As if the year 2020 has not already been a strange enough year, this week, we have also had the displeasure of witnessing a few individuals being Bullied (even fatally bullied) in the news and media. As many hearts break over these events, there is still something very important that probably should solidly remain at the forefront of many conversations. Anytime you see a person who is like you—who has the same standards or beliefs as you, or maybe they are of the same race, gender, class, etc. as you—being bullied, (therefore, it’s something you can relate to or identify with) try remembering that people are often bullied because of their strengths; not because of their Weaknesses. Believe it or not, a person’s weaknesses is not what provokes a bully. When being bullied, weaknesses only get thrown into the picture so the bully can draw attention away from the strengths they were initially intimidated by in the first place.

In wake of the wave of discouragement prevalent in those who identify with the victims of recent attacks in the news, as sickening as those attacks were, we must also remember that those people were seen in the eyes of their bullies as people to be intimidated by. Do you identify with the fact that people were victimized? Also identify with the reality that people are often victimized because of their strengths; their beauty, their intelligence, their resilience, their grandeur, their demeanor—positive things that bullies do not think they can emulate. So, they create scandals that draw attention away from those positive aspects of who their victims are. (Thieves do not break into empty houses.)

Of course, all people should prayerfully be on the lookout to avoid and also maneuver wisely against potential unnecessary attacks, but we should do this while also remembering to never let a bully outdo us in being able to see our own strengths. If a bully can see your strengths enough to be intimidated by them, you should see your strengths enough to capitalize off of them. Negative people will often aim to highlight your weaknesses. Make sure the highlight reel that plays in your own mind is full of pictures of your strengths and greatest potentials. Be like David who said, “Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Your confidence and self-belief will take you very far in life. As long as you keep your confidence in tack, by the grace of God, you will experience many victories.