“Love those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who treat you badly.” – Luke 6:28
Just as Xiang (Chinese for good man) prepared to order his favorite breakfast, a rather attractive woman tapped him on the shoulder. "Is your name Xiang by any chance?" she asked.
Confused, he’d never seen this lady before. Pretty women always made him nervous due to his imperfect English and bashful nature. His body language screamed fear.
"I’m Dawn – my husband Bryan [pointing to a distant table] thinks he knew you from middle school,” she offered timidly.
She turned and walked back to her table. Xiang ordered food and a cup of green tea. Who was this guy Bryan? Maybe a classmate? But Xiang was shy and had no friends back then. He sipped his tea. Suddenly, painful emotions roared back like a locomotive through an open wound.
Bryan, aka 'Bruiser' – the seventh grade bully. How many times had 'Bruiser' poked fun of his Chinese heritage in front of others? Or joked about him having no parents and living in the orphanage? How embarrassing - when 'Bruiser' slammed him against the lockers just to impress the girls?
Xiang swung around on his stool to face 'Bruiser.' Wow! He's so thin - not the big burly guy he remembered from 1973! And why is Dawn feeding him? 'Bruiser' raised a weak hand to wave. Xiang acknowledged the gesture and turned back around to continue eating.
Soon 'Bruiser' passed by him . . . pushed by his wife in a wheelchair. Xiang pretended not to notice, but couldn’t help watching. They made their way to a large van. Dawn tried repeatedly to get the ramp to come down without success. Xiang paid for his meal and approached the van.
"Darn thing sticks sometimes! Could you help me get him in the van?" Dawn asked meekly.
Xiang rolled Bryan over to the passenger door, set the wheelchair’s brakes, and opened the car door. "OK! Arms around my neck please," Xiang said as he reached down and grabbed Bryan around the waist, carefully lifting him into the van’s passenger seat. Once secured, Xiang swung Bryan’s limp, lifeless legs, one at a time, into place.
“Is this how you felt back when you lived in the orphanage?” Bryan asked with newfound compassion.
"Almost.” Xiang responded. You’re lucky - you have a helper who loves you. I didn't have anyone. Give me a call sometime!” and handed Bryan his business card.
As the van disappeared onto the freeway, he quietly prayed Bryan would call. He’d be his first high school friend. Strange how things work out, he thought.
Lord, we’ve all been bullied: by hurtful words or even physical pain. You share our fear, sadness and loneliness. But I’m not worthless, I’m special – because I’m Your child and You love me. Thank you!
