We all have moments in life where we would like to go back and change something. An example for me would be to go back and stand up for someone who was being bullied.
Witnessing Injustice
When I was in the seventh grade, I was not very bold. I believed in God and His Son Jesus, but I did not always stand up for those in need. There was a girl who was very poor with bad hygiene. Her name was Lily. One day during lunchtime, she accidentally spilled some grape soda on another girl’s white pants. I did not find out about this until the next day while in class (when the teacher took a bathroom break). Jessica (the girl who had the grape soda accidentally spilled on her pants the previous day) went over to where Lily was sitting and started hounding her for the money to replace her pants. The pants apparently cost twenty dollars. She told Lily, “You better get me the money!” It was not long before Jessica began to jab her. It was not done hard enough to leave a bruise, but it was definitely done in a threatening manner. Lily began to cry and repeatedly told Jessica, “I’m sorry, I can’t afford to pay for it.” The kids in the classroom began to laugh. I did not laugh, but I felt frozen with my thoughts. I knew it was wrong to treat someone this way.
A Call to Advocacy
I wanted to stand up and say to Jessica, “Would Jesus want you to act like this? What would your grandmother say if she saw you right now?” Jessica’s grandmother was a devout Christian, and I knew she would not approve. However, I never stood up for Lily. I regret not standing up for Lily that day. Had I possessed the boldness then as I do today, I would have spoken up. No one deserves to be treated in that manner (James 2:1-12). We should always stand up for those who are being mistreated, especially those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Hope for Change
Deuteronomy 15:11 NKJV says, “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’” I wonder if Jessica would want to go back and change her position. Would she forgive the debt of Lily? I hope that Lily is doing well today. I do not know where she is. If I could find Lily, I would apologize for not standing up for her. If you can stand up, then do it! Don’t make my mistake. Let’s make a difference and stand up for the poor and the afflicted. God bless you all!