Bullies

Hi!

First thank you to all of you that come to the BLOG each week to get a glimpse at what we are talking about each week at UMYF. I think it is important to be in the know. Because I believe each week we touch on very important issues at youth.

For the next couple of weeks we are going to be talking about Bullying. The reality that kids live in is that they pick on each other. But the other reality is that they don't think about the consequences of their words and the hurt that lies behind them.

Even the best of Christians fall in to this trap. Even during the most light hearted of games like four square I have to remind youth that it is just a "game" but it turns in to a time to make fun of others.

Kids bully because someone looks weak, they talk funny, walk funny, annoying, etc. Whatever the case may be nothing ever justifies such actions.

As Christians our goal should be to lift people up and not bring them down. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear." Bullying is not something new. It isn't something just youth struggle with. It is all of us.

The adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This phrase is laughable. Because words hurt. Words cut deep. And even some in the midst of bullying have taken their lives. This is a serious issue not to be over looked or passed by.

So we will be looking at standing up and encouraging each other even when we might feel tempted to do otherwise. And to also talk about how we can help our friends that are being bullied.

A youth group can be a shelter for youth to feel accepted, loved and cared for. And our hope is that our youth group is making some progress in this area.

Check out this video we will watch this Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing your youth Sunday!

PIC OF THE WEEK!