Our Soul's Protector

Year 6 - Day 205: Today, I am grateful for our soul's protector.

I grow increasingly weary of the media. The talk of bullies is daily. The ugly in the world gets top billing in any news hour. Yes, bullies are real, but they are not new. The Bible is full of bullies, bad guys and believers. 

I had a revelation as a child. The one who bullies thinks they will feel bigger and better when stepping on another person's feelings, rights or space. It is as if they think they can build themselves up by putting others down. It never works, my friend. Never. They grow angrier and uglier.

Some of the Bible's worst bullying types would use the pride and arrogance of the kings and queens to manipulate and achieve their own agendas. This happens in the book of Esther and in the book of Daniel, too. I am sure there are others, but these came to mind quickly. Noah faced bullies who mocked him as he built the ark. Joseph faced multiple bullies, including the boss's wife.  Elijah was bullied by the prophets of Baal until their big showdown that made Queen Jezebel more determined to get his head, when her prophets were embarrassed as God showed his power through Elijah.

People want what they want, often caring little if others are hurt in the process of getting whatever "it" is. Money, fame, prestige, power and fame

Jesus was bullied by the church leaders more than the public ones. Isn't that interesting? Oh, bullies are not new, although the social media has exploded the opportunities for them to stalk their prey. He outwitted them every time... until he submitted to the Father's will and became the Lamb of God.

“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. Matthew 10:28 (The Message)

I enjoying The Message translation of this passage. It is a reminder of the soul's value and strength and the impact of God in the equation. 

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." Such an interesting wise woman. She was bullied because she was not pretty enough by society's standards. Perhaps, that made her more sensitive to others who were treated unfairly because of the color of their skin or gender. She was the 1st Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. JFK appointed her the 1st Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. Eleanor Roosevelt did not fret her days away trying to make herself pretty to improve public opinion. No. She spent her days making a difference. She found ways to be fearless... and learned to make her frustrations fruitful.

We need not fret the bullies. We are each uniquely created... knit in our mother's womb. We can know the one who holds our body and soul in His hand and finds them precious. 

Today, I am grateful for our soul's protector