What is in a name: the essence of someone’s spirit and life? We name organizations as well to envision goals and ideals. Recently, I began working on a new initiative for my community to prevent suicide by ending bullying. Moms from my community joined me in this initiative.
We lost an 11-year-old in our community who committed suicide because he felt no hope because of the cruelty of other young people. During the last two years, four young people in our small town have taken their lives, and bullying was linked as a reason. Bullying leads to a loss of hope. It wrecks children’s self-esteem.
The heartache of our recent losses led to mothers looking for answers through prayer. We formed a group we named: A.R.K. (Acts of Random Kindness) Angels of Abbeville County. The idea behind our group is to stop bullying in our schools and work together to prevent any more suicides. I know that bullying is not the only reasons youth commit suicide, but a recent study Yale University found bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims.
We are just beginning to explore programs to help our youth.
I hope you will pray for the initiative. If you know of similar programs please place links in the comments below. I am linking this post with the Five Minute Friday Community where this week’s prompt is “name.”
Now, on to our weekly linkup. First, please follow me on your social media. I love to hear from you: Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/ Instagram/Google+.
Next, lets review last week’s linkup.
Last Week’s Top Clicked
Welcome the Outsider
Lisa at Lisa Notes touched on an important issue in her post that really ties in with my own walk at this point. It is so funny how God often ties in “The Most Clicked” or “My Favorite Post” with issues that I am facing in my own life. Differences do not have to separate is so true. For those who bully, it is often differences that cause them to fear and to strikeout. The bullied are made to feel inhuman and unwelcome.
We need to work together to make all feel loved and welcomed despite differences. As Lisa notes, “Our efforts are worth it when we discover the common humanity that God weaves among us all.” This is a not miss post.
My Favorite Post
The Ultimate Guide to Praying Proverbs Over Your Child
By Patsy at InstaEncouragements
As I read through this post, I found encouragement to pray for my daughter and the children in my community. This post will uplift you as well.
Remember to grab your button if you have been featured:
Now, it is time to link up to the Literacy Musing Mondays hop!
Linkup Rules:
- Include a link back or the blog hop button linked to this hop on your posts.
- Link up the URLs to your posts, not to your blog.
- Please remember this is a family-friendly linkup. Although we believe in the right for adults to read whatever they want to read, we prefer to read wholesome posts that feature literature that edify and uplift families. We reserve the right to delete any posts that are not family friendly. We love all kinds of literature and genres including family-friendly inspirational romances, fantasy, or science fiction. We do not welcome any posts that feature excessive violence, sexual content, or any cursing. This rule also applies to book review posts that feature books that are not family-friendly. These posts will be deleted without notice to the blogger or explanation. While we believe in the right for all adults to read whatever they want, we feel our linkup is for family-friendly posts only. Thank you for understanding.
- We also want to be a loving community by supporting one another. Please make a point to do this week! Visit the two posts before yours and at least one other blogger’s post of your choice! I want to see lots of clicks on everyone’s posts. Remember it is also nice to follow them on their social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- Also, note periodically I will send everybody updates on the linkup using your contact information you provided when you linked up. At the bottom of the notifications, you will be able to unsubscribe if you do not wish to receive these notifications.
- Tweet about the link up too.
Suicide is so hard! I had a college friend commit suicide. We need to educate about mental health etc better. Thanks for this post.
The teen suicide rate is shockingly sad. I think I’ve read that it second only to accidents among teens. What a tragedy when a young life (or any life) is cut short!
Donna, so true. Thanks for sharing.
Awwww… thank you, Mary, for featuring our “Ultimate Guide to Praying Proverbs Over Your Child.” 🙂 Thanks for hosting the linkup! Shared.
Patsy, you are so welcome. It was a wonderful post. Thanks for being a part of our community.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: End Bullying, Prevent Suicide By Kindness
Hi Mary,
What an amazing initiative! We need this in every community around the world!
I applaud you especially from a Therapist’s viewpoint!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…Concern, worry, anxiety…
Jennifer, thank you so much for your support. You are so appreciated.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: End Bullying, Prevent Suicide By Kindness
Mary, love your community’s A.R.K., Acts of Random Kindness. What’s so great about this initiative is that not only are you targeting something negative, bullying, but you are also asking for positive acts instead. Kindness is one of God’s wonderful attributes and He loves when it is displayed in us (also a fruit of the Spirit). I’m so sorry for the loss of these youth in your community and will be praying.
Karen, that is true. We will seek to answer negativity and bullying with intervention and redirection. Bullies are wrong, but punishment will not help. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: End Bullying, Prevent Suicide By Kindness
Any suicide is tragic, but an 11 year old. Oh, I cannot fathom. Thank you for covering such an important topic. Praying for your community and the child’s family today. laurensparks.net
Lauren, I know. It is so sad. Thank you for uplifting our community in prayer.
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: End Bullying, Prevent Suicide By Kindness
This is such an important emphasis. This sounds like a great group, and I wish you all ever success.
Barbara Harper recently posted…While we wait
These are such heartbreaking stories. Bullying, suicide, all things our kids should never have to deal with in my mind. I’m grateful for people who make a difference like you!
Barbara and Rebecca,
Thank you for your support. I know these are heart-breaking issues. With prayer, a community can make a differenc.e
Mary Hill recently posted…#LMMLinkup: End Bullying, Prevent Suicide By Kindness
Cheering you on in this commitment to end bullying and support kids who are targets.
Thanks for using your platform on line for a close to home need.
Mary –
I am praying!! Thank you for starting this initiative. As you may know, this is a topic close to my heart. I believe we all can help prevent suicide. But it must start with awareness.
I am so sorry for the loss to your community. Praying for hearing, understanding, and change to take place.
Here is a link to a post I wrote on How to Help Prevent Suicide – https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/help-prevent-suicide/
It is based on the initiative #BeThe 1To. I believe we all can help prevent suicide.
I also did a presentation and have included my powerpoint on my mental health resource page. https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/mental-health-resources/
Tip: Everyone should put the suicide hotline number in their contacts. If you or someone needs it, you will have it readily available to share. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Blessings,
Maree
Missed you last week.
Maree Dee recently posted…What is the Truth Behind What You See? – Grace & Truth Link-Up
Maree,
Thanks for your recommendations and the resources.