Just As I Am

Thirty

After accepting Jesus Christ, I literally felt like I was released from all the pain, hurt and guilt that was locked up inside me. I felt a peace and joy that was indescribable. With the help of Paula, I grew in my relationship with God. I also felt more fulfilled and couldn't imagine why I had decided to commit suicide in the first place.

One normal school day, as Paula and I were hurriedly making our way to the next class, a voice over the intercom told us that we were wanted in the principal's office. To my surprise, when I entered the principal's office, Melissa and her clique were present. Paula didn't seem surprised to see them.

"What are they doing here?" I asked no one in particular.

"Please sit down, Karen. Paula told us about your bullying and cyber bullying. We have enough evidence to show these things actually occurred. There is some footage captured by our security camera and papers, which show that you were cyber bullied. Bullying is a very serious issue and Melissa and her clique have gone too far. What I would like to know is would you want to file charges against them for physical assault and cyber bullying?" the principal asked.

"No", I said without hesitating.

Everyone was surprised by what I said.

"What?! Um...would you please excuse us for a minute?' Paula said and grabbed my hand and took me outside of the principal's office.

"Karen, are you out of your mind?" Paula asked me.

"What was that all about? Did you report Melissa and her clique to the school authorities?"

"Yeah, I did because I want justice to be served and I don't want anyone getting hurt. Karen, you're not the only victim of Melissa's bullying. I've been a victim too".

"Yeah, but I don't want them to go juvie and I've forgiven them. I've learnt so much about forgiveness".

"Okay. I totally understand".

"I have one more question. Which papers was the principal talking about?"

"Oh, the comments you printed".

"Where did you get them from?"

"Your dad".

"Okay, let's go back inside".

We went back inside and took our seats.

"I forgive you, Melissa and the rest of you for every hurtful thing you've done to me. I have decided not to press charges on one condition. You have to promise not to bully or cyber bully anyone ever again".

"We promise", Melissa said.

"Well, Karen you may have decided not to press charges against Melissa and her clique but this school has a reputation and we do not want to taint or destroy that reputation so the school has decided to press charges against Melissa and her clique. Karen and Paula, you are dismissed".

Trust me, it was not easy to forgive Melissa and her clique. What they did really hurt me. I know for a fact that the sinful things I did in the past really hurt God but he still forgave me so why couldn't I forgive others? With God's help, I forgave Melissa and her clique.

Melissa and her clique spent about one month in juvie. They anyone. They also didn't bully me anymore and even if they did, I wouldn't be afraid to tell anyone, especially my dad. We've become really close. Even closer than before Mum died.

We really understand each other now and that's really good for our relationship. The other good news is Dad didn't make us move again. He understood me and told me that moving was no longer necessary. Paula and I are really, really close. She was the last person I would have expected to be friends with, but she's my best friend and I wouldn't want to change that.