A Destiny Awaits... Destruction Averted

It's easy, once you're an adult, to forget the struggles of childhood. The major stuff you remember. The day to day frustrations of grow up, not so much. But when you are living in the moment, the seem like a big deal.

This was true the other night, as my oldest daughter was frustrated.  Mostly because of play-time during recess. You know how kids can behave.

This got me thinking of my grade school days and as I reread this blog post from January 2014, I didn't want to grab the whole thing (which you can read here: How I Survived The Bullies) but my closing thoughts seemed good reminders, as surviving in school is so much more challenging now than during my time. My heart goes out to these young people.

So here it is... why I believe I came out better in the long run after dealing with school bullies.
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Because someone dared to speak up, speak the truth and follow-through on their actions.
My parents and brother remain among the biggest believers in me. They feel for me when life gets rough, pray over me and offer me encouragement and advice.

I have remained involved in church, throughout college and adulthood. I know who I am in Christ and that God values who I am and that He has a plan and purpose for my life. To this day, my closest friends and second families have come from churches I have attended over the years, and even when I’ve changed churches, those relationships still exist.

The bullying passed. I learned valuable, life lessons of discernment and to this day, I carefully consider my level of interaction with friends and acquaintances and who is trusted with what info. The Bible calls it “guard your heart.” It is a skill worth perfecting, because a damaged heart will cause more damage until it’s repaired.

Repairing of the heart does happen. With time. Through love. By examination. The orange story was embarrassing. Now, it’s pretty hilarious. Being told God loves you and has a purpose for life outweighs any worthless words of a person who hasn’t been told or experienced God’s love and purpose themselves. In fact, that’s probably how you should respond. Examining those situations will help you understand yourself and others and the cause behind it. Come to think of it, it was through examination, that my response was never a physical altercation. Sure, I threw out some responses that caused more static and I realized I probably should have stayed quiet. Especially when talking with Dad and he would ask me why I didn’t stay quiet. He and I have even shared moments, years later and thought, maybe just once I should have defended myself physically. But somewhere in there, not doing so, really was taking the high road.

I love my family. I love my friends. I love my wife and kids. And while I’ve had plenty of life moments of “why isn’t this working out like I want it”, this remains… life will move forward.

You can engage, make the most of it and live life to the fullest.
You can sit static and let yesterday repeat itself.
One decision is significantly more healthy for you than the other.
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So there it is. A support system that speaks life and blessing, not death and cursing. The relevancy of the body of Christ. The healing power of God; through among other things, the passage of time. And the process of an active faith in God; believing that no matter what life looks like at times, He has a plan. He is faithful. He is trustworthy.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday...that pastors may have wisdom... so much wisdom, in the investment they make in the lives of young people, coming from difficult living environments and challenging schoolyards. May they effectively combat the destructive messages with the Word of God; plans for a hope and future. May this generation come to know that God has a destiny for their lives. As they share life together, may God give pastors encouraging words and positive affirmation; that while times like these are difficult; they are not permanent. Nor are they wasted. May this generation come to know the love of God during such challenges; developing a faith that lasts a lifetime and leaves a legacy for others to follow. May their identity and the truth of who kids are be found in Christ, not in an experience they've had or had happen to them. Pray that lives would be impacted for eternity, not because of what someone said or did that was mean, cruel and childish; but because God extends love, grace and forgiveness to each of us.

May kids lives be changed; as what was meant to destroy them, God uses to propel them... to destinies not yet realized; only anticipated. For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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