Bully…

bully (noun): a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable

“…Whenever I see black and blue, I feel the past, I share the bruise

With everyone who’s come and gone

My head is clear, my voice is strong, now I’m right here to right the wrong…”

–“Bully” by Shinedown

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

–Ephesians 6: 13-17

A letter to my bully,

Sometimes you use people to do your dirty work…fellow students, co-workers, family members, even other Christians…

But, most of the time, you bombard my peace with a volley of toxic thoughts and feelings…

My whole life…you’ve tried to tell me…I’m no good, I’m not worthy, I’m a nerd, a loser, I’ll always be alone, look at that zit, look at that wrinkle, gotta do something about that, look at that bank account, look at that debt, gotta do something about that, how about so-and-so who said such-and-such, you’re not gonna just let that go? that person who just cut you off…get mad, get even! you’re gonna eat that cookie? you’ve got no self-control…it was a hard day, have that cookie, have as many as you want, might as well hang it up, you’ve already failed…your doctor hasn’t called back with test results yet…what does that mean? Probably bad news…

You are such a bully.

And you’re a liar.

And you know what? You’re a coward…

You attack the vulnerable.

The tired. The overwhelmed. The depressed. The young. The sick.

You jump people right when they get up in the morning, bleary-eyed and fuzzy-headed, before they’ve even had their coffee.

So wrong.

You pounce, dumping dregs of discouragement on top of the downtrodden. You torment addicts in their weakest moments, driving in that thorn with the earworm “just one…you can stop at one.” You carve out ruts of routine that get so deep people can no longer see the sky…or their Lord.

You steal joy.

Well, guess what, bully?

I’ve got a Bodyguard. I’ve got a Father and Friend. A Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness.

(the darkness where you live, pal)

He is the One Who created this world (and, yes, He created you, too…that must irk you to no end).

And no matter what you do, He’s there. More than you will ever be.

He and His love are ALL OVER THIS WORLD. In everything. Including ME!

He. Is. In. Me. I am His.

So, back off! Get out of my house! Get out of my head! Get out of my life!

Liar. Coward. Deceiver. BULLY.

I see you lurking around that corner…like some posturing punk persecutor in a middle school hallway.

But we’re onto you.

Whatever you choose to bring…my Lord is ON IT.

And…so. am. I.

I am arrayed with protections that repel any ambush of the soul…

The armor of God.

And in my open, upturned hands…a weapon of immense power…

PRAYER.

I’ve got it, and I’m not afraid to use it.

Sincerely His,

Shelbo

“…and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. –Ephesians 6:18

Be alert and always keep on praying…because…EVERY DAY…there is…

A battle.

An enemy bully.

A war already won.

An army of prayer warriors led by Our Savior Jesus Christ.

“Good morning, Commander…

*snappy salute*

Shelby Fortin, reporting for duty, Sir!”