Take Ownership

I’m here today to expose a plight.
To stand up for the silent, me included, in this fight.

To implore you to pay attention – to open your eyes.
We stand here internally bleeding – please hear our cries.

It’s not physical abuse so there's little evidence of pain,
but browbeating is real and leaves its victims slain.

Your berating humiliation causes us to doubt
our God-given talents in a mental blackout.

It creates health issues that didn’t exist.
Pushing us to seclusion, responsibilities missed.

We don’t hear it once then forget and pretend.
We hit replay again, and again, and again, and again.

We get lost in the pain, frustration, and strife.
to the point where we’d just rather end our own life.

Our loved ones struggle with what we’re going through
because you intimidate, criticize, berate, and devalue.

When you’re a bully confronted, don’t dismiss, or disguise.
Take ownership of your own actions and apologize!

Your words have power, don’t misuse and abuse.
Instead, tread lightly with kindness and don’t make an excuse.

It matters not if you’re at home, school, the grocery store, church or at work.
Kindness should be scattered no matter the turf!

John 13:34 – God calls us to love one another.
Exploiting vulnerabilities is NOT loving each other.

If we learn to edify, encourage and uplift
in our words, tones, intentions and deliveries  - what a gift!

A gift we would give the world
and change the lives of every boy and girl.

What a difference we could make in our interactions
if we just took ownership of our own actions.

I pray this declaration doesn’t land on deaf ears,
but it’s renewed in our hearts, minds, and spirits for years.

I hope we don’t just hear it, but it really sinks in.
That we can take ownership of our own actions and omit the sin.

If we cared for our brothers and sisters like we’re called to do
We CAN change society's view.

Instead of living a life that’s all about me
We can choose to live outside ourselves and be free.

Free from the insecurities that cause you pain,
Stop the bullying. Let’s break the chain.

It’s time to do what’s right,
Take ownership of our own actions and end this fight!