Dr. Jessica Peck prescribes Hope for healthy families on American Family Radio
Hello and welcome to the Dr. Nurse Mama show prescribing Hope for healthy families here on American Family Radio. Here's your host, professor, pediatric nurse practitioner, and mom of four, Dr. Jessica Peck.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, hey there, friends, and welcome to my favorite part of the afternoon, getting to spend time with you, prescribing Hope for healthy Families. And I'm going to say something maybe I shouldn't say, but, I'm here in my favorite part of the day with one of my very, very favorite guests. I'm so grateful to have Nick Vujicic back on Nick V with Nick V Ministries. Such a powerful, powerful voice. And we have been talking about champions for the brokenhearted. And all this year, Nick has been so gracious to share time with you, and his time is in demand. So I'm very grateful that he is sharing the work and calling you to be a champion for the brokenhearted. Whether that's you as an individual, whether that is you as a church, whether that is you as an organization where God has placed you in your sphere of influence, we are calling you to be a champion for the brokenhearted. And we have featured many different kinds of ways that your heart can be broken, many ways that you can experience pain. And my guest today, Nick, as you know, I know you know because you let me know and you let me know how much you love his story and you love his message. And Nick is a, globally recognized evangelist. He's a speaker speaker, he is an author. And he was born without arms or legs, but has inspired millions through his testimony of overcoming bullying and rejection. And he's even shared with us before an attempt to take his own life at the tender age of 10. And we have talked about that. And through the ministry, he's founded Nick V Ministries. He has shared the gospel with more than 812 million people, which is unbelievable in 84 countries. And more than a million individuals have come to Christ through those in person events. And yet Nick continually reminds us there are still more than 4.3 billion people on the planet who do not know Jesus. And this month we are talking about the gospel through, to especially a group that's close to Nick's heart and that's the bullied. This is part of their monthly Champions for the brokenhearted campaign. October is national bullying prevention month, and today we're going to talk about what God says. No matter what month it is, it doesn't matter about bullying and how to help our kids rise above that emotional and verbal abuse and how Jesus brings hope to those who feel unseen and just so ashamed or unwanted or abused in that way. And today's conversation is not just education. It is equipping. It is a calling. We have a call to action. And Jesus cared deeply for those who were bullied, and he is calling us to do the same. So, Nick, I'm always so glad to see you. So grateful for your time. Thank you so much for joining us again today.
Nick Vujicic: You're so welcome. Thank you so much for having me on. I really appreciate this opportunity.
40% of teenagers attempt suicide because of bullying, according to research
Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, Nick, let's talk about this month's champions, about champions for bullying. And this is something you've shared before on, many, many platforms, including this show here. But just share a little bit about your heart for the bul. Experienced this in such a deep and personal way yourself.
Nick Vujicic: Yeah, look, when we talk about hope and we talk about, a, ah, lack of hope in someone's life, you know, I always tell teenagers when they look at me being born without limbs, they can potentially assume or guess the brokenness and level of magnitude I've had of loneliness, anxiety, depression, isolation, missing out in life. and, you know, they. They can imagine, what that disability looks like. But what we're talking about here is, I think, the most common disability of all. Because no matter where we're at, there is the number one bully who's Satan himself. And he will use circumstances that God allows, people around us, who even love us the most sometimes to become the biggest bully around us to. In the mission to prevent us from knowing the truth, the truth of our value, the truth of our, belonging to our Father in heaven. that word rejection, comes up a lot. Not just through circumstances or loneliness, through people, and being physically bullied, verbally bullied, gossiping. I mean, you got cyber bullying now, like never before. and it's not slowing down. it's something that really is discouraging. Even as I'm getting older and I've got my own four kids. How do we make sure that our kids know the truth, become bully proof? Not in the way that, they won't ever get bullied, but they know how to deal with it. They know how to process it. and lastly, as I've traveled now 87 countries and done over a thousand schools in person, there were 300American public schools, middle schools and high schools where I did anonymous surveys. And, 40% of the reason why teenagers attempt suicide, is because of bullying at school, and 40% because of a broken situation at home. And so if you just take the 40%, what's beautiful to reframe it is. Do you want to make the world a better place? Yes. do you believe that gossip and all that stuff is good or bad? Bad. What's worse? Starting gossip or spreading gossip and helping define what does that even look like? And are we even aware of our words and actions, or are we just okay to keep on going because it's the cultural norm? There's always been bullying at my school. It's never going to stop. It's a part of life. There are even some people who actually think that bullying's okay because it actually builds the other person's resilience. and quite transparently, a dear friend of mine's son, just had, they've got a situation on their hands. This happened two weeks ago. he was on his baseball team. They stripped him down to his underwear, beat him up, flogged him, took photos of him. and. And he's 15 years of age. This just happened, two weeks ago that it came out because his girlfriend said, I'm gonna report it if you don't. And he didn't tell his parents. He hid it from his. His. His dad. and. And. And this is happening every single day. And so where is the line where enough's enough? Where is the generation when we say, you know, we always talking about tolerance? Bullying shouldn't be at all tolerated because the. The, The. The. The crystallization of definition is that someone believes that someone is less important than them or that I look at other people and they say, well, well, well, they're more important than me. They can do that to me. That's not on. That's not truth. And so how do we bring this into a home conversation? It is close to my heart because bullying was the main reason why I attempted suicide at age 10, as you mentioned. And it's so much more prevalent than you think, honestly. And it's really sad that it does even happen in churches and Christian schools. And we do need to have this talk with our kids, no matter how old they are.
Dr. Jessica Peck: It absolutely does. It's happening everywhere. And, Nick, to your friend who's experiencing that, their family. I'm just so sorry that they are experiencing that because it's so painful and there's so much that we can learn from what you just said. I feel like I need to rewind it and listen to it 10 times because there's so much wisdom that was packed in there. One of the things that really stood out to Me is thinking of you describing this boy, you being a man yourself. I think that boys carry a special burden of bullying because if girls, it's somehow easier in some ways for girls to. That they're, they're being bullied. But there is a special shame that comes along with that. Like the situation that you described. There's nothing that you, you, you don't want to say that you felt helpless that way as, as a man, ah, as a boy, as a male. And I think that's something that we really need to be careful about. And when you're talking about bullying and you talk about just accepting this as a cultural norm, and a lot of girls accept that, they accept sexual violence as bullying, sexual harassment, and boys accept harassment that you're describing. A lot of times kids will pick on another's visible, you know, physical disabilities, much like they did with you, because that's just an easy target and something that they can unite other people around in the worst way possible. And I think when you hear people who have been bullied, they don't often talk about those people who are being bullied, especially people maybe even who, people who know God and who know Jesus. And they're, they, they turn that narrative to, well, if this is the case, then why didn't God change this? Why didn't God stop this? Why did God make me like this to make me a target for this? Why didn't God protect me? And so often, just as you said, Satan is the biggest bully of all time. I think I can just see him just feeding that narrative in a very seductive way to plant doubts about God. And I know that you have had experience with that as well. How all of that relate to. How does that experience of bullying affect how we see the gospel and how our faith is constructed.
Nick Vujicic: Yeah, look in understanding, the, the fundamentals of, of knowing that, you know, that no one deserves to be bullied. Let's just start there. And where does that come from? You know, it's the lives of the enemy that play the mind games to say, you're not good enough. Look at that. You can't do that. You can't do this. And in fact, a lot of it is reminding yourself of the truth. And so it's going back to the Bible, that you're fearfully and wonderfully made, that you can endure all things through Christ who strengthens me, and that no shame and condemnation comes from God. It's all from the enemy. You don't deserve to be bullied. and scripturally, we know what prayer does. But we also know that God designed our life and especially as a family unit, that we don't have to walk through this alone. And I think the biggest weapon here is isolation and. And being secretive of what you're actually going through. And I'm not an expert in, you know, parenting at all. I. I think there's never a perfect parent. But to have those conversations where, hey, how is it at school? Not just, what did you do? What did you learn? How did you feel at school today? what's going on at school? I'm hearing that there's, you know, and it depends, again, on your relationship with your kid and also their age, their vulnerability. and you have to do that as much as possible just to have that conversation. but it needs to be biblically. If you don't have a biblical foundation that you're raising them on, which means raising your kids on, if you will, you know, ask the Lord for ten fundamental, you know, verses that they can memorize, that when they do, you know, face that adversity, that they know the scripture they can hold on to. so that's. That's kind of. It goes back to discipleship, it goes back to mentorship. It goes back to love and intention with conversations.
Dr. Jessica Peck: You know, I remember a time when I was in junior high that I was really severely bullied for a year. And it was. It's always over. It feels like people look for that little insecurity that you have, Nick. sometimes it's on full display, Sometimes it's easy to spot, sometimes it's not. And this really wasn't anything. The reason that I was bullied is just because of early development. And I look that back time. I look back in time, and I can see that, you know, that was a point of insecurity for girls maybe who weren't developing because puberty is just so awkward. But I remember Nick being so desperate to the point where I didn't want to be there anymore. I didn't want to go to school. I didn't want to open my eyes in the morning. And I remember I couldn't find the courage to tell anybody how badly I was feeling. You know, I was the oldest. I was supposed to be, you know, the responsible one. And you just feel like you have to soldier on. And I remember telling my parents one night, the only thing that I could tell them was I kept saying over and over again, I just want to go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. And they didn't understand what that meant to me. Home was heaven because I had been taught about that and they didn't understand it. And I just feel like we have such an opportunity now for open questions, open conversation where we can really push, where we can really show care, where we can really lean in and talk about these kinds of things, which is so important. And that's exactly, Nick, what you are equipping people to do. I encourage everyone to go to nickvministries.org you can click on Champions and you can find so many resources about bullying. You can find a talk that Nick has done straight to people who've experienced it. You can find all kinds of classes and curriculum. We'll tell you more about it and and Nick's book that's coming out, don't go away. You won't want to miss this. We'll be right back after the break.
A recent Danish study revealed something heartbreaking about abortion after one year
A recent Danish study revealed something heartbreaking. Just one year after an abortion, women were 50% more likely to need psychiatric treatment and 87% more likely to experience personality or behavioral disorders. That's not women's health care, that's trauma. But at preborn, women find the real kind of care, the kind that heals. When a woman walks into one of preborn's network clinics, she's welcomed with open arms. She's introduced to her baby through an ultrasound. And for the first time, she sees life not loss And she's offered hope filled choices. When she chooses life, PreBorn continues walking with her for up to two years, providing maternity clothes, diapers, counseling and so much more. Preborn cares for the whole woman, body, mind and soul and the precious baby growing inside her. As you think about your year end giving, consider the greatest investment you could ever make. The gift of Life. Dial pound 250 and say the keyword baby. That's pound 250 baby or visit preborn.com/drnursemama that's preborn.com/drnursemama all gifts are tax- deductible and PreBorn is a five star rated charity. preborn.com/AFR
Don't Stop Praying by Matthew West : When you've cried and you've cried till your tears run dry the answer won't come and you don't know why and you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time don't stop praying don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door Let your knees wear out the floor don't stop believing cause mountains move with just a little faith and your father's heard every single word you're saying. So don't stop praying.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Welcome back, friends. That's Don't Stop Praying by Matthew West. And that is such an encouraging message for those who are feeling bullied today. I have with me Nick Vujicic from Nick V Ministries. Go to nickvministries.org and find out how you can become a champion for the brokenhearted. And the way in which your heart can be broken is being bullied. And we are talking about that. Nick has such a bold mission to share the gospel with one billion souls. One billion. That's billion with a B by 2029. And he is sharing from M. His deeply personal experience, what it feels like to be bullied, to be depressed, to be convinced you don't belong. But his story, being born without limbs, did not end there because Jesus stepped into his pain. And Nick's heart for the brokenhearted, it sparked the creation of champions for the brokenhearted. This is a powerful movement that I am 100% behind that is equipping families and church schools and communities to offer God's hope to those who are suffering.
Nick talks about being bullied and how often people suffer in silence
And we're talking about being bullied. And before the break, Nick, I mean, I think we were talking about how being bullied is such a universal experience. And you talked about how hard it is to talk about that. And so often so many people suffer in silence. What was your experience like in that? When did. When was that moment? Do you look back and do you see a specific, specific moment in time where you feel like you really revealed what was going on, that you found that person that you could make an outcry to? What. What was that moment like for you? Or was it more of a slow, gradual transition?
Nick Vujicic: That's an interesting question. I talk about it in full transparency in another book called Stand Strong, which is something, geared towards teenagers, in how to stand strong when you are being bullied. Because it wasn't that I had a such a terrible bullying experience, but it was the consistent, persistent lies, of feeling rejected. And you know something, someone would say, I go home, and when I'm all alone, I'm hearing that voice again and again and again and again. And if you don't stop that voice and replace it with the truth, it becomes the truth for you or reality for you, in your mind. And when you look at yourself, generally speaking, you always, allow your mind to say something negative instead of something positive. because we feel like we have to have a pressure to perform and be accepted by everybody, but at least not rejected. And so it's almost like we already have this insecurity and the world through bullying confirms it. So I already knew that I had a different body. and there were times where I would, you know, tell my mom and dad, they're bullying me, I don't want to go to school anymore. they're laughing at me, they're not playing with me. There was one guy that I headbutt in the face. and actually I got called into the office and my parents got notification that I head but someone right in the face. And I wasn't proud of that. I was just, I didn't know what to do with that anger. So they knew that I was going through it. And it's not like one big bully moment was bigger than another. I think it was just that persistent thing. And unfortunately I allow those voices to continue to ring and, and kind of traject my future in my little 8 year old mind at the time thinking, well, wait a second, if I'm going to be bullied for the rest of my life, what's the point? And that's, that's where the suicidal thoughts begin. And unfortunately, I actually kept that very secret from my parents back then, and I regret keeping it secret. and there is this really cool organization called Hope Squad. And it's based for students at public schools. And they just make you list out 1 to 10, what's your depression, what's your anxiety? When you ever feel so lonely or you feel like you're thinking about giving up, who are the three people you're gonna tell that to? And if I had that program in my school or that conversation in the home, like, you know, they never said, hey, Nick, have you ever felt like giving up? So, you know, I try to act tough, but having that conversation and tabling it, hey, if you ever feel lonely, if you ever feel alone, let's go for a walk, let's do something together. Let's watch a movie, let's, you know, let's read the bible that that relationship I think would have given me. And my parents did what they could, but they really didn't know what I was going through. And I, I think I just was grinding through, those years until I gave my life to Jesus Christ. But really, I want to encourage anyone who's being bullied. Two things. Be thankful for what you do have, including the friends that you do have. You don't have to be friends with everyone. know that God is with you, you're not alone. and that school doesn't last forever. I think sometimes we get in this thing of like, I'm never going to get out of this. I'm trapped. School, you know, you will graduate school. Those people won't be around you. And bullying will also sure show up in different forms in other areas of your life. But I think it's those fragile years, especially age 7 to 12, where we need to call it as it is and table a comfortability and an atmosphere and a trust and transparency between us and our family in, in sharing it and, and, and, and, and expressing what's going on.
Dr. Jessica Peck: I tell that to my kids all the time. I tell them, you can always tell me anything. You know, you can always tell me anything. I mean, I say it and say it until they roll their eyes at me. They're like, yeah, mom, we know, we know we can always tell you anything. But I feel like until you drill it into their. And then just create an opportunity for culture of disclosure. I really try that. One of the things that I do, Nick, as a mom now, is that I have spaces in my physical presence where my kids are welcome. There's a chair by my desk. They can just come and sit in it if they want to. Sometimes they talk, sometimes they don't. There's a chair in my bedroom that they know is theirs. They can come in and sit down because I want that invitation to come. Sometimes it's so hard, and it feels like the emotions have to be right, the circumstances have to be right. So I want to create as many opportunities as possible for disclosure. And I think it's also important for us to tell parents that if your child is feeling hopeless to the point of being suicidal, that is not your fault. But it is your responsibility to step in when you do know and to act. And when you ask them about it, you're not going to give them any ideas that were not there before. You're not going to push them towards something. You are throwing them a lifeline, open conversation asking saved lives. And that is so important to know.
Nick, tell people how you found forgiveness for a childhood bully
And Nick, I know that from reading your story, from hearing you speak, and from just knowing what you went through. There was one particular bully who was, who stood out among the others. Tell people how you found forgiveness for this boy who was nothing but cruel to you.
Nick Vujicic: Yeah, look, I actually, I think it was at that time I was around 16 and my bully was 17 and, very vocal. And every time I walked by him, I had to go by him every single day, multiple times and multiple times a Day, he would say something that was so demeaning, out loud. And there were some people who chuckled. And no one ever really stood up for me. And I'm like, how do I stand up for myself? Like, I, you know, brush, brush it. you know, just shake it off my back, pretend, that it doesn't hurt me, and smile and laugh. but I. I knew I couldn't deal with it anymore. And so I'm like, first I wanted to confront him, but I didn't want to just confront him. Confronting your bully doesn't always work. Telling a teacher doesn't work. You know, some. Sometimes it does, but in this instance, I knew this was bigger. and then I'd be known as the person who sent for backup, right? And all that. So I, I went up to him. But before I went up to him, I said, God help me to just see him the way you see him. And I played a trick in my mind. I think God inspired me, my brain, to imagine his life at home. And I don't know anything about his life at home, but I pretended that he's actually being verbally abused at home and that he can't control things in his own home. So then he feels so insecure that the only way that he, endures his bullying and, lack of being in control of his life at home is to control and dominate someone else's. So I actually went up to him and I. And I said, okay, hey, look, bro, why do you do that? Like, why? It's like, oh, does that hurt you? And it took humility to admit, yes, it does. And all of a sudden he's like, oh. His demeanor changed. So I didn't know, right? So I don't know what his home was like. I said, look, I forgive you, and I love you. Give me a hug. And he's like, what? I said, I love you. Give me a hug. And so that was. That was the nick as a teenager at that time, because I knew I was a child of the King of kings, Lord of Lords. I knew that I had to forgive my enemies because that's what we should be doing. Like, how do I know why he does what he does? And maybe I'd be the only person to actually show forgiveness ever in his life. That then if someone actually forgives him of the wrongdoings, maybe then that would be the first glimpse of him believing that a, forgiving savior, the only savior, Jesus Christ, forgives him too. And that this lifestyle or whatever decisions he's making isn't life, but it's death. And to choose life, to choose forgiveness, to choose love, if you've got nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. And so I want to also inspire people. When you do stand up against bullying, that's when they also realize, oh, wow, if. If that hurt Nick, then maybe I'm just hurting everyone. and maybe they rethink their actions and words a little bit more.
Dr. Jessica Peck: That is so countercultural. And I think there are so many people who would listen, saying, hey, you don't have to forgive that guy. Like, that was terrible what he did. But, Nick, I'm seeing such a clear before and after picture. You know, before you had that forgiveness, just. And then after you have the forgiveness and looking at the ways that the Lord has used you, looking at the ways that God has. Has blessed you, I think you can look at that and you can say, yeah, that forgiveness might be really, really hard. That might be one of the most difficult things that you ever do. But is it more difficult than. Than living in unforgiveness? I just don't see that in your life. I see such a transformation, and I think that we need to empower more kids to stand up, because so often, especially with social media, there is a, mob mentality, and a lot of kids just. Just stand and stare, and they don't do anything. We have got to empower them to act. I tell my kids all the time, you just need to say something as simple as, hey, that's not okay. Hey, that is not okay to say that. That's not okay to treat someone that way. And many times when you do that, it causes a shockwave in the group because it's so unusual for someone to stand up like that in a bold, strong, but calm way. What do you think? Yours? How do you think your story would have been different if you had had a defender like that? If you had had someone who had said, hey, that's not okay.
Nick Vujicic: It changes everything. And because I knew that and I didn't get that miracle, that's when I realized, well, at least I can be a miracle for someone else. I'll never forget, like, seeing the competition of, you know, a game of the, the school peers playing a game. I couldn't. And it's like an elimination game. And. And, you know, in that kind of game, it was the most unfit person first to get out. And, you know, I was waiting. Instead of me focusing in on what I can't do, what I can't participate in, knowing What a kind word. helps. And being a listening ear, you know, that, that you have no idea. a smile, a listening ear, someone who just looks at you in the eyes. All you want is for someone to validate that you're valuable, you're worth the time. You do have a friend who cares. Someone actually cares about me. And so as people came off that field, that's when you know, I knew, okay, well, what would I do to others that I wish someone would have done for me? And that's all scriptural. and so I realized that there was even a purpose in seeing, God allow me to firsthand experience bullying, to then be a helping hand for someone who is dismayed or depressed or anxious or feeling like no one would miss them if they were not here.
Dr. Jessica Peck: That is so encouraging to hear that that would made a difference and at the same time heartbreaking because I just, I picture nick as an 8 year old boy. I picture you as an 8 year old boy just longing for that. Thinking, looking around, think, thinking, is today going to be the day? Will one of these be the one who will stand up, who will say something? And we need to be much more proactive in that and not just being bystanders. And I think that is what kids kind of have the natural default to do is they just kind of stand and wait and look around to see who's going to be the leader. And we need to speak those kinds of words of life over our kids. You can be a leader. You are a leader. You are called to be a leader. You are equipped to be a leader. You know better than that. You know how to lead the way. How can I help support you to be courageous and bold as a leader? Listen how I can help you and equip you to be courageous and bold as a leader? Go right now, pull over your car, pull out your phone, pull up your computer, even if you're at work, unless you're gonna get in big trouble for that. But go to nickvministries.org as soon as you can look at the Champions curriculum or we'll talk more about it when we come back after this break. And we'll talk more about Nick's book and how you can get a copy.
Dr. Ligon Duncan: Dr. Ligon Duncan from the American Family Studios documentary the God who Speaks. You don't even have to go to passages like John 17:17 and Matthew, Matthew 5, 17:19 and the John passage where Jesus says the scripture cannot be broken. You don't have to go to any of those passages. To see Jesus authority of Scripture, you just have to look at how he talks about scripture and how he uses scripture in polemics against the Pharisees. And of course, it comes out in his engagement with Satan in the wilderness. In Matthew chapter four, Satan makes a suggestion and how does he end? Jesus answers with, it is written. It is written. It is written. And he quotes Moses to Satan three times. So you really see Jesus authority, his view of the authority of the Bible in those polemics. Visit thegodwhospeaks.org Nobody Loves Me Like You by Chris Tomlin Nobody Loves Me like you love me Jesus, I stand in all of your amazing ways I worship you as long as I am breathing God, you are faithful and true Nobody loves me like you.
Dr. Jessica Peck: Welcome back, friends. That is Nobody loves me like you by Chris Tomlin. And that's what we're talking about today with one of my favorite guests of all time, Nick Vujicic of Nick V ministries. Go to nickvministries.org I know many of you have been following this series along with such interest and I pray that God would call your heart to be a champion for the brokenhearted. I pray, I really do. I pray that God would call you to action, to equip yourself to do something about the brokenhearted who are in your area. So many people say, I want to help. I'm just not sure what to do. And Nick and his team have done all of the work of that with curriculum with videos you can take. There's a lot of free resources online. There is a course that you can pay to take to be a champion for the brokenhearted. You can go to your church and you can say, I've had this training. How can we use this? I really want to serve widows. I want to serve veterans, I want to serve orphans. And today we are talking about the bullied. And Nick has a brand new book that's actually releasing on November 16th. You can pre order it now though would be a great Christmas gift, a great gift to read over the Thanksgiving break or the holiday break. And it marks the 20th anniversary of Nick V Ministries. It's called Champions for the Brokenhearted. But it's more than a book. It is a call to action for every believer who wants to live like Jesus did. That that's up close, not at a distance. And the book has four sections. It's the Vulnerable, the Wounded Minds, the Marginalized, and the Silently suffering. And Nick brings us face to face with millions of people he has met all over the world and the problems that they have. The Trafficked, the unborn, the addicted, the poor, the forgotten, and people that are just like me and you, who are brokenhearted. And brokenness really does not discriminate. And yet in a world, this is from Nick. In a world that hides scars and rewarding perfection, we forget that Jesus came for the brokenhearted. And this book, this curriculum, it reminds us that before we can be champions for others, we've got to allow God to heal our own brokenness. And that has certainly been my story and what has brought me here to you. And it challenges with, with the truth. And another thing that Nick said is revival doesn't begin in stadiums. It starts in living rooms, around dinner tables, in bedtime prayers with your kids. And we are seeing so much encouraging news about the spirit of God doing a work across the world about revival, stirring in the hearts of so many lives and the hearts of so many communities. And if you want to be a part of that, it does start in your living room. So, Nick, I would love for you to tell us about your book that's coming out and how your heart is just continually giving and giving and giving to equip us us to serve the brokenhearted just as Jesus did.
Nick Vujicic: Thank you, Jessica. look, this book is really an incredible book. I've never seen anything like this because what we're trying to do is Table Conversations for education awareness of 12, topics that, that are, most common. When we think about the broken hearted. There are so many of us who go to church and never actually find out if the people in our small group or at our youth group are actually going through abuse or PTSD of some sort and regret or feeling alone and suicidal. And I think one of the easier topics to, what we would imagine would be easier to talk about, you know, versus human trafficking or sexual abuse or other things, is bullying. I mean, I think we've been so much, we've been so surrounded by bullying in so many ways and ideologies of what's acceptable and what's not. And for us to expect that that's what's going to happen. But potentially, if you don't have that lifeline, if you don't know that truth, if you don't share, what you're going through, you'll have to go through this alone, which is not what God designed for you, at all. And so we know Jesus also knows how it was to be bullied, by the devil himself, face to face. And the only way that Jesus actually fought those lies and the temptations was the first three words of every sentence was, it is written. It is written. It is written. It is written. So as these fiery dots come, being assured of what is written when. When it comes to how God sees you, that man looks on the outside, but God looks on the inside. That everything else that the world says about Nick or anyone, when the world says you're not good enough, get a second opinion. And if anyone ever wants to, you know, be a part of saving someone's Life, there's a 40% chance, that. That. That the people we're surrounded with are being bullied. If they're teenagers, they're being bullied. They're just not telling you, or they don't think it's. They don't want you to feel sorry for them or, you know, well, you can't help me anyway in this situation. So why. So we convince ourselves why we don't tell someone. And so this book really shows and showcases, stories, testimonies, the lessons behind it to equip our kids and our families with the truth that can set us free from this as well. you know, you will never go through life avoiding bullying. But that character, maturity and grounding and community around our children is so important to build so that they can withstand the temptations and the lies of the enemy.
Dr. Jessica Peck: You know, one of the things that I appreciate about you the most, Nick, is that you are the real deal. I mean, you, I have seen you backstage, I've seen you on stage. I have talked with you multiple times now over a year. And your heart is so genuine and sincere, and it is absolutely unbelievable that a man born without limbs would be called for his mission in life to be the hands and feet, Feet of the good news of Jesus Christ. And I think of all of these parents who are talking to their kids or teachers, like you said, or talking to the kids. And to some extent, I think that kids look at their parents and they think, yeah, yeah, I know that you say, I'm not. These things. You say these good things about me, but you're my mom, you're my dad. You're supposed to say that. And then sometimes there are kids who are experiencing that bullying from their very parents or. But they may look at their teacher and they think, yeah, you're supposed to say that like it's your job. That's what you're supposed to say. There is something very powerful when you are speaking directly to them. And as, for all of these champions, you give a message straight to the people who are experiencing this kind of pain. And I think that's one of the reasons I want to make people aware of this, because sitting and listening to you who don't know them, but still speaking truth over them, having that shared personal experience and inviting them to healing, it's just. It's absolutely incredible. So I would love for you to invite our listeners to engage with the resources that you have in whatever way that you would like to share.
Nick Vujicic: Thank you. And that's such a. That's the important thing. you know, if you're a parent, if you're a teacher, yes, do it. But even more so to be a champion for the brokenhearted and the bullied. You're right. Like, they're actually going to listen to you more than their parent, more than the teacher. But if you don't say anything and they don't listen to them, then there's no one else speaking in their life. So, yeah. Please go to nickvministries.org Click on the tab for champions for the Brokenhearted series. There's messages that I look right into the camera for anyone who's being bullied, and talking about, the bullied, from experts there and different resources and an interview that I did. it's all very helpful. It's all for free. We want the whole world to know that God loves them and God's got a plan for them and to not be crippled with this, this thing called bullying. Be set free from them.
Dr. Jessica Peck: In Jesus name, amen and amen. And I've shared with you that my son came home from school after he had seen you, here on this show. And he said, hey, mom, we watched that guy in my, in my class at school. My teacher plays those messages for us. And he told me, Nick, that it is so quiet when you're speaking. I mean, usually it's video time. That's the time to, like, throw spitballs or, you know, just do things that kids do. He said, but, mom, when, when Nick speaks, it's like you can hear a pin drop in the room and people are really listening because you speak with credibility. You speak with it, from a position of, of lived experience, which is so very powerful. And I do hope that people will go to nickvministries.org and that they will see all of these wonderful resources, because sometimes we want to help. Our heart is to help. But we say things that are maybe not helpful. We say, oh, I understand exactly what you're going through, or, oh, this will pass, or God will Use it for good. And those are all not inherently bad things to say. But one of the things I appreciated and that made me jump on board really quick with this curriculum was you have incredible experts. We've had air Eric Scalise on a psychologist who helped write the curriculum. If you really want the best knowledge, the ways that God has blessed the best minds in the world who are working on this, that's what you're going to get when you go to these free resources that are, like you said, widely available. They're going to help you respond, with grace and with effectiveness and to really step into ministry with intentionality. And I really hope that, that that is the case. And, and you know, Nick, I would love for you to speak to the parents of maybe kids who are the bullies. Maybe we have parents and their kid, they find out their kid is the bully and they think, oh my goodness, but my kid is a good kid, or oh, my kid would never, or I can't imagine, or. And they start to think about how this is so embarrassing and think about the social impacts rather than the words of death that are coming from the mouths of their children. But those children, those bullies, are loved by God too. What would you say to those families who are finding out that their child is a bully?
Nick Vujicic: So first and foremost, make sure that in, in, in your words, your actions within the home are loving. And, ask, ask the Lord, you know, God, where is it that I can come off negative? Us parents can actually come off negative and go back and forth more negatively without even noticing it. So just be careful on your words, your actions, your body posture. Take time, look them in the eyes, make them feel matter. let, make, make them feel like they matter and that you see them and hear them as much as you can. But yes, look, it's really confronting to sit your child down. if you haven't had a report from the school that they're bullying someone, it doesn't mean that they're not. And perhaps help them understand that. Do you know, son, do you know, daughter, that all the teenagers at school, they're thinking of, not all of them, but a portion of them are thinking of giving up. Up. Did you know that the second cause, of death in teenagers lives are. It's suicide. why do we have to wait for a suicide to happen in a school before we realize that it could happen at any moment? Do we realize that from that point of view? Maybe that's how you table it. Have you ever had a friend that's ever confided in you that they feel like. Like they want to give up? Have you ever felt like giving up? Has anyone bullied you? Do you. What happens when you see someone gossiping? do you. Do you spread it or do you stop it? At least don't spread it. and if they do believe in the Lord, then, you know, challenge them. God wants to use you now. and who are you being used by? Are you doing things just because you think it's fun at the expense of someone? you know, and so, again, depending on the maturity level and comfort level with you, there needs to be discipline, but there first needs to. That needs to be brought to light. and I'm not saying if. If they're teasing your other children. You know, siblings always fight and, you know, they bully each other. But even that, like, we stop that. We don't let that happen in our home. We don't let any unwholesome word come out of the lips of our mouths. that's my child. And to understand that one of my children hurt someone else. Seeing it from God's point of view, we're all God's children. And I think that he's mourning and grieving and weeping over some of us who don't even realize, how broken his other kids are. And for some reason, they've become the target of our bullying that we don't even realize.
Dr. Jessica Peck: You know, I think bullying has become the social currency, and it is. It gives you power. It gives you power online. And people. People celebrate it. They think, oh, you're funny, you know, or that's. That's clever, or, oh, they can say something. And there's just so much power and social currency there. And I think as parents, we really have to ask ourselves, what are we using this social currency for? What is this hole that we're trying to fill in our lives? We with social status. And I remember, you know, my. Even on, in my own family, thinking we were more afraid of the injuries that we would have from falling off the pedestal that we had crawled up on top of ourselves than we were the threat of actual death staring us in the face. And this is why we are calling you. This is a call to action. Go to nickvministries.org check out the Champions for the brokenhearted. I know that. I know that. I know that so many of you have had a calling that's stirring in your heart, that's growing, that's preparing. This could be your moment. This could be the catalyst that changes everything. It could change your whole life and send you in a completely different direction. Go and check out the resources. Check out Nick's book. Continue to follow along. We'll be talking about the poor. And as we come into the holidays, we'll be talking about the veterans. And I pray wherever you are, that the Lord will bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. And I'll see you right back here next time.
Jeff Chamblee: The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
