I’m taking a break from talking about my experience with Guillain Barre Syndrome to reflect on the terrorist attacks in Paris in a somewhat unique way.
As with others, my heart goes out to those lives that have been affected by these horrific acts. The shock and grieving for most people will fade. Long after that those directly affected by these attacks will never stop grieving. Many of use are already thinking about how our country and the rest of the world should respond to the threat of these terrorists. I fear some might suggest simplistic ways to deal with these bullies. Yes, these terrorist are bullies. Bullies are not easy to deal with. They seek to strike fear and draw us into a conflict they believe they can win. They believe this because they know they are willing to use violence in any way they can without regard for anyone that is not “on their side”. I invite you to read the following personal experience with a bully and use it to reflect on how we can best deal with bullies. I was sitting in a study hall working quietly on some homework when another student asked me to take his books to the next class. This student was known to be a bully. His intention was for him to get in a quick smoke, but make it look like he was on time to class by me taking his books to his desk. He could claim he came in the classroom then went to the bathroom. To his surprise and mine something made me say no. He repeated his request with hostility. He expected his threatening voice to change my answer. Again to both our surprise it didn’t. This time my no was said emphatically. It didn’t even take a second for his hand to slam into my face. He hit me so hard that I could feel the marbles rattle in my head. I just stared at him. The teacher monitoring the study hall just stared at him. The bully got up and walked out of the room with his books in hand. Some of the other students stared at me in silence. The teacher finally broke his silence to call after the bully. The bully didn’t stop but was punished eventually for his actions by the vice principal. His power as a bully was diminished after this. Since he could not push around a nerd like me, others looked at him as less threatening. Nobody knew that I was shaking inside this whole time. The will to say no and not hit back came from somewhere outside of me. This is how I somehow found a way to stand up to a bully. Does it somehow apply to our situation with the terrorists? If so, how? If not, why? What do you think is the best way to respond to these bullies?
1 Comment
Melodyhawkey
11/15/2015 06:38:40 pm
I believe in turning the other cheek. I don't think answering violence with violence is the answer. Nothing gets accomplished, everything just blows up. I think we and the other countries should band together and find a nonviolent way to deal with them. We should all strengthen our protection of our homelands and stand our ground. Jesus said to love our enemies, it's hard to do with this type of enemy but that's the ultimate trust in Him. I know we can't let these acts go unanswered, but answering with more violence shouldn't be the way. I'm not sure what the countries can realistically do, but I think whatever it is they need to show a united front.
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