Say Me

This article was written by our writing leader Kathryn. Get to know our Summer 2018 Leaders here!

To each his own, given his own time

Speak for yourself, I speak for mine

Try to bring each other to the light we need

How many people have had someone say something mean to them? Actually, let me ask a simpler question: How many people haven’t had someone say something mean to them? Nobody? Yep, that sounds about right.

The sad reality is that people are mean. People will say things just to tear you down and try to stop you. Maybe they say it in front of you, maybe they gossip behind your back, maybe even both. At one time or another, it happens to everyone.

When the whole world has left you behind, the temperature has dropped inside

You need to know who’s gonna fight, say me

Here comes the paradox, though. We know how it feels for people to try and break us, but we still turn around and do the same things to someone else. Why?

Nobody wants to admit that they carry on the cycle, but it happens more often than anyone realizes. You might think: who cares? It’s just an innocent little comment to say “did you see what ‘so-and-so’ was wearing?” What could it hurt? The problem is that while it may start out with little things, this cycle strengthens as it progresses and starts again. Before you it, mean things come out of your mouth too quick to control.

I need you

To say me

I need you

To say me

Say me

In these times, it’s even worse. Before social media was introduced, kids could get home from school to get away from bullies. Now, kids go home and they can still hear the nasty things people throw at them from their houses. Social media has the power to enhance lives, but it sadly also has the power to destroy them, and many people have seen its destructive traits. It’s easy to say things when you’re safe behind a screen, but it’s a little harder to say them to someone’s face.

Does your heart need reminding the answers to questions

You lay beside when all you wanna do is fall asleep

There is a way to break out from this cycle of hatred, but it’s not really what anyone wants to hear. We have to be kind to everyone, no matter who they are or what they say. If someone calls you a loser, let it go. Instead of firing back, either say something nice or don’t respond. “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 6:29). The other part is to know that they are wrong. You are not defined by what they say you are, or think you are (1 Samuel 16:7). Others’ words, and the reflection of their own insecurities should not make you think, feel, or act any different. It sounds cliche, but many people really do say mean things because they’re insecure about themselves. Rather than add to those insecurities, build up other people’s confidence. Not only will they feel better about themselves, but you will too! Tell them what’s amazing about them, that they’re beautiful, wonderful, and that you care rather than telling them what is wrong with them.

Everyone starts to question why

Sees the rust where I see shine

You need someone to take your side

Say me

Recently, my dance studio had the senior team [which I am on] dance to a song called “Say Me.” Each person in the dance chose words that have been said to them, whether it was said directly to them or indirectly to them. These words ranged from “ugly” to “nothing.” The words were written on our skin with red makeup. During the dance, someone would come over and help us by wiping the words away. This was done to show others that while it’s true, people are mean, we can help others. We can be the dirrerent ones that lift other people up rather than try and tear them down. This dance made such an impact on our team, itself that we asked a parent photographer to do a photoshoot for this dance. The family agreed, and after the photoshoot, a video was made. This video was posted on his Facebook and on Youtube.

I need you

To say me

Honestly, I’m not sure what has been more amazing, the video itself or what followed the video. So many people shared the video on Facebook that [last time I checked] almost 3,000 people have seen the video on Facebook. It’s crazy! So many people have reached out to us and said that they were inspired, and it means more than they know. We worked so hard to convey our message and everyone is glad it showed.

I need you

To say me

Image via Everly Mag Writing Leader Kathryn

My dance teacher showed a part of this video to the “petites” (a group of girls that are about 7 or so) because they were going to see us backstage with the paint on, and nobody wanted the girls to think that the stuido put them on because we thought that. The girls were very upset that anyone would say these things to us. They had a discussion about how sad it is that these kind of things happen, but if we are nice to people (even when they don’t reciprocate that kindness), we can help fight it. One girl told the group that someone called her stupid at school the other week, another said that she was called ugly. Listening to Mrs. Windy tell this story was really difficult for me because it showed just how big of an issue society has. It was heartbreaking to hear that this really does happen, especially hearing stories of the callous things little kids say to each other. Deep down we all know that everyone, including kids, are being torn down by others, but everyone wants to believe that everything is fine. It’s not. There’s a song (“Hero” by Superchic[k]) that talks about how nobody wants to get involved with a problem that “isn’t about them.” It goes on to say that this is our problem, and that by not saying anything to help the little guy, we are saying everything.

The sooner we start this life living as we’re loved

Just put it behind us to see what we’ll become

The sooner we start this life

Living as we’re loved

The purpose of the dance “Say Me” was to show people that there really is another way, and it’s important that we be that difference. Sure, people may think it’s weird or awkward, but it doesn’t have to be! Just Instead of telling someone that their hair looks frizzy, tell them that their smile is amazing! Instead of telling someone that they aren’t as smart as you because they got a lower score on that math exam than you, tell them that their dedication to studying is going to pay off! One phrase I think of a lot is the phrase “people change people.” I went through a really rough patch that seemed like it would never end (as I’m sure many others have). Certain people were so vile that I didn’t want to go to school. However, I got through it two ways. I prayed, and I had other people to lean on. I said:

I need you

To say me

I need you

To say me

I need you

To say me

People helped build me up, and those words of encouragement were brighter than the words used to hurt me. People change people, and people need people.

I need you

My “words” for my team:

Jillian- Strong. Caring.

Deja- Vivacious. Graceful.

Tony- Talented. Inclusive.

Lorena- Fierce. Social.

Jocelyn- Optimistic. Radiant.

Hannah- Brilliant. Unique.

Mama K- Passionate. Loved.

Ms. Windy- Influencial. Positive.

To say me

What positive words do you have for the people in your life? Comment below and remember to share those words with them!

Song: Say Me by David Archuleta

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Feature Image Credit: Maricris Flores via Youtube

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