Definition: to use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants*
Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (29)
Read: 1Samuel chapter 17 for full context of this account
1 Chronicles 16:21-22 (MSG) 21 But he didn't let anyone push them around, he stood up for them against bully-kings: 22 "Don't you dare touch my anointed ones; don't lay a hand on my prophets."
That Was Then
This account tops the annals as one of the greatest bully defeats in history. David was a tender 16 (or so) year old handsome, ruddy shepherd boy when he faced Goliath, a nine-foot-tall, grizzly, giant, seasoned professional fighter who’s armor weighed as much as David himself. I trust you may well know the story; but I invite you to pay close attention to the war within the war, the war of words that took place before a single weapon was discharged. It was in fact this war that determined the physical outcome. To conserve space, I won’t include the verses in their entirety; but encourage you to follow along with me from your Bible. Take a listen:
GOLIATH: (1 Samuel 17:8-9 – Initial Challenge) (Notice this was said 40 days before David and Goliath met.)
DAVID: (vs. 32 – Accepts the bully’s challenge)
SAUL: (vs. 33 – Tries to discourage David from fighting)
DAVID: (vs. 34-37 – The same GOD who helped me kill a lion and a bear will help me drop this bully.) (I believe this is the point the battle was actually won.)
SAUL …"Go, and the LORD be with you."
GOLIATH: (vs. 43-44 –Are you kidding me with this kid?)
DAVID: (vs. 45-47 – You’re goin’ down big boy!) (David didn’t change or water down his statement, especially when he was facing his adversary).
We all know what happened next. Goliath, judging strictly by David’s appearance, expected he would be as easy to take down as one of the cute, cuddly sheep he tended. But David was lethal. A great misconception is that David entered battle with “only a sling”, but words spoken with full assurance of faith in GOD’s ability to do what He promised is greater than the most powerful assault weapon. However, let’s address the “sling” for a moment. David’s sling consisted of a leather pouch with two long cords attached to each end. A projectile (rock or hard, smooth object) would be shot from the pouch. Modern ballistics reports predict that David got the sling up to approximately 15 rotations per second, causing the velocity and impact upon release to be equivalent to the stopping power of a .45 caliber handgun. Additionally, he maintained the accuracy of an expert marksman while running toward his target the entire time. Even while in perpetual motion, he lined up and hit Goliath right between the eyes. In this case, we see that a combination of sticks, stones and choice words can break even the biggest bones.
This is Now
Contemporary bullying has taken on a different form. The fight ring has migrated from the schoolyard to larger arenas like cyberspace, big government and big pharma. The stakes have been raised exponentially higher than lunch money and bruised self-esteem to character assassination, career blackballing, fortunes litigated, health endangered and even lives claimed. The instigators now meddle from twitter feeds, web comments, cable news and media broadcasts, boardrooms, and opposing counsel. But a couple of things about bullying remain unchanged – one is big guy vs. little guy. Although nowadays even this is not limited to the proportions of one’s physical stature; but can be attributed to the size of his/her bank account, military, social network or team of lawyers. The other is nomenclature. Whether they’re playing the dozens or employing more urbane tactics to dominate the audience’s perception of their opponent, bullying is more a combat of words than anything else.
No one would know more about that than Elizabeth Ann “Lizzie” Velásquez. She was born with neonatal progeroid syndrome, a condition so rare that she shares it with only two other people on the planet. In addition to limitations like impaired eyesight and early signs of aging, this syndrome essentially prohibits weight gain. Now 32 years old, Lizzie recalls her max weight was 64 pounds. Upon her birth at a little over 2 lbs., the doctors set an expectation for her parents that she would never be able to talk, walk, or do anything for herself. Boy did she prove them wrong!
Outside of her hometown, Lizzie was virtually unknown until age 17 when she discovered an 8 second muted video of herself at 11 years old on YouTube with the caption “The World’s Ugliest Woman”. More shocking than the fowl heading was the fact that it was viewed over 4 million times and contained ‘thousands upon thousands’ of comments – all negative. Cyber bullies from around the globe chimed in with insults ranging from “burn it with fire” to offering Lizzie suggestions and advice on taking her own life to spare the world the torment of looking at her. She associated their malicious verbal attacks with someone reaching through the computer and punching her repeatedly. **
Recalling this day as her “defining moment”, Lizzie made a decision that altered the trajectory of her life. She asked herself the question she now presents to the multitudes of people across the nation and the world who have the esteemed pleasure of hearing her speak – “What defines you?” As a motivational speaker, four-time published author and pioneer of one of the most successful anti-bullying campaigns online, Lizzie encourages her audience to turn hate into motivation because success is the best revenge.
Who Said That?!!!
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” ― Desmond Tutu
What Do You Say?
AFFIRMATION: "My appearance, education, financial or social status may not meet everyone's expectations; but I am fearfully and wonderfully made in GOD's image and likeness. And if someone decides to hurt me because of it, I am unmoved. For GOD did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
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*www.merriam-webster.com,
**https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzitachickita
***www.brainyquote.com;