On a recent trip to the Oregon coast I was struck with how powerful the ocean is. While we were there we experienced relatively calm weather on the first day, but the second day the ocean churned. I even witnessed my first sneaker wave that the Oregon coast is so famous for. The water kept coming up until it hit the rocks at the top of the beach. The wild thing to me was that it wasn’t a big wave, it just never stopped until it ran into the rocks.
Since we were in a hotel right on the beach, and we had a balcony room that overlooked the ocean. I had time to watch the birds and their behavior was enlightening. What I observed was that when humans stayed out of their lives they behaved very well. They sat on the beach calmly waiting for the tide to change so they could go and hunt for food. I watched them hunt, and they all worked calmly and didn’t bother each other. However, the moment people tossed bread or anything else to them, they turned on one another. They fought and became very aggressive.
I think we humans can exhibit the same kind of behavior when we think someone else might get more than us or something better, or perhaps get ahead in the drive-up at Starbucks.
True story: we have a Starbucks in the part of town where I live, and people behave like these birds when it comes to the drive up line. I’ve nearly been hit by people so focused on beating me to the line that they ran a stop sign–the irony was, I wasn’t going there. I only needed to cross to get to exit for the main road.
I’ve been thinking about bullying quite a bit lately due to several reviewers comments about my latest release A Christmas Homecoming.
I’ve been touched by these readers comments regarding Bailey. She experienced bullying as a child and on into her teen years. The bullying had a huge impact on how she viewed herself. This aspect of Bailey was inspired by a personal experience, but I made life a lot harder for Bailey. Here is a snippet from a scene when she is reflecting.
Bailey dropped the bags to the floor and rested her head against the closed door. Her heart raced. What had happened out there? It almost seemed as though Stephen had wanted to kiss her, but that wasn’t possible. No man ever paid her any attention, at least not like that.
She caught her reflection in the entryway mirror and sighed. The same boring reflection stared back at her. Large rimmed glasses that seemed to swallow her eyes, a nose too-big, a pointy chin, and protruding cheekbones—ugly, since the day she was born, according to her cousin and her cousin’s friends.
Maybe you’ve been bullied or perhaps still find yourself in this situation, there is help available. I found this site online that lists resources to find help. https://teenlineonline.org/youth-yellow-pages/bullying-2/?gclid=CJiVqNDJyc8CFc5gfgodlQ0BBw
If you’d like to get a copy of A Christmas Homecoming here is the Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2dc0Vfm
Finally, you are the first to know! Island Refuge will be FREE tomorrow through Sunday. And Island Dreams will be on sale. Be sure to check out this series set on an island in the Puget Sound in Washington state. http://amzn.to/1UhHwa4
The comments are open for discussion on bullying, books, or even seagulls. It’s up to you.
Esther Morehead says
I read the sample of your “Island Refuge” story. I found it intriguing & I look forward to reading all of it. Thanx for offering it for Free!
Jill Weatherholt says
I’m happy you shared the resource link, Kimberly. Bullying is a major problem and many suffer in silence.
Your cover for A Christmas Homecoming is beautiful! I look forward to reading it.
Sally Shupe says
Love your post, Kimberly! Your analogy with the seagulls is so true. Christmas Homecoming is a great story!
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Thanks, Sally.:)
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
It’s so true about people suffering in silence.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
You’re welcome, Esther.
kaleen21 says
How can we get away from bullying when even the politicians do it in plain sight? It is so sad that the morals of humans are so low. That’s why we need to teach our kids what is and isn’t acceptable and how the Bible is the beginning guide to be a better person.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Esther, it just occurred to me that you might think the sample above is from Island Refuge. It is not. That is from A Christmas Homecoming.
However, Island Refuge will be free tomorrow.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
There will always be bullying in this world as we are sinners and imperfect people. But as Christians we should strive to behave in a Christlike way.
Teaching our children biblical principles is key for sure, Kaleen21.
Marylin Furumasu says
Kimberly,
Thanks for sharing this post. I love the coast and all the beautiful ways to see God’s amazing power. I also loved your connection with the seagulls and people trying to get their coffee, or anything else they feel they are entitled to.
You are so true about bullying. I know in our jobs we might see it and it breaks my heart. I’ve also experienced it personally from students towards me. Right now there is one student who continually bullies me with his words and no matter what I do (referrals, detention, talk to the principal) it doesn’t seem to matter to him.
All I can think is that there must be something happening at home or in his life that causes this disrespect. Praying is what I’m doing now.
Renate says
As you stated there will always be bullying, but what is said that it happens in the church among believers or leaders in the church. May we embrace the Golde Rule – do unto others, as you would want others to do unto you. Looking forward to reading both of your romances. Thanks for sharing and your generosity.
Renate says
What is sad!
Merrillee Whren says
As a former school teacher, I saw bullying. I tried to use some of the books that addressed bullying as a way to reach kids.
Priscila says
I’ve seen many people behave like you seagulls/Starbucks example, even when there’s almost no line at all and the wait time is minimal. I’m pretty sure I’ve done it a couple of times and I’ve felt bad every time. Sometimes I think this urge is almost unconscious when trying to do so many things in a single day in a fast pace society. We just want things asap, no wait. My husband is a man of patience (in situations like this at least) and he’s thought me the waiting won’t be shorter if I go in front of someone else. I’ve learned to let people cut through traffic in front of me and patiently find my place in line. I admit it is a lot easier when he’s with me and I don’t have to face the line alone, but still, it’s taken a lot of anxiety from everyday activities.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
That’s rough, Marylin. It makes for a difficult working environment for sure! Praying along with you.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I’m reading a book right now where the character tries to “kill him with kindness.” The experiment in this case showed a change in both people. Maybe one way of dealing with bullying is to practice acts of kindness. If everyone is kinder, we might see a difference in our day to day lives–I’m not pointing fingers, just speaking in generalities.
I’m so accustomed to people not being overly kind, so when they are it blows my mind. I remember one day coming home from running errands and posting on FB about how many kind people I’d encountered that day. I think it really makes a difference on how I at least feel and approach others.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Did the books help, Merrilee? I find I learn a lot from characters in books.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Excellent point, Priscila! We are all in such a hurry. It’s nice to have people in our lives who help us be better. :) Your husband sounds like a nice person.
Diana says
I enjoy watching seagulls at the beach too. Occasionally we see them here at a lake in northern Virginia. We also see crazy drivers!
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I think crazy drivers are everywhere. :)
Trixi says
I really don’t like seagulls….it’s like they’re the scavengers of the sea! And try driving through the parking lot at McD’s when someone is throwing them fries, they won’t move for you to get around them….OY!! Or the annoying neighbor 2 houses down that throws out bread or other garbage food and they flock by the dozens on the road blocking your way just trying to get out of your own driveway! I don’t mind them when they are behaving and I do enjoy watching them fly over the ocean. But they can get nasty in a quick like hurry, especially when it comes to food.
On a good note, I’m always reading a great book :-) I just started “Tangled Webs” by Irene Hannon last night & just as I expected, it has drawn me in! I’m especially excited because this is the third installment of the Men of Valor series & features three brothers. This one is about the youngest brother Finn who’s career as an Army Ranger ends due to a disastrous Middle East mission. I think he suffers from some sort of PTSD but I’ll know for sure the further I read into it.
Great post Kimberly! Would love to know which city you stayed in while you were visiting the Oregon coast. It’s kind of cool that you were in my neck of the woods :-) Hope you had lots of fun, there’s so much to see and do here! And watch out for those sneaker waves, did you know that even two inches of water will roll a log bigger around than you?? Scary stuff, definitely something to respect! Beautiful but deadly :-\
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Trixi, we were in Lincoln City. Yes those birds are out of control when people feed them.
Trixi says
Oh that’s so cool Kimberly!! That’s only 2 hours South of me on the coast….I live in Seaside :-) We used to live in Lincoln City…Me 10 years and my husband 15 years. Wow I can’t believe you were that close!! Did you visit Depoe Bay or Newport? They have an awesome aquarium there with lots for kids (and adults) to see, and on the waterfront you can hear and see the sea-lions on the pier. Hope you guys had fun :-)
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
We went to Depoe Bay. I took my oldest son to the aquarium about 20 years ago, but haven’t gone back. We had a nice visit.:)