Bullying happens at all ages, but during the teenage years it is especially difficult to handle because this is too young to have developed good coping skills. So in keeping with the theme of this blog, I would like to share my perspective on bullying. When President Obama makes a public plea to the American people to put a stop to bullying, you know the issue has grown to a level that needs attention.
The recent suicides that have made the news are nothing new, although they are tragic. The reality is that teens are susceptible to suicide whether they are LBGT or not, but it is actually the elderly that have the highest rate of suicide. While it is good to look at this issue and yes all children should be able to grow up in an environment free of bullying. The core issue here is not bullying, but respect for Life itself! Our children need to be taught to respect all life and to understand that everything they do, even little “jokes” are harmful when taken the wrong way or when they are allowed to get out of hand. For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action! The simple laws of physics can be applied.
When statistics are consulted the evidence shows that the middle age (45-54) and elderly years (75+) are the most likely time for suicide per the World Health Organization in a 2005 survey. The LGBT suicide rate is reported to be 2-3 times higher than average for teens from a study reported in 1999, although to me that seems a little out of date being at least 11 years old. The point of the statistics here is to point out the issue is not new, but is just getting well deserved press and exposure. The rules have not changed and our reactions should be the same regardless of what the world throws at you. Do onto others what you would have done onto you! Children do not always think about such things, so it is up to adults to model this for them, to remind them in a loving manner that everyone has feelings and to make them accountable so the lessons stick. Compassion can be used in all means of discipline! It is important to keep the wounding to a minimum when facing these issues.
Suicide attempts are a cry for help and it is help we need to be offering, not drugs or punishment. These kids need our Love and Compassion! They need support and someone to show them there is nothing wrong with them. Being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender is not abnormal, weird or anything of such. It is a normal biological variant in the mammalian species and other species as well. The law of probability shows that anything that is possible will eventually occur. Certain conditions occur more than others. Our differences are not to be condemned but celebrated! We are each special in our own way, this is our gift to the world! See this in another, like in the movie Avatar, “I SEE YOU”! See the value that each person possess and celebrate it, acknowledge it, accept it.
The answers always lay within, so to help another help yourself first by Loving yourself for who you are, no matter what that may be. Then you have the basis to share from. Everything you do is setting an example for someone else, so teach with your actions by accepting and loving everyone you meet just as they are! It is only as hard as you say it is. Life is Simple, easy is up to you!
🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 
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