Big, Bad, and Bullied All Over

School is starting, and I’m nervous. Remi is starting middle school. I’m not worried about Remi, I know that she can handle herself. I’m actually worried about how I have done with Remi. There comes a time when we throw are children out into the deep end and see if they can swim. Have we said the right things? Have we taught our children to rescue themselves and to rescue others?   Kids are growing up faster than ever. Changing one kid at a time can help change the culture. My good friend and hairdresser Wendy is on the show today. She has a beautiful and vivacious daughter named Christian who experienced severe bullying at a new school. Wendy shares their story and how they overcame it through the power of forgiveness and God.   You can find Melissa here:  Podcast Web Page  Facebook Page  @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram  @msmelissaradke on Twitter  Show Notes  [05:35] Wendy is Melissa's hairdresser and they have known each other for 10 years.   [07:23] Wendy and her husband were in Lufkin for 18 years. They decided to move, so her husband could find work.  [08:17] They moved in the middle of the school year when Wendy's daughter was in the ninth grade.   [09:09] Wendy thought the smaller school district would be awesome.  [10:14] Christian was 15 and Wendy began to notice some changes in her.   [11:01] Christian wasn't making friends, and she stopped doing her hair, wearing makeup, and wearing cute clothes.  [12:09] Wendy noticed changes in Christian.   [12:46] Her grades started to slip.   [13:36] Wendy started talking to teachers and counselors.   [14:34] Christian saw a professional counselor. She also started her mad journal with her mad feelings.  [16:19] Everything culminated the day the principal called Wendy and said that Christian has Saturday detention.  [17:43] Christian said to Wendy, I need for you to love me and listen to me.   [18:59] Christian was being bullied by a group of girls at school. The video was on Instagram.   [20:07] She was confronted with the mob mentality. They swarmed her and Christian was crying. She never stopped listening. She knew in the grand scheme of things that these people didn't matter.   [23:11] In the video, Christian was alone against the entire school.   [24:55] Are kids can't be superheroes all the time, but they shouldn't be part of the mob.   [25:36] Wendy did not want Christian to be a victim.   [26:34] Wendy knew she had to talk to the principle with a calm heart.   [27:41] Wendy wants her kids to be able to deal with situations. She didn't want her kid to be the one causing trouble.   [28:38] It's a fine line to walk as a parent. Be real, but don't be blind to what is happening.   [30:02] Living by the holy spirit and living by the nudge.   [31:21] A mother's love is so great, but we have to listen to the holy spirit.  [31:59] The school district gave them a lot of apologies.   [32:42] Christian wanted to go back to the Lufkin school district. She is living with family in Lufkin.   [33:22] She is happy and healthy and doing great.   [34:13] Christian decided she needed to forgive the bully who bullied her.   [36:59] Bullying can break you and change you. You need to decide how you are going to built back up.   [37:51] Christian is not going to be the victim, and she is now an anti-bullying advocate and a great friend.   [39:51] Lightning round…  [41:05] Melissa wants to raise not only a good swimmer, but a lifeguard.   Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.  Links and Resources:  Podcast Web Page  Facebook Page  @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram  @msmelissaradke on Twitter  This Sucks But God Is Good (online course)   Eat Cake. Be Brave.  Thirteen Reasons Why