WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

with contributions from Marcus, Donald, Albere, Anna, Robert

QUESTION:

Lots of kids on my school bus and in my neighborhood use language I don't like. I don't want other kids to think I'm weird because I don't talk the way they do, but I really don't want to say bad words, either. What should I do?

Several kids from the Sunday School in First Church of Christ, Scientist, Canberra, Australia, discussed this question in class and had this to say:

If the kids are using bad words because they're angry at someone, you might try to calm the situation so it doesn't resort to violence. You could say, "Ease up!"

Don't think that just because you don't use bad words that they're not going to like you. Just get along with the kids.

Marcus, 15

People use bad words for different reasons. Sometimes you can just use creative words instead. God, the all-acting Mind, is giving us creative ideas constantly.

People like you not because you use or don't use bad words—they like you if you're a good friend. And the creative Mind gives you ideas on how to be a good friend.

Donald, 13

The creative Mind governs "the affections [or feelings] of all mankind." This is from the Daily Prayer by Mary Baker Eddy, which goes:

"Thy kingdom come;" let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them! (Church Manual, p. 41).

And friendships that build on ideas from the creative Mind last. They don't come and go. God's ideas enrich the feelings of everyone.

Albere, 13

Other Sunday School students wrote:

Stand up for what's right. With God on your side you cannot lose. Divine Love is your "panoply"—complete suit of armor protecting you (see Science and Health,p. 571). But don't forget to love those kids. They are children of God.

Anna, 15
Sydney, Australia

You should never worry about what people might think of you, if you know that what you are doing and thinking is right.

By seeing the others also as God's children, you can help them use better language.

Robert, 10
Tucson, Arizona

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