Mean girls exist in every city and every state across the country. Every schoolyard is overrun by them, it doesn’t matter if it is urban, rural, Christian or public schools. Mean girls can be found on every playground. These girls can be said to be equal to the schoolyard bully, except instead of giving out black eyes, they leave bruised hearts.
Mean girls can cause emotional scars so deep that some girls might want to change schools in order to avoid their cruelty, others will find themselves in some kind of therapy years later to find healing for the emotional damage caused by these mean girls.
If you think dealing with mean girls is something new. You are wrong. They have been present throughout the ages and the Bible is full of stories of mean girls! Most likely, you are reading this post today and you, yourself, were either pegged as a “mean girl” or you were a victim of a mean girl.
In today’s culture though, we are seeing girls who are being meaner than ever! Television has a lot to do with this…we have become desensitized and now because of reality shows and talk shows, we no longer resist getting in each others face and criticizing one another. Girls today have a “speak-your-mind,” “tell-it-like-it-is” mentality which has taken the meaning of a “mean girl” to a whole new level.
The mean girls of today certainly make the mean girls of my generation seem like Shirley Temple! Today, technology has allowed girls to be vicious, rude, and down right mean. Girls can spread their venom electronically with the click of a mouse through emails, instant messaging, facebook and mypsace.
Mean girls are not just a problem with adolescent teens. Mean girls are grown women too. And sometimes mean girls can be found in your own church pew. Christian girls are not exempt from associating with mean girls or even being a mean girl.
HOW TO SPOT A MEAN GIRL….
- Mean girls base their worth on being in control and exerting power over others.
- Mean girls use manipulation or scare tactics.
- Mean girls do not hesitate to ridicule or make fun of someone.
- Mean girls look for support from others that will join their team of being mean.
- Mean girls often express outward meanness to cover up a lack of self confidence or feeling of worth.
LUKE 6:35, 36 “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons (and daughters) of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
Questions to consider:
What do we do when we come across a mean girl?
As a Titus 2 woman, how can we raise our daughters to not be a mean girl?
Looking back, can you remember a time that you were a victim of a mean girl… how did you overcome?Looking back, can you remember a time that you WERE a mean girl… what changed you?
Thank you for joining us today as we gather around the well. We would love to hear your comments on today’s topic and please link up your post in Mr. Linky below.
Please visit me daily on my blog… http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/
Thank you for today's post. It reminded me just what all I have been through and just how far I have come.
I was the victim and at first just moved away from the mean girl to the other side of the playground. Then I was told that I should fight back, well that didn't really work as then we both went to the principal's office.:( I think the best response is to be kind to a point, but then someone in authority needs to step in if it gets worse. Showing kindness to others with your children will help and letting them see you showing kindness.
Dear Laurie, thanks for sharing this today. I may have been way too confessional in my post and I pray the people involved don't stumble upon my words (unless it is meant for them to read). I definitely appreciate any wisdom my sisters in Christ can share with me about this situation.
Love!
Beth
Hi, I posted a similiar post days ago also entitled mean girls. It was in regards to a Beth Moore study. I have been asking women who are interested in viewing the video by Beth Moore that spoke about mean girls to let me know. I will gladly post it on my blog. Please go to my blog and vote for the video – entitled mean girls.
Very thought provoking post and questions.