Are you picked on, singled out, humiliated? Have you seen it happen? Then read on...

So they say

"It's no big deal."

"All kids have to go through it."

"So they push me around a little."

"I've just got to ignore it."

Is this the impression you get from other kids, or maybe teachers, adult friends or even parents? They make you think bullying is a phase of life. Kids just do it and kids just have to live with it.

Living it feel different

But what if you're the one who hates to go to school or feels humiliated? What if you're singled out as the "nerd" or "wimp?" What then? It's not so easy. Sure, for a while you can follow their advice and "be bigger" than those hurting you.

But that wears you down. Being continuously hurt, whether by peers, teachers, or parents gets to be too much. We can keep it inside and keep a chin up. But if you keep blowing into a balloon, sooner or later that balloon is going to reach its limit.

We've heard of Columbine and other times where a kid had problems for a long time. The blowing continued, no air was being let out, and POP! Lots of kids who seriously injured others said "I just lost it." It was too late.

What does this mean for you?

If you're the one being hurt:

1. Please talk to someone who is a good listener. It's okay to be angry, frustrated, and embarrassed.

2. Remember and remind yourself that being picked on is not your fault.

3. Finally, remember that you are not alone. Sure, there are other kids who are singled out by their peers. But, more importantly, our friend and Savior Jesus knew what this felt like. He lived with constant challenging, jealousy, and disrespect. His life ended with spitting, hitting, and people stripping him. He knows how it feels. He hurts for you and is angry about the pain others cause you. Right now, you need supernatural power to handle this. As a Christian, you have it. God lives in you. When you're weak, God's awesome power and strength shine most clearly. Maybe later, you'll have a stronger, more compassionate spirit because of this hard time. Maybe you'll be able to say like Jesus, "Father, forgive them." But for now, know that God will get you through.

If you've seen it happen:

May God give you the courage to be a friend to the lonely. It may not be easy to take the side of the weak but Jesus' love compels you. You may even make a new friend.

Whether you're being bullied or know that it's happening, God has given you a great opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet. You can show his heart of love.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:7-9).

Sarah Owens is a deaconess with Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries headquartered in Milwaukee, WI.