Some stories will never be heard until it's too late to make a difference. That is why I'm stepping out to tell mine. My middle school years almost destroyed me. The emotional wounds inflicted by my peers went unseen as I tried to put up a front. The pain was not something you could put a bandaid on. The name calling, teasing, taunting, whispering, lies, pushing, tripping and elbowing reached a limit when the bullying abusers ​went Cyber.

 

I was 14 and in the 8th grade and I had started to get into sports as a self-esteem builder. I was finally fitting in as a part of the team and actually having fun!  Sports was an outlet for me to chanel the anger I had felt toward the "Bully Group". Also, at that time in my life,  MySpace was the "social media of the day."  Every "cool" kid had one so I decided I would too. The "Bully Group" found out and decided to take their targeting of me to a new level... Cyber.  They made a MySpace page pretending to be me by taking pictures off of my real MySpace page and altering them. They simulated pictures, such as my face covered in blood in a shark's mouth,  my head on top of a bull's body- you get the point. To top it off, they wrote a hideous "about me" section with foul language and then proceeded to friend request all the people on my friend's list.  When I went to school the next day, the stares and finger pointing were at an all time high and as I approached my locker it was covered with those photos and foul language. Everyone was laughing. One of my friends on the basketball team told me what had happened and I was devastated. When you are a young teen this seems like the end of the world.  It was was a very dark time for me as I struggled emotionally. Through the encouragement of my supportive family and the grace of God and sports was I able to get through the affects of the bullying.

 

Bullying continued throughout my middle and high schools years by the "cool" girls...the mean girls ....all because I refused to change and become like them.  Women are most cruel to other women- especially those they cannot control or dominate. Guys try to exert dominance over those they perceive as weaker or a threat to their "bully control".  

 

What I went through enabled me to empathize and help others who were and are going through the same thing. I've been able to speak to groups and one on one with hurting youth and teens. I  personally know their struggle and I also KNOW that problems do not have to define but can serve to REFINE you!

Proverbs 27:17

As Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

 

Bullying is a global problem. It is colorless, ageless, and genderless. It affects health and self-esteem. With support systems, such as family, church groups,  friends, and activities, such as music or sports, you can better cope, just like I did.

 

If you are a victim of bullying, whether it is cyber or physical, tell your family, teachers, or authorities immediately. Cyber Bulling is now  considered a crime in numerous states, and perpetrators can receive jail time.

 

Remember to respect your peers and respect yourself, no matter what anyone thinks or "says" about you or someone else! God made YOU and me for a special purpose.

 

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. -Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Love in Christ,

Victoria

XOXO