One afternoon, Greg was sitting with his “campaign manager” and another loyal friend talking about how they could get ahead of Marsha in the running. The campaign manager came up with a sure way to get ahead. With much zeal he proclaimed, “We could spread a rumor about Marsha! We could say she was seen last weekend with yucky Joe So and So in the back row at the movies.”
Expecting a round of applause, the boy was stunned when Greg stood up and yelled, “Get out of here. Marsha is my sister and I would never say such a mean thing about her. You are no longer my campaign manager.” Greg then ripped the boy’s manager tag off and pointed for him to leave.
After discussing this with my children, they were not sure they would have responded so well. No, they would not have started the rumor, but they didn’t think they would have fired the manager either. Perhaps, they would have just said, “No, I don’t like that idea, let’s think of something else.”
We have been trying to instill in our children the willingness to stand up for the picked on. They often hesitate, not wanting to offend anyone or make them cry. Like the other day when a girl was talking smack during volleyball. She kept picking on one of her own teammates. Instead, of correcting her, my daughter spoke encouragements to the girl being picked on. I told her it would have been appropriate to say, “That doesn’t sound kind, we need to encourage one another.” But, she was afraid the mocker would start to cry.
Greg’s strong stand was a good example for our family to see. There are times to take a strong stand. Now, I pray the Lord will help us to be wise beyond our years and while seeking to encourage one another, also be bold in standing up for what is right!