According to the NC Department of Justice and Attorney General Roy Cooper, 107 North Carolinians lost their lives to Domestic Violence in 2010.  These numbers may seem small to some, however on a broader scale, it’s showing statistically that the number of Domestic Violence related deaths may be on the rise.

The June issue of Glamour magazine reports that on average, this “secret” is killing four women a day in the United States.  Women fear that being in an abusive relationship should be kept secret and that if they are victim to abuse, that they are in some form responsible for it.    No relationship should cause more pain than joy.  Love doesn’t hurt.  Although no relationship is ever perfect, no one deserves to be subjected to violent relationships.  Domestic Violence is so prevalent in our communities that it cannot be targeted to one specific group of individuals.  Individuals in the Hollywood scene have recently been placed in media headlines for acts of violence towards their spouses/significant others.  (Ex: Charlie Sheen and Mel Gibson.)  In sports, athletes like Matt Barnes and Floyd Mayweather have also recently been accused of assaulting their significant others.  Let’s not forget that my sister was a victim of domestic violence and she was a member of Law Enforcement.  Abuse has no boundaries.

Many people often wonder why women choose to stay with their abusers or ignore signs of potential abuse.  It’s definitely not because they are weak, or defenseless.  It is usually because they have become so overwhelmed by the abuse that they can no longer see a positive outcome; they fear for their safety and/or a loved one’s safety;   and because they are often ashamed.  It shouldn’t be an embarrassment to say that you are a victim of Domestic abuse however it is hard to admit it.  And sometimes our law enforcement agencies don’t make it as easy to seek assistance.  I have heard of several cases in which a victim cannot receive protection from an abuser “…if the magistrate is not in”, or “…because he left the scene”, or even, “…most women don’t want to press charges, so we can’t do anything unless you initiate the process”.  But, we have to continue to push through the obstacles and know that there is a sense of rehabilitation that comes from standing up against your abuser.

As victims, we have to encourage each other.  As sisters/brothers in Christ, we must do more than just pray for each other.  If someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, speak up about it.  Don’t insult or discredit the abuser.  That doesn’t provide the support the victim needs.  Show that you are concerned for their well being.  Be patient.  We all tend to say things, like “if that were me…”, but the truth is, if you haven’t been in that situation, you don’t know how you would react.

Let’s stop making excuses for Domestic Violence abusers.  Let’s start creating awareness.  There are millions of women who are suffering from this so called secret.  And we need to start talking.

I’ve attached some links to provide information for anyone that may need assistance.  Please use them.  Most are even set up for quick escape, if you fear that your internet usage may be monitored by your abuser.

1)      Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) is a national hotline for domestic violence victims.

2)      www.womenslaw.org is a site provided to let you know your rights as a victim.

3)      www.ncadv.org is the website for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This site also provides contacts to your state Coalitions.

4)      Contact your local Law Enforcement Agencies for area shelters and support agencies.

5)      ALWAYS, Call 911 for immediate assistance.

There comes a point in time where we have to re-align ourselves with God and His vision for our lives.  What is He most concerned with?  What makes Him smile when sees what has been accomplished at the end of the day?  What are the things in our lives that we can’t seem to let go of or struggle with that God is trying pry out of our hands?  Peace often escapes us because our priorities have been thrown off balance and we measure ourselves by everyone’s standards except God’s.

I found this wonderful chart that really begins to get to the heart of the matter.   I enjoy it’s simplicity (sometimes we make things really complicated).  This is posted on my refrigerator as a constant reminder that my goal in life is to be a woman who abides in Christ.  Not someone who works tirelessly on activities that won’t mean much in the end.  Now that I have finished rambling (LOL), please read an enjoy!

P.S. A special thanks to Erica from Confessions of  A Homeschooler.  Thanks for sharing this and allowing us to share it with others!

http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-mom-vs-abiding-mom.html

By Shequana Pulliam-Sidberry

Recently, I watched the interview between Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. It disgusts me that people in this world can cause and inflict so much pain and hurt on another individual. I thought about how this man has been so successful and how he has endured so much in his lifetime; yet, he had the faith to overcome those obstacles and setbacks. It reassured me that the battles we face are not ours, but the Lord’s. I sat in tears listening to Mr. Perry’s recollections of abuse and molestation, and I gathered one important piece of information from that interview, despite it all, we must forgive.

I began to think about my own personal struggles, and recent situations that have left me bitter and angry. In particular, I think most about my sister’s murder. When I lost my sister, I was angry. I was confused, and at times I even questioned God’s plan. Why would he take away my only sister, my mother’s baby, and the mother of my niece? But then I came to realize that God took my sister away from her suffering and worrying here on earth, and gave her the eternal life she so deserved. In reflecting on the media frenzied Chris Brown and Rhianna scenario, I remembered how my niece used to love to listen to Mr. Brown’s music, and how once this violent story surfaced, she grew to build anger. She sympathized with Rhianna and her pain. She wondered what would have happened if Rhianna ended up like her mother. This little eight year old girl, refused to listen to his music. And I too, made the decision to stand with my niece and no longer support his music career.

On Mr. Perry’s interview with Oprah, he mentioned how only when you forgive, can you be free from the bitterness and the anger that you withhold. He mentioned how he learned to forgive his father, who abused him for so many years. After we left my sister’s funeral, my mother did one of the most admirable things I’ve ever seen. She stated that she forgave him for taking her baby’s life, and she called the funeral home that housed his body, and offered condolences to his mother because she too, had lost a child.

Now, things are finally coming together. Rhianna stated that she has no regrets regarding her relationship with Chris Brown and she actually learned and grew from it. I realized that she had forgiven him. I remembered my mom and her forgiveness toward him. I heard Tyler Perry say that he forgave his abuser and the molesters in his life. I remembered my sister telling me about a week before she passed, that she had forgiven him, and that she didn’t want to block her blessings by being angry. And lastly, I remember my now nine year old niece telling me one day, that she forgave Chris Brown for hurting Rhianna. And as his current song played on the radio, she said “its okay, we don’t have to change the station anymore.” I had finally received my wake up call. It’s time to forgive.

Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. I learned to forgive. Forgiveness is the reason for being able to tell my sister’s story, without anger and how I can encourage others to move forward. I’ve learned to speak out on abuse so that I can heal. I’ve learned that only once I can forgive, will I continue to receive my blessings from Heaven.

Ask yourself, when is the last time you were able to forgive?

Beautiful One, do you have what it takes to be all you were created to be? Its an honest question, if you answer quickly, you might say yes. But, if you take some time to think about it, you might run into some trouble.

As Christians, we may have an inerrant belief that as long as God is on our side, we win! But, what happens when we know a great God being on our side, is coupled with seeming defeat? We face challenges that not only discourage us, but provoke us into a cycle that feels impossible to break.

There is alot of talk amongst our Christian circles, inspiring messages go out about doing great things for God, becoming more than what we are at the moment. These messages are among my personal favorites. But although I receive inspiration into my spirit, I know all to well how the challenges of life can repeatedly come in and choke the inspiration. Nothing is more discouraging, then when we believe for something great, and it somehow evades us. Replaced with yet another fight, and this time, one may really question, if they have the endurance, and strength to go the distance. One may question, whether they really have what it takes to make it to the other side, the side of greatness they so long for deep within.

I once heard someone say, you can only write what you know. I don’t know how true that statement is, as there have been countless people who have written on subjects they personally never experienced firsthand. Maybe it should be said, that we write more effectively with personal experience behind us? For example, I personally prefer council about parenting from someone who has personal knowledge of what being a parent is all about.

Make sense?

Upon sitting down today, Ive made the decision to share what I know. There is a reason God has called me to write for others who Silently Suffer.

It has been a little over a year now that I have been on my own with my four sons. My marriage of five years has been severed. The circumstances surrounding the events that caused this abrupt ending to my fairytale are best described as bizarre. I for one believe in the sanctity of marriage, I believe that working on issues, so that you may recover from them ‘together” is always the best way.

But, in this case, my case, that just wasn’t an option. It’s important to note, that three years ago, God specifically told me to leave my staff position at my Church. I didn’t understand it, but I simply obeyed. Knowing deep within, God never takes away, without replacing something even greater. So I went, and I literally stepped into a three year night season. I call the last few years my dark ages, for I have walked in the dark, more than in the light.

I found out my husband had placed an ad on an internet personals site, requesting a sexual encounter. Exactly nine months later, I came into the knowledge that he had made sexual advances to my daughter, his step daughter of nine years. One week later, he was terminated from his job for sexual misconduct, and two weeks later in complete crisis and survival mode, I packed up and left him.

I wrestled the nine month period, we had a family, I had stepchildren, a home. But, something deep within me just would not let go of the insidious betrayal. I believe wholeheartedly God didn’t allow me to have a change of heart, for He knew what was to come after. Do what you may to me, but when anyone goes after my child in such a way, there is no talking about. There is no recourse, discussion closed, you played your hand, game over!

Beautiful One, I never imagined this for my life. Now being literally thrust from all that I knew, all that I had made plans for and dreamed about, all of it was crushed and obliterated. No friends to call, all my church friends heard about it, but no one bothered, because I had left the Church. All I had to work with was the little bit of dignity I had left, my belief that God was with me, and my dreams, that even though all of this happened, God would still make the promises I know to be true come to pass in my life. Regardless of what it looks like now.

And it isn’t pretty.

I cannot describe adequately to anyone, how hard its been. But, as hard as it has been, I have seen God move in ways that just takes my breath away. I can truly say, that where I stand today, I may not feel so powerful, or strong, but God has given me a resiliency and determination that lets me know, I am not going down like this. No, I will arise from these ashes, I will become all God says I will be, and even though many mistakes are made, tears have fallen ruthlessly, and my faith has tinkered on the border of unbelief, I know, this too shall pass.

Where I stand today, I say to you, Beautiful One, you are not alone. Our pain may be different in circumstance, our dreams may look like they are gone, but listen to me, God will never take you through the valley, unless your mountaintop is just up ahead. No one may understand your suffering, no one, but One, and if He made it out, do you think he’s gonna leave you behind?

Hold on, go a little farther as Jesus did in the Garden, take it one day at a time. We are still here, we have survived, we may be suffering, but don’t you know, after the cross, it’s resurrection day? And truly, with God on our side, -WE WIN!

Beautiful one,just believe, and never stop believing!

Shannon Heiden

shannonheiden@yahoo.com

changingonelifereachingmany.typepad.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Anorexia and Bulimia are very serious eating disorders that occur when one does not properly relate to food. Eating disorders are serious. They can and do result in physical and emotional turmoil. There are a lot of control issues related to eating disorders. An unbalanced spiritual diet will result in a spiritual eating disorder. If you go without spiritual food; you will lack the proper skills to navigate through the spiritual maze of life. Jesus came to this world to redeem us from the penalty of sin. He overcame sin in the flesh for us. He came so we could have life abundantly in every way! It is so important that you explore God’s Word. The Word of God is food for the soul. Have you ever thought about the side effects of a Spiritual eating disorder? When you do not have a consistent healthy spiritual diet it is difficult to understand the things of life! Jesus came so the world would not be condemned but saved. It is through His love we have obtained grace. To find out more about your purpose and the plan God has for your life it is important to comprehend spiritual things. Did you know that you can actually forever be in a learning mode and still not comprehend the spiritual things of God? In fact you will have a tendency to be misled. It is vitally important that you regularly read, study, digest and apply God’s Word in your daily life. You do not want to develop a spiritual eating disorder. It will result in serious spiritual consequences.

In order to grow properly one must consume a nutritious balanced daily diet. It is often said “we are what we eat.” Eating is a natural normal everyday occurrence. Without a proper daily diet one can become malnourished. It is a well known fact that in many third world countries thousands literally starve to death daily due to a lack of a proper balanced diet. It is difficult to reach your full potential when your body does not have its proper nutrients. Food for your body is what gas is to a car. Think about it? How far will your car go without gas? How can you make the journey? Food is fuel for the body.

God created a marvelous thing when He created man. We are created in His image. We are body, mind and soul. God has also provided the necessary resources for us to live healthy lives. In order to grow physically we need food. In order to grow intellectually we need to study and stimulate our brain cells. When we study we assist the building of dendrites. Okay what are dendrites? They are nerve cells that send impulses to the body. Intellectual growth without spiritual development is futile. You will never fully understand life and its true meaning without knowing God. Remember He created us with a soul. Our soul also has needs. We need to spiritually feed our mind and soul with the Word of God. The Word of God is spiritual “BREAD from HEAVEN.” It is essential to our spiritual growth and development.

Did you know that the Scriptures are considered “The BREAD of LIFE ?” They are essential for the proper growth and spiritual development for the believer. Just as food is necessary for the body; so is God’s Word for our soul. A proper spiritual diet is required if you truly desire to grow spiritually. A constant diet of religious junk food is unhealthy. Yes, it is possible to grow without God’s Word. But, you will not grow spiritually. You will grow carnally. It is even possible to grow religiously. This will cause you to be misled as well. You will be tossed to and fro by the various doctrines of man. Please know growing religiously is not the same thing as growing spiritually. Many people talk right and walk left. Remember Jim Jones and his followers? If one does not regularly participate in studying and applying the principles of God’s Word to life’s circumstances it is also possible to become stagnated. The Bible clearly tells us that God is a Spirit of Truth. When you know the Truth the Truth will set you free. This type of freedom leads you to be free to become who God wants you to be. It will give you a new lease on life.

Tasting the indescribable fruits of God’s Word is like putting on 3 D glasses. Meaning you will see things on a deeper level. God really is awesome! Spiritual warfare is at hand. Despite everything that goes on there is nothing that happens He is not aware of. Just think about that for a moment. That is really deep. Look around you and see all the things that are going on. The further we move away from God’s principles the worst things get. Many choose to live a life of misery and despair. Life presents many challenges. God intended for His Church to carry on His Son’s mission. He Loved, trained, developed, nurtured and became a living example to His disciples. He even died and rose from the grave so they would see the scriptures being fulfilled. This was the ultimate demonstration of love. Did you know that He and His disciples were persecuted, misunderstood, lied on and mistreated by those He came to help? They even plotted secretly to discredit Jesus in spite of all the good He had done. The Bible tells us there were places He went that due to unbelief His power was not manifested. These are a few of the important facts you will discover when you study the scriptures.

Today we have the Word of God in Book form. His Word is our source of spiritual food. Did you know that There is nothing written in the Bible that is less than 1800 years old? That fact is awesome in itself. The Bible’s Truth will forever be alive. It will and has stood the test of time. In Jesus’ time they did not have the Bible like we do. It had not been compiled into the Biblia 66 books as we have today. God really does supply all our needs. He did not leave us Comfortless. He left us His precious Holy Spirit as our internal Guide that we receive on the profession of our faith. We must daily ask for His infilling presence. We need His Holy Spirit to help us understand His Word. God does not want us to be spiritual anorexics. He wants you to know Him through His Word. How is your spiritual diet? How much time do you spend acknowledging God in your daily life? Do you ask Him to give you your daily bread?

This column is for you if you are reading this. Just take a personal inventory and see if you are really ingesting a balanced spiritual diet. You know and God knows. You should feed yourself spiritually in addition to being fed physically. When you attend a worship service it is the time for you to become spiritually nourished and energized as well. To praise God from whom all blessing flow. God has given many gifts to the Church. The gifts were given to spiritually mature the body of Christ. (See Ephesians.) When junk food is served in lieu of the Word of God; many become spiritually codependent. This often makes it difficult for them to deal with life’s everyday challenges. When you attend service the pastor, preacher, evangelist, priest, teacher, minister or appointee, are all charged to deliver a message from the Word of God. When one truly lays aside their own agenda this is possible. It is also very good when the messenger let’s the listeners know when they are using illustrations to make a point. This is helpful for those who are not as familiar with scriptures. This time should be consecrated; instead of used to personally say something to someone you do not have enough courage to confront. Only after praying and sincerely meditating on God’s Word this is possible. Some even see this as an opportunity to get someone else to say, what they cannot say themselves to someone. What happens when you eat junk food? The proper delivery of a spiritual message will feed your soul. It will enlighten, convict as well as encourage you to grow spiritually. The Word is like a two edged sword it cuts both ways. There is something for the messenger or deliverer as well as the recipient. God has left no stone unturned to see that His children receive proper spiritual nourishment.

It is an arduous task to deliver God’s Word. But how will you know if something is from God? Good question. This is why you need to study. You need to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts, they knew the Word of God for themselves. This is why it is important that we too develop our personal relationship with Him. A healthy Spiritual diet is one of the most important assets you can acquire. As a Christian it should be a necessary priority. How important did I say spiritual food was? Life can be difficult. A proper balanced spiritual diet will help you weather the tempestuous storms of life. It will give you keen insight. When everyone is saying it’s alright when you know its all wrong, let His Word guide you. God never tells us to support something that is not right. A proper spiritual diet will help you to stand for what’s right when the majority falls for what’s wrong. A proper spiritual diet will allow the Fruit of God’s Spirit to flourish in your life when spiritual warfare is about you. God keeps His promises. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. I can bear witness to this He won’t! He said He will supply all of our needs? He will! (This does not mean just getting or having what you want) He said He will be peace in the midst of a storm. He will!

His Word tells us that “God is Love” He truly is! Love is a wonderful thing. Having someone to love and knowing others truly love you is a wonderful thing. Many really do not know what Love really is. Love really is a beautiful ever unfolding gift from God. In the midst of trials, tests and wickedness God’s love will be an anchor. But you must always remember that spiritual nourishment is essential. His Word tells us that, “God is Love.” When you read, study, deliver or share God’s Word please be prayerful. There are so many that have gone shipwrecked. So many casualties due to an unbalanced spiritual diet. Much too much junk food and not enough substance. Example: If I tell you to come to my house for dinner you are expecting a balanced nutritious meal, right? What if I give you a plate of raw carrots? That’s okay if you are a rabbit. You might even think its funny, but, when you get home how do you think you would feel? My point is. As human beings we need more that just carrots. Some foods are a little hard to digest. We need both balanced spiritual and rich nutritious diets for our spiritual and physical growth. God wants us to continuously grow spiritually. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” What does that mean? We must learn to embrace the Truth of God’s Word. God wants to be in every area of our everyday lives. He wants us to have a rich full spiritual diet, healthy marriages and sincere loving families.

I want to encourage you to make it a priority to spend some time with God. Really digest His Word. I assure you whatever is going on in your life He already knows. God wants you to live out the promises of His Word. God can and will make a way out of no way. He heals and He delivers according to His Will. Did you know Jesus also used very unconventional methods? The religious establishment was quite often opposed to His methods. What are you saying? God will supply the road, direction, vehicle, people and resources when and if necessary for you to accomplish whatever He wants you to do. All you must do is step out on faith! Do not be surprised when someone does not understand you. Always keep in mind that what matters is that God knows and sees everything. Nothing can come our way unless He allows it. This is why He tells us to do whatever we do as you do it for Him. Remember His Church is supposed to be the pillar of Truth. The enemy is the father of lies. God is awesome. God is a “rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” He is truly worthy of our praise. Remember it is more important what God knows rather than what others think.

Why do you think Jesus spent so much time getting away and spending time with His Father? Jesus remained constantly spiritual nourished. Did you ever think about the fact Jesus could have just said everyone be healed. He could have completely done away with poverty, suffering and famines. He had the power to do so. But that was not the plan. He was faithfully obedient. It is important to know that Jesus was terribly misunderstood, called evil and blacklisted too. God also has a remedy in any case. God tells us to be happy when persecuted for righteousness. God really does have everything under His control. Knowing His Word is vitally important for your well being. Jesus really is coming back for His true Church. Some things will just not be understood on this side of Heaven. God will never lead you to do anything that goes against His principles. Really get to know God for yourself. You do intend to spend eternity with Him? This will prevent you from developing a spiritual eating disorder. Allow His Word to be “BREAD from HEAVEN.” Let Him truly be your Shepherd. His Word has a bountiful table of blessings prepared for our spiritual nourishment. God will move or take you over any mountains or through the rough terrains of life when and if necessary. Begin to feast on the delicacies of His Blessed Word. This will result in you experiencing the fruit of His Spirit. Just remember you need a balanced spiritual diet to make the journey.

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator,  Counselor, Life Coach and Minister. She is certified in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling.
The author of “How Do I Love Thee:Food For Thought Before You Say I Do” and “Holy Matrimony:Now That You’re Married”.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href=”http://www.faithwriters.com”>CHRISTIAN WRITERS</a>


We’re all born with the capacity to love. After all, we are born in God’s image. For some, that capacity is limited only to self, which usually makes it difficult to love others. In a nut shell, our capacity to love is dependent upon our ability to absorb, accept, and deal with being hurt by someone else.

Loving someone isn’t the euphoria and paradise that so much of our main stream philosophy tends to portray. In fact, the more love you give someone the greater the chances will be that they’ll hurt you. It doesn’t mean that they will do so intentionally, but either way, their ability to hurt you emotionally, psychologically, and even spiritually increase proportionally to the degree of love you show them.

If you truly love someone, you make sacrifices for them. You open yourself up to them and tie parts of yourself to them emotionally and spiritually. This is a big deal. Getting cussed out by a stranger doesn’t hurt near as much as being cussed out by someone you really love.

So, if you love, then you’re going to get hurt. This isn’t something to be afraid of, nor is it something that you should ignore. It is just a fact of life. I would rather love and be hurt than never to love and never to be hurt. Not loving someone does more damage to your spirit and emotions than being hurt by someone you do love.

The benefits of loving people can far out strip the down side of being hurt. If you have enough people that you are loving, you always have people to retreat to when another of them hurt you. But loving people gives you a much more positive outlook on life. It allows you to experience peace with your surroundings and circumstances. Yes, love people. It is so worth it.

HOW TO GROW YOUR CAPACITY TO LOVE

The more pain and emotional trauma you can absorb and deal with the greater your capacity to love others. It sounds like a rotten trade off, but it’s not. If you can’t handle being hurt, you’ll build walls between you and people. You’ll withdraw into yourself, carry a chip on your shoulder, and generally push people away. You won’t experience a close relationship, and it could lead you to begin to hate yourself.

I pastor a Church and I look to love every one that steps in the doors. This means that each of them, in their own way, has the ability to hurt me. I accept that. And, indeed, I’ve been hurt by many of them. But I strive not to take things so personally in life. I try to be a shock absorber. I don’t crack under the pain, I just absorb it and shunt it off.

You keep so many more relationships if you can do that. I can’t recall the times that I’ve managed to strengthen a relationship because I absorbed the pain inflicted on me by someone else. If husbands would learn to do this for their wives, they would have the position and ability to strengthen their marriage to such a strong degree. If wives could learn to do this for their husbands, they wouldn’t feel so alone and find they have a unique position to strengthen their marriage.

When you get hurt, you get defensive. You take a position and start lobbing verbal artillery shells at the object of perceived attack. Instead of absorbing the hurt and looking for a solution, injured people usually make the situation even worse. You start building walls that shuts out everyone.

TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Don’t take things so personally.

2. Don’t focus on your pain. Instead, focus on the other person and what might be done to fix the relationship. If you can repair the relationship, your pain will be relieved.

3. Think of yourself as a shock absorber. Look for the best in people instead of the worst.

4. Don’t quit because you get hurt. You only got hurt because you cared. That in itself is worth the price.

5. If you handle it right, you have the opportunity to strengthen the relationship.

6. Remember, you’ve probably hurt people too.

The larger your capacity to love, the greater your happiness can be. Oh, you’ll get hurt here and there, but dealing with it right will allow you to retain your joy.

Please visit our website at: http://www.fitlyspoken.org For more books and resources to build Christ honoring relationships, express yourself, and develop stronger communication and social skills.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Quick Response to Study of Abstinence Education

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6az9Kb0B-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Aq1WeS6VCs

I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that the child’s identity has been revealed but, the teacher’s identity has not.  The news outlet made it a point to outline that teacher stress has gone up, which implies that this child stressed the teacher out.  My concern as a parent would be that my child would be labeled.  Would subsequent teachers lack patience with my child because she “stressed” this other teacher out?  Additionally, does teacher stress justify this behavior?  The little girl told Milwaukee’s News12 that the teacher called her over to the desk, said that she was going to give her candy, then cut the braid and threw it in the trash while the entire class watched and laughed. Lamya went back to her desk in tears. She says that the teacher asked her, “‘Now what you gonna go home and say to your momma?,’” to which she sensibly replied, “‘That you cut off my hair,’” according to News12.

Although the local school district would not comment on the specifics of the case, an apology was given.

The News12 report says that the District Attorney has decided not to press charges, but police did issue a $175 fine for Disorderly Conduct.

So, what would you do if this happened to your child?