DEVOTION

The candle of bullying, mentioned in the Family Devotions, may be a good insight and topic for all ages. Bullying is not limited to schools and playgrounds. It occurs, sometimes subtly and sometimes overtly, in homes, driving, and work. It is part of our social, political, and economic structure. It is seen in international relations even as it is found in the corporate boardroom. It is sustained by a fear that not only impacts its victims but also keeps onlookers complicit in silence. At our Monday Evening Faith Conversations we have reached the Biblical Prophetic books. It seems as though bullying is not something new. The prophets throughout scripture have reminded us of our human tendency to bully others into neglect, oppression and injustice. This week our Tuesday night Ecumenical Lenten program called us to name and claim the ‘isms’ in our community from racism, to sexism, to classism, etc. The prophets from the era of Hebrew scripture to our current times remind us that as a people of faith we cannot remain in silence nor can we turn a blind eye to the bullying. This Lenten season reminds us to examine the places in our lives that are rife with our purple bracelet’s complaint and criticism as well as abuse and intimidation and work to bring them to an end. As Isaiah wrote: “Thus says the Lord, what need have I of all your sacrifices? … Put your evil doings away from my sight…Devote yourselves to justice…Uphold the rights of Orphans; defend the cause of the widow” (1:11-17)