Article May 22, 2017 Issue

To defeat and prevent bullying

Marsha Pecaut

There’s a recreational sport that has grown in popularity called pickleball. For the most part, the people who play are out to have a good, clean, fun time, but for some, it is a serious business of winning. In a few instances that I’m aware of, people have become combative and almost vicious.

One time a disconcerted player felt as if he was being insulted, humiliated, and bullied by a more advanced player. Rather than leave, the disconcerted player remained, quickly calmed his thought, and asked the other player a good-humored question in jest. This helped defuse the conflict, and the game went on.

This approach is a good beginning, but we can do much more than defuse conflict and bullying; we can bring healing when conflict arises.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

‘God is in control!’