As a youngster, I was severely asthmatic. Weighing only 25 pounds at 5 years old, I became all too familiar with bullies. I tried to stand up to them but, being as weak and frail as I was, it was seemingly impossible. God healed me of my asthmatic condition at age 11 and, as I grew older and stronger, I began to examine some of the bullies’ behavior differently. I found that most were really insecure. Many times because their clothes were not as nice as the other children or they were bigger or saw themselves to be less attractive and felt they needed to force their acceptance by causing everyone to be afraid.
While I certainly realize some bullies are just mean and won’t allow themselves to change. I find that many can be won over by a kind word and an offer of friendship, especially when they are younger. This works really well for Arnold and Herman in this little story. The Bible says: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV) Jesus Himself said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…..(Matthew: 44-45 NIV) and one more, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…….overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21).
I pray this little book will assist parents and elementary teachers in discussing the issue of bullying with their children openly and in a fun manner. As the danger to our children, both physically and emotionally, has increased exponentially of late, I know we all believe it is extremely important that our children have a parent and/or teacher guided plan of action and they know it is OK to talk to an adult when bullying occurs.
I hope you enjoy reading this little book as much as I have enjoyed creating Arnold’s new friends Herman H. Helicopter and Billy B. Barnstormer.
While I certainly realize some bullies are just mean and won’t allow themselves to change. I find that many can be won over by a kind word and an offer of friendship, especially when they are younger. This works really well for Arnold and Herman in this little story. The Bible says: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV) Jesus Himself said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…..(Matthew: 44-45 NIV) and one more, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…….overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21).
I pray this little book will assist parents and elementary teachers in discussing the issue of bullying with their children openly and in a fun manner. As the danger to our children, both physically and emotionally, has increased exponentially of late, I know we all believe it is extremely important that our children have a parent and/or teacher guided plan of action and they know it is OK to talk to an adult when bullying occurs.
I hope you enjoy reading this little book as much as I have enjoyed creating Arnold’s new friends Herman H. Helicopter and Billy B. Barnstormer.
