If you pay much attention to the news or even your own children's lives, you are probably well aware that "bullying" has not only become more destructive in the lives of teens than ever before, but that it has also become more present with the advent of "cyber-bullying," using social media such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter to bully and harass others electronically. Sadly, at least four teens committed suicide in September of 2010 alone due to such tragic and tormentive behaviors.
Over the next week, we will be looking at this issue through the lens of our faith. Today, I will be sharing with you the words of blogger Maria Evans, whose litany below is a welcome prayer for all of us who care about the lives and health of teenagers. In coming days, I will also ask a few questions that will help us as parents deal with our role and responsibility with regard to bullying. Finally, we will end this series of posts with a very old, but extremely relevant prayer that you can share with your teenagers.
So, without further adieu, may the words of Maria Evans become the prayer of your heart this week.
A Litany for Children Who Have Died from Bullying
by Maria Evans
O God of justice and mercy, we pray that no more daughters and sons in this world die as the result of bullying simply because of who they are; be it race, religion, sexual orientation, or social awkwardness. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our schools become places of nurturing and hope rather than shame and derision. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our teachers instill values of charity and acceptance in all children so there is no need for one child to feel superior over another. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That parents can put aside what they were sometimes taught, in order to promote tolerance and diversity at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our communities support children who feel "different from the others" and show them lives that are theirs to claim, lives they cannot begin to imagine to see at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That all children can grow up feeling self-empowered and truly loved simply as themselves, and not suffer beatings and psychological abuse at home or school. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
O Lord, you understand this above all others, for your only Son hung among thieves on a rough wooden cross on a barren hill, just as Matthew Shepard hung from a rail fence on a lonely road. Be our light in the darkness, Lord; protect our children and fill them with the love of your Holy Spirit; hold them in your Son's loving arms in their most fearful hours, and be with them always.
Amen.
Over the next week, we will be looking at this issue through the lens of our faith. Today, I will be sharing with you the words of blogger Maria Evans, whose litany below is a welcome prayer for all of us who care about the lives and health of teenagers. In coming days, I will also ask a few questions that will help us as parents deal with our role and responsibility with regard to bullying. Finally, we will end this series of posts with a very old, but extremely relevant prayer that you can share with your teenagers.
So, without further adieu, may the words of Maria Evans become the prayer of your heart this week.
A Litany for Children Who Have Died from Bullying
by Maria Evans
O God of justice and mercy, we pray that no more daughters and sons in this world die as the result of bullying simply because of who they are; be it race, religion, sexual orientation, or social awkwardness. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our schools become places of nurturing and hope rather than shame and derision. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our teachers instill values of charity and acceptance in all children so there is no need for one child to feel superior over another. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That parents can put aside what they were sometimes taught, in order to promote tolerance and diversity at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our communities support children who feel "different from the others" and show them lives that are theirs to claim, lives they cannot begin to imagine to see at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That all children can grow up feeling self-empowered and truly loved simply as themselves, and not suffer beatings and psychological abuse at home or school. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
O Lord, you understand this above all others, for your only Son hung among thieves on a rough wooden cross on a barren hill, just as Matthew Shepard hung from a rail fence on a lonely road. Be our light in the darkness, Lord; protect our children and fill them with the love of your Holy Spirit; hold them in your Son's loving arms in their most fearful hours, and be with them always.
Amen.
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