It has been a long, traumatic three months for our family. We have suffered a great deal over our daughter Keri being bullied at the school she was attending, the Administration denying it and failing to get it to stop. The bullying was verbal, physical and electronic. It has caused drastic changes In our lives in that we changed schools and we changed to a new church. Thru it all Keri endured it with grace and mercy. Keri never allowed herself to become angry, vengeful or bitter. Me? Not so much. I wanted safety and protection for my daughter and stood up firmly to the abuse. Thru it all Keri continued to grieve the loss of the friendship shed once had with the girl now bullying her, and she waited patiently and hopeful that one day her once friend would return to her. This morning that once friend texted her. The friend/bully/friend was seeking forgiveness and restoration. She didnt have to do that. She had won ..kinda sorta ...in that she managed to cost Keri what mattered to her most at the time and hurt her deeply. Keri didnt hesitate to grant forgiveness and asked for permission to respond. We talked about it for awhile. Keri knows the word ...and she knew she was right to grant forgiveness. I had to hand it back to God and trust Him once again and give her permission to respond and reopen the relationship door with this other girl. I know that Gods timing is perfect. And I know that we cant block His work. Weve learned so much thru this experience. Weve learned a lot about Keris character and faith. Weve learned that many of her classmates love her a lot, and they stood up for her and protected her for seven weeks straight when those that should have been doing it wouldnt. Keri has some teachers and staff that love her a lot and did what they could to help her thru this too. We learned that being involved and connected with who your child is friends with builds its own community, and when the chips are down those other parents love your child like they do their own and will stand up with you for her. Weve learned who really cares about us. No doubt about that one. The messages and cards weve received encouraging us to keep the faith and stay strong, that were not alone have been priceless. The silence of those we thought were friends has been educational. Keri is a happy, social ten year old girl whos had a wonderful summer. She is looking forward to Camp Michindoh in ten days, and starting a new school in three weeks. She loves both childrens ministries weve taken her too ...and the worship opportunities there. Praise God that He is so alive in her and she doesnt let life knock her sideways or pull her off His path. I could learn a lesson or two from that girl. :)
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 16:39:48 +0000
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