The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
I spoke with Jeannie M this morning on the telephone. She is from Rye, New York. She is a friend of my sister for years. While speaking – we engaged into the topic about bullying (which I was a victim of during my pre-teen years -and through High School) I asked if she’d be interested in being interviewed for TBL/Faith News. To which she excitedly and graciously agreed. She didn’t want elaborations in her personal details of anything other than what she shared below. So, I honored her wishes, and the result is I hope that you will find a fundamentally inspiring story, that serves to illustrate how faith and love of God can get us through anything. Now of course, there are those who are facing similar circumstances, who do not have faith, and I can only imagine it being exceedingly difficult without having hope or trust in a higher power, like our LORD.
The message is with God we can get through whatever it is we are facing. As we do we are being honed to a greater degree of spiritual growth and assimilating to a higher ground.
So here now is the brief, albeit impactful interview of Jeannie M.
CD: Jeannie, thank you for sharing your story with us. You’ve had quite a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Can you start by telling us a bit about your childhood and early experiences with bullying?
Jeannie M: Thank you, CD, for having me. My childhood was marked by constant belittling and teasing, both at home and at school. It was confusing because I always tried to be kind and respectful. Yet, it seemed like no matter what I did, I was always a target for unkindness. My belief in Christ and His teachings kept me going, even when it was tough. I remember praying for strength, asking Him to help me show kindness to those who hurt me. One passage that came to me daily was, “And lo, I am with you always.” It was a reminder that He was holding me up, no matter what.
CD: Having been bullied I know how incredibly difficult that is. How did this treatment affect you as you grew older and entered adulthood?
Jeannie M: As I grew older, the bullying didn’t stop. In fact, it seemed to intensify, especially in the workplace. I had a co-worker who was particularly harsh. She was the head honcho, and one day during lunch, I tried to join a group of colleagues. She ordered me out of the office in front of everyone, and they just kept eating, afraid to stand up to her. It was humiliating and left me questioning why I was treated this way. I cried at times, but mostly, I was upset because I couldn’t figure it out. Through it all, I felt Christ’s Presence and heard His voice telling me to hang on, that He loved me and would never leave me.
CD: Oh gosh! That must have been devastating. I know I often wondered why I was picked on and beat up. Jeannie -Did you ever try to understand or make sense of or why people treated you this way?
Jeannie M: I never really found out why and I really didn’t care to know because to me it was like a riddle, it didn’t make sense. It was one of the most frustrating parts—trying to understand why people seemed to dislike me so much. I wasn’t unattractive, not that it should matter, and I always believed in treating others with kindness. I often thought about the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” It gave me the strength to extend love and kindness to everyone, even those who hurt me. I tried to respect and honor others, as Christ wanted.
CD: It’s heartbreaking to hear that. Yet- despite everything, you mentioned that you always had a stronger One supporting you. Can you tell us more about your faith and how it helped you through these dark times?
Jeannie M: My faith in God was my anchor. Even in the darkest, saddest moments, I felt His Presence and support. It gave me strength and helped me to keep going, even when things seemed hopeless. I would pray and feel His mercy and pure love washing over me, reassuring me that I was never alone. “And lo, I am with you always,” would echo in my heart, reminding me that He was holding me up, and that I can cast all my troubles and worries to Him, because He cares for me more than anyone or anything in this world.
CD: Amen! Wow-That’s truly inspiring. You’ve come a long way from those early years of abuse. How has your life changed since then?
Jeannie M: Life has changed immensely. I got married and had two beautiful children. Being a mom and wife brought a whole new perspective to my life. The true meaning of life became clearer through Christ. I counsel individuals who are being abused, both physically and emotionally, pro bono for my church. It’s fulfilling to help others and offer them the support that I once needed. I make a conscious effort to show love, kindness, and respect to everyone I meet, just as Christ has shown me. As a wife, I respect and honor my husband, and as a mother, I strive to instill these values in my son and daughter, and eventually my grandchildren.
CD: Your story is a testament to resilience and faith. Before we end, do you have any advice for those who might be going through similar experiences?
Jeannie M: Absolutely. First and foremost, hold on to your faith. Know that you are not alone, even when it feels like you are. Seek out supportive communities, whether it’s through your church or other groups. And always remember to show kindness and mercy to others, even when it’s not shown to you. It can make a world of difference. Remember, “And lo, I am with you always.” Christ’s love and presence are with you, holding you up. If you don’t have faith, or know Jesus – check Him out – He is real and He loves you, and will get you through any kind of crisis, big, small and in between.
CD: Amen! Great wrap up. Thank you, Jeannie. Would you like to close with a kindness prayer for our readers?
Jeannie M: I’d love to. Father, God- We pray for those who are hurting, that they may find comfort in Your Presence. Grant us the strength to show kindness and mercy to others, just as You have shown us. Help us to be a light in the darkness for those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
CD: Amen. Thank you, Jeannie, for sharing your story and your faith with us. Your journey is a beacon of hope for many.
Jeannie M: Thank you, CD. It’s been a privilege to share my story.
Reflective Questions:
- How do you show kindness and mercy to others in your daily life?
- Have you ever felt alone in your struggles? How did you find comfort and support?
- What role does faith play in your life, especially during difficult times?
- How can you support someone who is being bullied or mistreated?
- In what ways can you make a conscious effort to respect and honor those around you, even when they are unkind?
Closing Note: Please be kind to others at all times. The person being bullied is someone’s daughter, son, sister, mother, aunt, or friend.- But perhaps most important – they are a child of the only Living most High Almighty God. Our King of kings – So, in essence – royalty!
Your kindness and compassion can make a world of difference in their lives, and will undoubtedly be a reflection of Christ’s light. Be a light to all you come in contact with!
God Bless you all
Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
this is so inspiring, I was bullied at school because of my stammer, this drove me to seek attention.
I questioned it right though to adulthood
only Christ can heal
would love to email your friend
Thank you Keith – It’s horrible to be bullied, sorry to hear you were as well. It’s a “club” you don’t want to be a part of – I was bullied and picked on my entire time in middle school. And two times, jumped on by a gang of tough girls who beat me to a pulp. But we are all the better because of it, and I suspect – God had a plan for us from that horrific incident. That’s how my career was born.
God bless you~