Psalm 64.1-10: To this day
Hurtful words have an awful impact on those they’re spoken to long after they’re uttered. As Christians, not only must we never demean others, but we should defend those who need our help.
Spoken Word is a growing form of art that we’re seeing more and more often. It’s not exactly poetry and it’s not exactly song. It’s a hybrid somewhere in between the two. Shane Koyczan is one of the latest voices in this art genre, and for good reason. His message, taken from a TED Talk, entitled “To This Day” is insightful far beyond his young years.
Essentially, his message is about bullying and its harmful effects…short term and long term. “To This Day” talks about the fall out he and some other bullied friends still experience as a result of hurtful words spoken to them when they were kids. Like physical wounds that leave scars, they must deal with the invisible scars that words have caused them.
This week, our students watched the video below, and discussed how sticks and stones hurt almost as bad as words. You read that right. Our words can build up or tear down. As Christ-followers, we should use these powerful tools to encourage, love, and build each other up.
Talk with your students and discuss the following questions with them:
- In your understanding which words have the most power? Do they hurt or heal?
- Do you see people treating others in a poor fashion? Why do you think they do that?
- What have you begun to do to overcome bullying in your school? What can you begin to do?
Our students have to go through much during their younger years, so it’s our job to keep lifting them up. Encourage them this week. Help bring laughter and joy into their lives, rather than discouragement and disappointment.
Use your time wisely with your students!
Cedar Creek Youth 