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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Don’t Look Back (04/19/12)
Throughout my school days I was a quiet student. And, what is considered a "nerd" today. I was into major reading and writing. I was the kid in the class who always had "a hand raised" eager to answer. I was the kid who would remind the teacher, "you forgot our homework assignment," which always brought about a “cacophony of groans and moans.” Needless to say, I was hardly the popular girl due to my vigor and appetite for acquiring a higher level of knowledge.

I basically lived for school, assignments, and doing well. I could hardly wait to get up in the morning to get to school for another day of learning. Until one particularly grim day….It was a day that changed my demeanor and complete course of action.

I was in the powder room, when the late bell rang. After washing my hands, I gathered my books walking out into the corridor. I was still "studying" in my mind for the history test as I picked up my pace. The hallway was empty the students in their classrooms, when suddenly I felt a paralyzing pain on the right side of my face. Before I had realized where it came from, there were four girls around me. They roughly grabbed hold of both arms, and held me, while the "biggest and heaviest one" punched me over and over. It seemed as if it was happening for an eternity...but it was probably all over in a matter of two minutes at which time they had pushed me down on the cold marble tiles.

I was on the ground bleeding...and in shock. My classroom was within two feet from where I lay. I got up, staggered toward my history class, and then passed out as I entered the room. I woke up in the nurse's office. "Are you okay? Do you know where you are?" The R.N. had asked with valid concern.

"I'm dizzy. I'm in pain all over… is this the nurse's office?"

The rest of that day was quite hazy. My parents were both called to the school. I was taken to the hospital. I was concussed with lacerations on my face, and multiple fractured ribs. My parents were livid to say the least...I recall that with clarity. Yet, of course, they were primarily concerned with their daughter’s well-being more than anything else.

I was frightened to go back to school after that. And I became withdrawn. It was determined, after numerous consultations with the school board, and a Christian youth counselor; that I could "stay at home" to finish out my year. I had difficulty concentrating. My parents were patient, understanding, and loving during that entire ordeal. And, they had worked dutifully with me, and my "teacher’s suggestions."

At the end of the term I came face to face with a predicament. I could return to classes or, remain at home for the final year of middle school. I struggled with feelings that were convoluted and conflicted at once. I had wanted to attend school again; I missed it dearly, and the interaction with other students. Yet, I was reticent about a return and the possibility of additional bullies repeating what I had already endured.

Prayers and God helped me. The Lord gave me the courage, and fortitude to go back to school the following school term. That experience helped shape my life, and prepared me for my adult years. I sincerely longed to help others. Especially those bullied, or abused. The Lord took my ashes and turned it into beauty. He formed and ordained my steps for a career in social services and Christian counseling…ultimately becoming a voice for the elderly.

I found out that the bullies were random girls who broke into the school looking for someone to "beat up." Being late for class that day (the first time ever) was the basis of my being attacked. They were all sent to juvenile detention. And it turns out that they all had a prior record, but none as violent as the attack against my person that day.

I am glad they were stopped before doing irreparable harm to others. I thank the Lord for His loving hand in all of this. I had forgiven all of my attackers not too long after that incident, and have never looked back.

I wonder what became of them. I pray their lives were turned around and that the Lord touched their hearts…With God all things are possible.





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Note: This is a true story that happened to me when I was 11.
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This article has been read 1206 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marina Rojas
04/26/12
How beautiful that such a painful experience would turn into something that would minister to others. Reminds me of Isaiah 61:3, beauty into ashes and you are most certainly wearing a garment of praise instead one of mourning.

As a word of advice, I would suggest that you study the use of "quotation marks", they have definitely been overused in this writing, and distract from the flow of your storytelling.

Enjoyed what you had to share and will looking forward to reading more of your writing in the future!

Hiram Claudio
04/26/12
This was such a wonderfull message and so wonderfully told. It was so easy to admire and embrace the MC and the idea, at the end, to pray for the attackers is so powerful a conclusion. Well done!
Catherine Maher
04/26/12
You did a wonderful job with this revelant account of school bullying. Think of the mighty miracle you experience afterwards...because many teens commit suicide following a major event like you endured. Wow! to God be the glory and for the answer to forgive and pray for our enemies. I'm in awe...and you are a wonder. Good job!
Genia Gilbert
04/27/12
This is quite touching. It is wonderful that you were able to overcome the trauma of this and move on in your lfe. Good illustration of not looking back.
Dannie Hawley 
04/27/12
This is really a gripping article. To think it is true and that such things continue to go on in our schools today at an alarming rate. poor kids. Glad the Lord used the experience for your good. Thanks for sharing such a personal piece of your life.
Leola Ogle
04/28/12
Oh, how my heart ached for the MC. I'm so glad that schools have an awareness of bullying now and have policies in place, although I'm sure it still happens. The power to forgive was definitely the key to the MC's ability to not look back, and make her life a positive influence. God bless!
Noel Mitaxa 
04/28/12
A powerful account that compels belief, and which also challenges the reader to step off the paralysis carousel of reliving bad memories and let God reshape the pain into a pearl. Very well done, though the quotation marks were a little distracting.
Glynis Becker
04/28/12
So beautifully told. I'm glad that you've been able to put aside the pain and look to a way to help others. My heart breaks for kids who have nowhere or no one to turn to when they are the victims of this kind of violence. Great entry.
Laura Manley
04/28/12
Your story was well-received by this reader. You kept my attention through your descriptive words and dialogue. It is unfortunate that these things are still happening today, but in your case, it caused you to become an even stronger person than before and make the trauma you went through go beyond its original intention. Thank you for sharing your story. Very nicely presented!
Linda Goergen
04/30/12
What an awesome and amazing story and message on several levels.
It reminds us again of the need to watch out for bullying.
How God turned this evil incident for good is a wonderful testimony for Romans: 8:28.
And your forgiveness and ability to move past the hurt is a wonderful example.
This story not only fits the topic perfectly and is beautifully written, it totally gripped my heart and is a story I will not forget. Thank you for sharing this testimony, which speaks volumes of your character and the wonder of God to shape us in so many ways. This was a true blessing to read!!
marcella franseen
05/01/12
I am so sorry you experienced such a violent act and at such a young age. Except for Christ, a traumatic event such as this one can become a person's identity. In Him we can forgive, press forward, and not look back. I, too, hope those girls came to know Jesus. This story was right on topic and kept my attention. I thank God He has used this experience for good in your life!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/01/12
Wow this is a heavy story. I related to the young MC right away, picturing her as me or one of my friends. Then my breath was taken away at the sudden violence. As I was reading it, I could not stand it a second more so I scrolled to the end of the page praying it wasn't a true story. My heart hurt when I found out it was and I wanted to go back and hold the little girl. But then you showed I didn't need to go back because Jesus held the little girl and helped turn her into an outstanding caring woman.
Edmond Ng
05/03/12
A very well written piece. Thank you for sharing so candidly the pains you have suffered. The Lord bless you.
Vicki J. Cypcar
05/04/12
I was bullied in high school and could totally relate to this article. It is very powerful.