In your face, on the bus, in the locker room or the neighborhood — there will always be bullies wherever you go. You may have felt the humiliating sting of being pushed around by a bully, or maybe you’ve even been one. Some of your favorite musicians have, too. Here are their personal stories and what you can do for yourself and others when faced with a bully.
JUSTIN UNGER (Across the Sky): I was bullied a lot from eighth to 10th grade, because I took some tough stands that others put me down for. I remember a time when I was being bullied at school so much that I just didn’t want to live anymore because of all the rumors and lies about me. Bullying rips you up inside. Once I realized Christ was with me through it all, life at school became much easier. Through most of my childhood I picked on my little brother Drew from morning till night. I guess I just wanted to feel like I was in control of someone. Later on in life I realized how wrong I was to him. God revealed that I needed to love my little bro and let him know it. Stick up for someone being bullied, even if you lose a little of your reputation. It will bless that person to know he’s loved by someone. Give him Jesus. Let him know someone thinks he’s cool. When I found out how much bullying Jesus went through, it changed my life. I couldn’t complain anymore. If you are being bullied, read the Gospels and remember that Christ will give you strength.
MIKE WEAVER (Big Daddy Weave): I was always intimidated by the other kids. I kept to myself; I was really shy and quiet. The ride on the school bus was traumatic. Try to be an encouragement to those who are being picked on. I think there’s something really noble about someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for someone else. Jesus said that there is no greater love than when someone lays down his life for his friends. Realize that this is just a temporary time in your life; God has bigger plans for your future.
TREVOR MCNEVAN (Thousand Foot Krutch): Ask God to help you see victims through His eyes, and you’ll realize those are the people who need you the most. Hang with them; let them know somebody cares. Sometimes they’re the coolest kids in school, and nobody knows it! As hard as it is, try to react out of love for the bullies, and they won’t be able to stand it!
MARK GRAALMAN (Sanctus Real): I remember ganging up on this kid with my friends in the neighborhood, picking on him and pushing him around until he would go home crying. Years later, since I’ve come to know the Lord, I know that God has forgiven me, but it still breaks my heart knowing that I hurt that kid. Bottom line: If you show others respect, maybe they’ll find the confidence to stand up and not let someone walk all over them. Memorize Proverbs 3:26, and if a bully starts to push you around, just recite it in your mind and believe that the Lord will be your confidence. Ask Him to give you the boldness to stand up to any bully and the wisdom to do so in love.
MICHAEL TAIT (Tait and DC Talk): I was bullied in junior high school. I think a lot of it had to do with how small I was; I was a little shy too. Bullies only pick on people they feel they can overpower. If you are physically bigger than someone’s bully, it would be cool to step in and speak up for the victim. Talk to the right people, like parents and teachers, about the best way to deal with the issue. Try having real and rational conversations with the bully. Pray that God will convict the bully’s heart and that he’ll reconsider his behavior.
JOHN REUBEN: All through middle and high school I was bullied. I was also a bully at times. I was insecure, full of rage, and wanting revenge. I’ve written a song on Hindsight about this, called “Defensive Offender.” Bullies are insecure people who use those they see as weaker as an emotional outlet. But they themselves have problems, maybe at home or on some other level that isn’t as obvious. The teenage years are the hardest and most vital years in a person’s development. Be confident in who God has made you. Defend yourself in a loving, but confident, manner. A lot of times the atmosphere can completely change, and you will be the one influencing the environment.
WARREN BARFIELD: My dad is a pastor, and we moved around a lot. The seventh grade is a bad time to come into a new school. There were lots of cliques: the athletes, the smarties, the cools, the beautiful; even the “nerds” and “losers” had their groups. I would have gladly joined any of them, but the new kid wasn’t welcome. I hated being bullied. It took years for me to gain friends and confidence. When that day came, I was determined not to be a bully. In high school I didn’t join any one clique. I made friends with kids from all groups. With age I have learned that fighting doesn’t solve anything. Now when I see someone being pushed around, I often go out of my way to help. Each of us has the power to make someone else feel valuable or feel worthless: It’s our choice. Find the person that no one will sit with at lunch, and sit with him. My relationship with Christ gave me the confidence I needed to not be so affected by the bullying. I learned that only Christ could define me, and that His plans for me were bigger than any clique. Pray for your enemies; avoid situations that could be dangerous. You are valuable. You were made for great things!
In your face, on the bus, in the locker room or the neighborhood — there will always be bullies wherever you go. You may have felt the humiliating sting of being pushed around by a bully, or maybe you’ve even been one. Some of your favorite musicians have, too. Here are their personal stories and what you can do for yourself and others when faced with a bully.
JUSTIN UNGER (Across the Sky): I was bullied a lot from eighth to 10th grade, because I took some tough stands that others put me down for. I remember a time when I was being bullied at school so much that I just didn’t want to live anymore because of all the rumors and lies about me. Bullying rips you up inside. Once I realized Christ was with me through it all, life at school became much easier. Through most of my childhood I picked on my little brother Drew from morning till night. I guess I just wanted to feel like I was in control of someone. Later on in life I realized how wrong I was to him. God revealed that I needed to love my little bro and let him know it. Stick up for someone being bullied, even if you lose a little of your reputation. It will bless that person to know he’s loved by someone. Give him Jesus. Let him know someone thinks he’s cool. When I found out how much bullying Jesus went through, it changed my life. I couldn’t complain anymore. If you are being bullied, read the Gospels and remember that Christ will give you strength.
MIKE WEAVER (Big Daddy Weave): I was always intimidated by the other kids. I kept to myself; I was really shy and quiet. The ride on the school bus was traumatic. Try to be an encouragement to those who are being picked on. I think there’s something really noble about someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for someone else. Jesus said that there is no greater love than when someone lays down his life for his friends. Realize that this is just a temporary time in your life; God has bigger plans for your future.
TREVOR MCNEVAN (Thousand Foot Krutch): Ask God to help you see victims through His eyes, and you’ll realize those are the people who need you the most. Hang with them; let them know somebody cares. Sometimes they’re the coolest kids in school, and nobody knows it! As hard as it is, try to react out of love for the bullies, and they won’t be able to stand it!
MARK GRAALMAN (Sanctus Real): I remember ganging up on this kid with my friends in the neighborhood, picking on him and pushing him around until he would go home crying. Years later, since I’ve come to know the Lord, I know that God has forgiven me, but it still breaks my heart knowing that I hurt that kid. Bottom line: If you show others respect, maybe they’ll find the confidence to stand up and not let someone walk all over them. Memorize Proverbs 3:26, and if a bully starts to push you around, just recite it in your mind and believe that the Lord will be your confidence. Ask Him to give you the boldness to stand up to any bully and the wisdom to do so in love.
MICHAEL TAIT (Tait and DC Talk): I was bullied in junior high school. I think a lot of it had to do with how small I was; I was a little shy too. Bullies only pick on people they feel they can overpower. If you are physically bigger than someone’s bully, it would be cool to step in and speak up for the victim. Talk to the right people, like parents and teachers, about the best way to deal with the issue. Try having real and rational conversations with the bully. Pray that God will convict the bully’s heart and that he’ll reconsider his behavior.
JOHN REUBEN: All through middle and high school I was bullied. I was also a bully at times. I was insecure, full of rage, and wanting revenge. I’ve written a song on Hindsight about this, called “Defensive Offender.” Bullies are insecure people who use those they see as weaker as an emotional outlet. But they themselves have problems, maybe at home or on some other level that isn’t as obvious. The teenage years are the hardest and most vital years in a person’s development. Be confident in who God has made you. Defend yourself in a loving, but confident, manner. A lot of times the atmosphere can completely change, and you will be the one influencing the environment.
WARREN BARFIELD: My dad is a pastor, and we moved around a lot. The seventh grade is a bad time to come into a new school. There were lots of cliques: the athletes, the smarties, the cools, the beautiful; even the “nerds” and “losers” had their groups. I would have gladly joined any of them, but the new kid wasn’t welcome. I hated being bullied. It took years for me to gain friends and confidence. When that day came, I was determined not to be a bully. In high school I didn’t join any one clique. I made friends with kids from all groups. With age I have learned that fighting doesn’t solve anything. Now when I see someone being pushed around, I often go out of my way to help. Each of us has the power to make someone else feel valuable or feel worthless: It’s our choice. Find the person that no one will sit with at lunch, and sit with him. My relationship with Christ gave me the confidence I needed to not be so affected by the bullying. I learned that only Christ could define me, and that His plans for me were bigger than any clique. Pray for your enemies; avoid situations that could be dangerous. You are valuable. You were made for great things!
