A few girls in Natalie's class at school decided they would target her with mean comments, accusations, and isolation. They used language that no 2nd grader should have in their vocabulary. Natalie was so sad. Sad enough to not want to go to school. Sad enough to come find me at various points during the day with "sickness" and a need to go home. Sad enough for many tears, hers and mine. She kept telling me all the things that were being said and done. She kept assuring me that she herself hadn't done anything to these girls. She kept saying, "I don't know why this is happening to me?" As her Mom, I wanted to fix things. Right then! I wanted to make it right and tell those girls how hurtful they were being. I wanted to straighten them out, you know?! It was difficult at first because I was acting with an emotional response that triggered some ugly things in my own heart... but then, I was reminded of the beauty of the Gospel and how it displayed in difficult circumstances - with grace - with forgiveness - with love.
I took every opportunity to talk through the situation with Natalie (and with her teacher, co-workers, and the school counselor). The counselor met with the group of girls and they were made aware that there would be consequences for their actions. More importantly, Natalie and I used this time to seek wisdom and truth from scripture and we prayed daily for her heart, my heart, and the girls that she needed to forgive.
A few of the verses we worked through were:
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.
Matthew 5:44 - But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...
Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; who shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Thankfully, Natalie was able to quickly forgive those who hurt her and she ended her difficult week with a very special time with her Daddy! The Daddy/Daughter Dance was just what she needed...
She loved getting all dolled up with curls, pearls, and heels! Thanks Dad for making her feel like a princess!
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