GrafittiedSoul...

Ephesians 4:29

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

As I was trying to wrap my mind around the concept of bullying, the Lord gave me the word GraffittiedSoul. It is an interesting word because it portrays the core and the depth of bullying. We all have a soul. And everyday people are writing on it. What they write creates a wall of words. And then I pondered...what does that wall look like? For some of us, it feels like a spray painted wall full of words intended to hurt or wound. It's the epitome of bullying....someone seeking to leave their distinguishing mark behind....yet it finds its place not on a wall, but on our very souls.

As I think of the wall, I picture 4 types of people and the graffiti playing out in their lives. Although categories seem to trivialize the significance of each individual life affected, for the sake of understanding, categorization is necessary. In understanding the GraffitiedSoul it is important to look through the lens of the archetype: the bully, the bullied, the bystander, and the brave.

There are those whose disposition creates in them a need to take their wall of graffiti and turn it on others. These bullies have no intention of going down alone. Because of their own pain and self loathing, they seek to create walls of graffiti that will deflect away from their own wall of pain. The cultivation of an empathetic heart is a choice weapon for waring against the lies that instigate the destructive behaviors.

The bullied are those who have a wall full of words...the wounding is often deep and significant. They have a difficult time escaping the painted images. If truth does not find their hearts, they are left feeling helpless, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal.

The bystander may or may not have a GraffitiedSoul. However, their inability to stand securely and contend for the victims often comes from a deep seeded apprehension that they will become the recipient of graffiti. Honestly, how easy is it to be vulnerable and open up to a barrage of words that will leave an imprint on the soul? A desire to love at all costs will give them the ability to stand victorious.

And the brave are those who stand securely, unwilling to be pushed into a place of silence. They may or may not have a GraffitiedSoul, but nonetheless, they have made a firm decision to utilize their words to help eradicate the graffiti of the world. They are willing to stand with the bullied, love a bully, and speak truth over a wounded soul. Their words of truth are like fresh paint over the badly marked areas.

Wherever you find yourself today, know that Jesus is among the brave! He has the ability to paint beautiful strokes of vibrant colors over the Graffiti of your Soul. In submitting to the artwork He paints over my life, I no longer live with a wall of Graffiti, but a beautiful canvas of praise!