We try to protect our children from bullies but somewhere along the road to adulthood we decide to tolerate adult bullying. Sheila Wray Gregoire’s recent article, ‘Adult Bullies and their Enablers’ is well worth the read. Find the article at the following link.
http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2013/01/adult-bullies-and-their-enablers/
Meanwhile, here are some of her thoughts. She describes adult bullies as outrageous and mean-spirited, pretentious jerks with an inflated sense of self-worth. In families they are generally older folks who demand their own way in our lives. We can never please a bully because they thrive on our fear.
Sheila points out that we are being bullied if someone constantly demeans us or says snide remarks about us, constantly yells at or criticizes us, or deliberately isolates us in social or work situations. It is bullying also if someone constantly makes helpful “suggestions” and lays on a guilt trip if we don’t take them.
I’ve been the subject of some bullying since Ron died. But if we take the ‘Y’ (that is you and me!) out of bullying there is nothing left but bull and we need not pay any attention to their bull or to them.
I will accept no bull from your house nor he-goat out of your folds. (Psalm 50:9)
Prayer: Lord give us the courage to stand up to our bullies. After all, we expect our children to do that. In Christ. Amen.
Be First to Comment