true friends and share your pain with them once they can be trusted.
  • Tell trusted adults that you are being bullied. Talk to someone UNTIL YOU GET HELP! If the first adult does not take you seriously, keep going to adults until someone believes you and does something to help you.

Linda:  If a child realizes that his behavior toward others is bullying, how can they change their behavior?

Shannon:  Behavior modification starts at home with the parents. If you find out that your child is being a bully, stay calm and meet with the adults who have witnessed the behavior. Apply clear and significant consequences and require (and witness) your child to apologize to any he/she has offended. If necessary, “shadow” your child at school for a day. Go everywhere he/she goes and monitor behavior. Immediately reinforce positive behavior when your child does good and immediately seek professional help if the bullying behavior continues for an extended period of time.

Linda:  If a child’s peers are bullying a classmate, what is the best way for a student to stand up for the classmate without being bullied himself?

Shannon:  If you are a by-stander and see someone being bullied, you can also use the strategies listed above.  But, for example, if someone is being bullied about his hair, you can say something like, “I think his hair cut looks like Justin Bieber, and I wish my hair looked like his!”

Next, ask the victim to walk away with you.

Some counter-bullying tactics include getting a third party involved. For example, the victim may wish to confront the bully who has been spreading rumors about her. To do so, it would be wise to discuss this action with an adult then have others present when the interaction takes place.

 More About Shannon Perry  – Shannon is an author, recording artist, conference speaker and radio host who often tackles issues such as bullying. Her brand-new conference, “In Her Shoes,” is designed specifically for mothers and daughters, tackling issues such as bullying, self-esteem, body image, social media, dating as well as other topics affecting tween and teen girls. Shannon holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling and is a Certified Instructor in Parenting Classes and Crisis Counseling. For more information visit www.ShannonPerry.com.

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Stop Bullies with Self-Confidence and God’s Help!

October 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

How can having self-confidence stop bullying?

 

Nothing attracts a bully like lack-of-confidence.  In fact, showing good self-confidence is a great defense against being bullied.  But how do you get self-confidence?  Do you find it in the mirror or  in the words of your peers?

That would be nice, but that won’t always work, especially if you dislike some of your features, or if your friends (or non-friends) sometimes tease or harass you. But no worries, you can still show self-confidence to stop bullies with these 5 simple steps.

 1. Know that You are Loved

Confidence cannot be combed into place or wiped away with blemish cream.  In fact, you can be confident no matter what you look like, especially  if you know this one little secret — God loves you.  (Yes, there really is a God and he really does care about you.)  You can learn more about how to have a relationship with God at:  www.GodTest.com.  But before you  check out the ‘test’ or helps on that website, try saying the following out loud.

God loves me and if God loves me, I love me too.

Was that hard to say?  If it was, try saying it again.  Next, try writing it down on a post-it note or note card and put it where you can see it several times a day.  For the more you see it and say it, the easier it will be to believe it.  This believing will have  a big pay-off because the more you believe it, the more confidence you will have.

2. Look Confident

You can learn to project confidence even when you don’t feel confident, but it may take practice.  A recent article reported, “People are less likely to be picked on if they walk and sit with awareness, calm, respect, and confidence. Projecting a positive, assertive attitude means keeping one’s head up, back straight, walking briskly, looking around, having a peaceful face and body, and moving away from people who might cause trouble.”

This may mean you need to practice in front of a mirror so that you will learn to walk with confidence, head up, as you stride purposefully.  You may need to practice how you sit in a chair so you don’t look small or afraid, but instead look sure of yourself.  You may even need to practice how you smile and say hello to others.  Notice how others who seem confident greet others and take some pointers.  Practice speaking in a clear, calm voice when you are in private so you can do so when you are with others.

3. Learn to Walk Around a Bully as Well as His Reach

What are the best words to say to a bully who confronts you?  Imagine this; with confidence you say in reply to a snide remark, “Have a nice day,” or “See you later.” Next, calmly change seats, step out of line, or just walk away.

4. Don’t be afraid to say, “Stop, I don’t Like That.”

If someone is physically tapping, kicking, or hitting you say, “Stop. I don’t like that,” and say it loudly.  Try practicing this with your hands on your hips, with a clear firm voice.  This practice will help you be ready if you really need say it to a bully.  If that time should come and more help is needed, go get an adult.

5. Take a Stand For Yourself

Practice telling yourself the opposite of a remark meant to hurt or insult you.  I found good advice on how to do this in a great article in Kid Power which advices,  “If someone says, ‘I don’t like you,’ you can throw those words away and say, ‘I like myself.’ If someone says, ‘You are stupid’ you can throw those words away and say, ‘I’m smart.’ If someone says, ‘I don’t want to play with you’ then you can throw those words away and say, ‘I will find another friend.’”

For more help, watch what teen Macbarbie has to say about how to get self-confidence, stop bullies, and develop inner-beauty.

 

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How to Stop Cyberbullying

July 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 How can parents help stop cyberbullying before it starts? If you’re a teen, how can you prevent this dangerous virus from spreading?

 

 

Cyberbullying is like a virus that spreads from one person to another though comments, photos or videos texted on a cell phone, or by hurtful messages entered into a social media outlet. This virus needs a cure because as it spreads from host to victim – it causes not only depression, but can lead to suicide. You can help stop cyberbullying!

I’ve listed a few cures for this deadly virus below.

Parents Can Stop Cyberbullying:

 

If you’re a parent, talk to your kids about the dangers of cyberbullying others because there’s a 50 percent chance that your child has participated. I know this may be hard to believe, but even sweet, wonderful kids have been known to cyberbully, especially when they are caught up in peer pressure. So even if you think your kids don’t participate in cyberbullying, talk to them. Let them know that cyberbullying is wrong and that it can cause permanent harm or death to the one being bullied.  Discuss Psalms 19:14:

 May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and and redeemer.

One concerned youth group in Oklahoma took this message to heart and created thumb bands to wear that read WWJTXT?  (What would Jesus text?)  Consider getting one of these thumb bands for your child, his class, or youth group. For more information on these bands, go to:  wwjtxt.com

Another thing to discuss is that bullies can reap more than a few penalties. For example, criminal charges can incur, phone companies can void phone contracts, online privileges can be terminated by providers, and worse yet, if sexting is involved, your child can be permanently labeled as a sex offender.

Consider getting your child or youth group a graphic help, to make them think before they post something that might hurt others.

Pray: 

Dear Lord, show me the truth in this matter when it comes to my kids, break any lies off of them, whether they are bullying or whether they are being bullied, in the power and authority of the name and the blood of Jesus.  Protect my child and grant them peace, grace and favor, in Jesus’s name.

Also, when you talk to your child, find out if your child is being bullied because there’s also a 50 percent chance this has or could happen. Read  the recommendations below so you’ll know what to do if you find out this is happening to your child.

Pray:

Dear Lord, please don’t let evil words or images stick to my child and become their identity.  In fact, I cancel any of these lies, the cyberbullying, as well as depression, or spirit of suicide, off my child in the power and authority of the name and blood of Jesus.  Lord, I ask that you replace these things, with your love, joy, peace and favor, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

How Those Who Participate in  Cyberbullying can Stop:

A lot of children are involved in cyberbullying because of (1.) peer pressure or (2.) because they don’t realize the harm they are doing.  But then again, maybe they need a few ideas on how to stop:

  1. If you write a mean message, don’t hit send.
  2. Better yet, don’t write the mean message to start with.
  3. Don’t spread the cyberbullying virus by participating in a bully attack, even if all  of your best friends are involved.
  4. Ask God to give you guidance on how to avoid these situations and to give you a way out.
  5. Memorize Psalm Psalms 19:14, see above.
  6. Get the wwjtxt? thumb band to remind you to be careful what you text or post.
  7. Pray this:

Dear Lord, Forgive me for being mean. I now block and cancel the hate, harm, and lies that I have spread in the power and authority of the name and the blood of Jesus.  I block and cancel the fear as well as any retaliation I may get for taking this stand to stop.  Please give me your strength to stand strong, Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

If you are being bullied, please refer to our article about what to do: Click HERE.

Watch this great video as a serious example of the virus Cyber Bullying and it’s disease-like effect below:

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Cyberbullied: Handling Mean Texts and Online Posts

July 23, 2012 by 1 Comment

It feels awful to be cyberbullied! What can you do when you receive or see cruel texts or wall posts?

 

Cyberbullying feels awful. Deal with it with the tips below. Remember, God loves you and can cancel the lies.

You shiver before you look at the text that beeped in, afraid it could be another assault of words.  You can’t believe the horrible things people posted about you on your social media page.  You’re shattered because something you texted in private, spread like wildfire at school, and though everyone is laughing, it is not a laughing matter.

This is a snapshot of cyberbullying.

The website, Momlogic said in a recent article on cyberbullying:

According to recent surveys, 90 percent of middle-school students have had their feelings hurt by something posted online. One hundred and sixty thousand kids miss school each day because of it. But despite these statistics, only 15 percent of parents polled have even heard of cyberbullying.

According to the nonprofit group Make a Difference for Kids, 43 percent of teenagers have experienced online torment. Girls are twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators, using e-mail or social-networking sites to engage in social sabotage. Bullying used to happen only in school or on the bus; in this high-tech era, cyberspace is the brazen bully’s new frontier. Read more of this article, click HERE.

If you are being bullied:

 

  1. Never ever respond, no matter how tempting. It only invites more insults.
  2. Don’t delete the bullying evidence, as  you may need to prove it really happened. Do hide it on your social medial –  so others can’t see it or add to it.
  3. Block the bully, and report the comments as spam or ‘abuse’ to your social media provider.  For instructions on how to block, click HERE.
  4. Tell an adult, your parents, a counselor, or a teacher. Don’t carry this alone.  If you are being threatened, tell the police.  For other ideas on ways to tell, click HERE.
  5. Ask God for help and protection.  Pray prayers like, “I am loved by God and I ask Him to protect me.  I also cancel the enemy’s assignment of bullying off of me  as well as the enemy’s assignment of lies being told about me, in the power and authority of the name of and the blood of Jesus. Though the power of Jesus, evil lies do not stick to me.  I cannot and will not believe them.”
  6. Do not retaliate by bullying someone else; that only spreads the virus.
  7. If you see a name or number of someone who is harassing you, do not open it. Either delete it, or save the message for an adult to read. Do ‘hide’ it from being viewed by others. Insults can inspire more insults.

Staying safe

 

Kids Help Phone also shares some following ways to protect yourself from being cyberbullied.  But be sure to watch the video below to understand why these rules are so important.

  • Keep your passwords private, even from your friends.
  • Don’t make it easy for strangers to track you down. Keep your personal information to yourself. Personal information includes your name, the names of friends or family, your address, phone number, and the name of your school.
  • Don’t accept friend invites from strangers.
  • Be careful about who you share your photos with online.
  • Remove tags on photos that make you feel uncomfortable.
  • Create a fake email account, and use it when asked to submit it to websites you don’t trust.
  • Secure your profile information by making sure that only friends can see it.
  • Trust your gut. If you don’t recognize the name of a sender, don’t open or answer the message.
  • Kids Help phone suggest that if you are too upset to do anything, just turn off your phone or computer and take a deep breath. Then you can:
    1. Call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
    2. Do some breathing exercises
    3. Call a friend to talk about what happened
    4. Do something that will calm you down, like taking a walk, watching music videos, or reading a book
    5. I would like to add that you can also continue to pray the prayer you learned above.

To email questions or comments to Kids Help Phone, click HERE, but know that it might take a couple of days to get an answer.

Watch this video below to help understand why its important to follow the rules above:

 

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Kill Myself? Grief and Forgiveness for Stupid Comments

July 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

By Dianne E. Butts:

 Grief from Stupid Comments: Lesson 4 in 10 Things I’ve Learned About Grief.

 

Words are powerful. Words can lift us up and encourage us or make us feel so low we don’t want to go on. It can enter our minds to think, The stupid things people say make me want to kill myself!

After we lose a loved one, we’re already deep in grief. When people—especially friends—say stupid things, it just kicks us lower. But you know what? It could be they didn’t mean to say something so stupid. It could be they had no idea how their words sounded to you.

I was a teenager when my brother, riding his Harley Davidson, was hit by a drunk driver and killed. I remember one friend telling me, “You just need to forget your brother and move on.”

Forget my brother?! I thought. I don’t ever want to forget my brother! Plus, at the time, he hadn’t been gone twenty-four hours!

I really don’t think my friend intended to say something mean to me. I really think she was trying to help. She just said something really dumb, probably without thinking through how it sounded.

So here’s the fourth lesson I’ve learned about grief. (See our other lessons in the category: 10 Things I’ve Learned About Grief.)

#4 Forgiveness:  Some of your friends may say dumb things…but they mean well. Other people don’t say anything at all or disappear from your life. Any of these actions can be very hurtful.

(See also grief lessons: #1 Exhaustion, #2 Guilt, and #3 Anger)

When I was grieving the loss of my brother, I finally figured something out. I discovered I did much better when I gave people a break—when I chose to forgive them for hurtful words and to assume that their intentions were good.

Some people disappeared and didn’t want to hang around with me anymore. I finally learned it was because they didn’t know what to say to me. When I decided to let it go even though they weren’t the friends I needed them to be, I could move on and find stronger friends who could help me through my sad time.

There are no magic words. If you’re trying to comfort a grieving friend, realize you don’t have to say the perfect thing. Just your presence, a touch, or a tear communicates your love and concern.

You might think a lot of suicides are caused by mean things bullies say. According to the article “Bullying And Suicide: The Dangerous Mistake We Make” by Katherine Bindley, further investigation often reveals other factors were involved in the suicide.

Madelyn Gould, a professor at Columbia who studies youth suicide and prevention, said in the article “If someone is being bullied, they should not jump to the conclusion that one of [their] options is suicide. What they should jump to is, one of the options I have is to get help.”

If you’re thinking, stupid things people say make me want to kill myself, it’s time to find a stronger friend and ask for help.

Video: Please take a few minutes to listen to this beautiful song.  It talks about thinking and sinking so low and then says “lift me up to higher heights than I’d ever known before”! Take time to listen to: “Thank Him for the Miracle” by the Booth Brothers:

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Why Live If Everyone is Out To Get Me?

June 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

By Lisa Copen

 

If you are having thoughts about suicide it can feel like everyone is out to make your life harder, more of a challenge. Sometimes it even seems like people want you to fail! Does it ever feel like people are just pushing you around (emotionally perhaps?) and you are sick of it?  Making you think “Everyone is out to get me?”

I saw this video on two penguins–one who is minding his business and just going for a little walk– and BAM! Take a few seconds to watch and see what you think.

 

Ever have one of those days? Though this video is meant to make us laugh, too often we can relate to it all too well. When we start having suicidal thoughts, it sure doesn’t help to have someone like this in our life who just reaches out and–whack! It is easy to start to wonder, “Why live if everyone is just out to get me anyway?”

What can you do to feel as though you can gain some control when you begin to think, “Everyone is just out to get me”?

  • Talk to a physician or psychiatrist to see if what you are feeling is normal for your circumstances or above average paranoid-type thoughts. if they are severe, they may recommend medication.
  • Remember, it is not all about you. Most people are concerned about their own challenges in life and you may be misinterpreting their actions or words.
  • Life is difficult and sometimes it seems as though the bad stuff just keeps happening. Consider keeping a journal and rather than focusing on the challenges, write about what you are learning through the process. I know. . . it’s cliche. But it also works.
  • See a good counselor. Suicidal thoughts because you feel targeted need to be addressed. Get a recommendation of a counselor who can walk you through the feelings of wondering if the world is out to make you miserable and where these emotions came from. We all have days when we feel this way, but if it is impacting your life, find some help.

When you are going through those dark moments, a simple “slap into the mud”–like this penguin received, can feel as though life is never going to improve. But it will. And while the slaps keep coming, learn to laugh at them. Search for the humor in the chaos. When you do, you will find people who laugh alongside you who want the very best for you.

Lisa Copen has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years, and has found purpose in her pain by reaching out to others with chronic illness. Her organization, Rest Ministries, serves those with chronic illness or pain through daily devotionals and other programs.

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I Am Getting Bullied

April 24, 2012 by 2 Comments
Perhaps you’ve one of thousands of people who  typed, “I am getting bullied’ into your search engine these last 30 days because you’re tired of the name calling, the abuse, and you don’t think you can take it another day.  I understand how you feel,  and I want you to know there is hope for those who are being bullied.
First of all, not everyone hates you.  I don’t hate you (which is why I wrote you this note) and neither does God hate you, plus there are many people in your life who really do care about you.  Secondly, those names you’ve been called do not belong to you.  For instance, if I took a sticky note and stuck the word  ‘CAT’ onto a dog’s forehead –would that word turn the dog into a cat?  Of course not. 
So what should you do if someone called you a name and now you start to believe you are that name?  Don’t own it.  Those names do not describe who you are at all.  In fact, I  have a BIG ERASER named love and I’m erasing that name(s) off of you right now.  And do you know what I see beneath those false labels?  I see you–a real and wonderful person. That’s why those labels cannot stick.  Would you be interested to know that God has other labels or words to describe you?
God’s labels for you are 
precious, loved, beautiful, smart, full of promise, a miracle, and wonderful.
Seriously! That’s how God sees you, and that’s how I see you too.   ; )
I’m so sorry you are being bullied, and it hurts my heart to think that people have been cruel to you and know that I believe they were WRONG to do that to you.   But maybe it would cheer you up to read a few more things God has said about you:
  • You are my child.
  • I love you.
  • My son Jesus died on the cross  for you so you could have a relationship with me.
  • You are forgiven.
  • I am with you.
  • I will help carry your pain if you let me.  Just ask for my help!
  • Cast your burdens on me.
  • I will get you through this.  Just follow me, one step, one day at a time!
To learn more about how to have a closer relationship with God, click HERE.

Help Me I’m Being Bullied Song

Also watch this GREAT YouTube.  It’s a song called Who I Am by Katie Belle Atkin that tells what happened to her.
 
I love you!  And so do many others, even if you can’t ‘feel’ that love right at this moment or even if you believe that those terrible words spoken about you are true.  (THEY ARE NOT!)  However, if you are in danger of harming yourself, DON’T!  Don’t let the bullies win.
You are stronger than you know and you will get through this period of your life and you will find happiness and have friendships with people who are not bullies. You have hope and a future and I know God has a special plan for your life.  In fact, Jeremiah 29:11 says (from God to you,)  ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
If you need to talk to someone, call  please the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
I am glad you searched I Am Getting Bullied because it led you here.  I want you to know that we are praying for you and know that things WILL get better.  If I were sitting there with you, I would wrap you in my mom-arms, and tell you how much I care.
Here’s a prayer to break lying words off of you:
Dear Lord,
I break the lying words that people are saying about me off of me in the power and authority of the name and blood of Jesus.  I ask that you replace those words with the loving words you use to describe me; precious, loved, beautiful, smart, full of promise, a miracle, and wonderful.  Give me your power, strength and truth to believe your words instead of the lies.  Please block and cancel the lying words and thought of suicide off of me – in the power and authority of the name and blood of Jesus. Thank you for giving me a hope and a future.  In Jesus name, Amen.

In the mean time, please read the story of Liz – and how she found hope when she was being bullied.  Click HERE.
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Filed Under: Bullied, Hope/ Help, Kids, Teen Tagged With: , , , , ,

Finding Hope After Thinking About Suicide

March 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

by Liz Cowen Furman

I had lost all hope.

I was laying on my bed in a fetal position; my tears spent. I felt things could never get better because of all the lies being told about me, and those I loved believed them.  Worse still, this was a problem I’d helped create. I was desperately depressed and I felt guilty, angry and SAD.

I found myself thinking about suicide. That would show them, I thought.

I contemplated ways I could die, but each idea met with the fear that my attempt would backfire, leaving me maimed, ill, or paralyzed.  Paralyzed?

I couldn’t think of any other options. I stared into space, breathing shallow. My mind was fuzzy, befuddled, but in a desperate last effort I whispered to GOD.

Please GOD, What is the point here? I can’t face this. I can’t do this anymore. Bring me home. I love you, I need you, I’ve blown it so badly You might not want me anymore, but I am asking You to come near to me and help me. Please don’t leave me here alone. I don’t want to be alone. I am not brave enough to commit suicide. No one on earth cares about me any more. Can’t I just come home now?”

As I lay there wishing for Him to let me die, the oddest thing happened. A scripture I hadn’t thought of in years began running through my head; Joshua 1:5:

 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Then came Isaiah 43:1-4

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 
I have summoned you by name; you are mine…

In that moment, I had the oddest sensation that I was being cradled in someone’s lap. I began to think, I am NOT thinking about suicide anymore. I will not let them win. I will just hold my head up and teach them that I am not that easily killed. I had no idea where the new courage came from. I still dreaded facing what was ahead, but a glimmer of hope began to burn and where there is hope, there is a way.

And now 26 years later, I am so thankful GOD didn’t grant my request to die.

If you are thinking about suicide, and you don’t go through with it, I suspect in a few years, months, or even days, you’ll be grateful to be alive too.

If you are thinking about suicide check out this video of a great song that JESUS often calls to my mind at the very moment I need it most.

 In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.  Psalm 18:6.

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Filed Under: Bullied, Depressed, Hope/ Help, Stories, Surviving an attempt, Teen Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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