They Don't See Me

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."  Romans 12:18  ESV

"I'm the middle kid," a boy told me. "Mom and Dad cheer when my brother plays football and laughs with my little sister does her cute thing. They don't even see me."

I don't pretend to know your family or their feelings for you. I only know the bond I have with my own six children. Three are birth children and three are adopted. I can assure you with everything in me that your parents love you all equally. But, they may not treat you equally. They may not know how. Sometimes, one of the parents and one of the kids have a sport or interest in common and so they have more to talk about. As far as your little sister, if she is cute like you describe and does funny things, it is easy to see why attention is turned to her. She's a little attention grabber who steals all the air out of the room. But, you still love her and would not let anyone harm her.

Listen to what your mom and dad talk about, their work and their activities. Read up on their sports or interests so you can connect with them. Yes, I know, they are the adults and they should seek you out. But, someone may have to teach them how to be parents of three, not two children, and that teacher may be you. So, learn about them; ask them what they did as kids; you be the first one to connect. You cannot change them, but it is within your power to change yourself. Don't be someone "else." God made you to be you. But, you can change your reaction to them. You can choose not to be hurt or angry. You can choose to get to know them and when you do, they will know you better. Let's ask God for help:

"Father, Abba, God, you know me better than anyone. You created me to be the person I am and I know that is a miracle of love. Help me to toss anger and hurt feelings in your giant trash can. Let me show love to my family. Give me patience if they don't see it at first. Love wins and I am playing the game of life knowing that is true. In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen"

Doris
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

Pray for Those Who Are Bullied

Let's pray for kids who are bullied. I know some of you haven't told anyone about it. The bully may have threatened you or you may be embarrassed and feel crummy inside. They may say your parents will be punished or in danger if the word gets out. They may say no one will believe you. But, whatever the reason, you have not told anyone. Your silence has given them power.

Tell your parents, tell your teacher or principal, tell a trusted friend, grandparent, Sunday school teacher or pastor. Use your cell phone to get their stinkin' words on a recording or maybe a video clip. You have power. God will give you strength. Let us pray:

"Papa God, I am amazed by you. Give me strength to get back the power over my life that a bully has tried to take away. I belong to you, Father, I give you all the power over my life. Guide me to the person I can trust to tell about the bully. Give me strength to speak truth to meanness and lies. I trust you God. In the name of your son, Jesus, I pray.  Amen"

Dr. Doris Rapp
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

Courage to Speak

A child told me today that she didn't speak her mind to her dad because she usually just sits back and lets others talk. Her dad has been gone a lot lately and she needs him at home. She needs courage to speak up in confident, loving tones. She could pray:

"Father God, you are so amazing, I know I don't understand all your ways. I want to be close to you. I ask you to give me the courage and strength to tell my dad how I feel. I don't want to be angry or sad. I just what to tell him that I need him. Forgive me when I have not told him how I really feel. You are all powerful. I trust you to give me the courage to speak truth in love. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray.  Amen"
Dr. Doris Rapp
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp