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Cyber-bullying Has an Opposite

In this day and age, where bullying dominates the headlines, news of kindness hides in the background.  Though social media platforms host much negativity,  they are also capable of support and encouragement.  
The other day, a photo of a smiling young woman was posted on my local church congregation's closed-group Facebook page.  I saw the photo, and immediately recognized my daughter.  
Photo:  the Facebook photo that was posted of my smiling daughter
My first thought was, "Oh, no!  She never would have given permission to have her photo posted on Facebook!"  

 My daughter does not have a Facebook account, and I decided that rather than upset her, I would just not tell her that her photo was posted.  

 I changed my mind, though, when I checked my Facebook account later, and noticed the many "likes" and the sweet comments that the photo had prompted:
I love this girl!!!
Such a beautiful girl inside and out!!! Love her!
Great smile!
love this girl and love her smile!
Biggest heart ever and so sweet like sugar!
I showed my daughter the photo and, before she had time to be upset, I read her the comments.  

 Her response:  "Even though I didn't know he was going to put my photo on Facebook, I'm kind of glad he did."  

 I doubt that the people who took the time to comment realized just how much their unsolicited kind words meant to my daughter.  

 To those who posted the photo, clicked the button to like the photo, or wrote such nice comments, thank you!  

 (I received permission from my daughter, and from the photographer, before posting this account.)

 What kindnesses have you noticed lately?

 photo visiting2_zps6d4521f3.jpg

photo ThankfulThought4_zps7d9599c2.jpg
Thanks for all those who go about doing good in this world.  

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Comments

  1. Mom/NancyJuly 28, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    Love this!! Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mom/NancyJuly 28, 2015 at 11:19 PM

    Love this!! Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pat BJuly 28, 2015 at 11:46 PM

    Such a genuine beautiful smile! Acts like that help the real person to emerge. You must be beaming ever as much as she is.

    ReplyDelete
  4. BiancaJuly 29, 2015 at 4:34 AM

    There is still good in the world. I Have to believe this, or else there would be no point on being here anymore.
    You, your family and many more like you and yours make me belief in the good in men.
    Your girl IS a beautiful girl. I would really like to meet her (and you!) some day if possible.

    Now all we have to do is keep this going. Too many young people are scared for life because of the bullying going on - or even worse - kill themselfs over it!
    Thank you for sharing this possitiv news. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJuly 29, 2015 at 10:27 AM

      I, too, hope that we can meet someday. :-)

      Delete
  5. ChristineJuly 29, 2015 at 5:45 AM

    Just when I was ready to chuck Facebook forever...
    Awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dyanne @ I Want BacksiesJuly 29, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    That's a lovely story! And what a nice boost for her (and you) to hear such kind words! They're good for the soul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJuly 29, 2015 at 10:31 AM

      Yes, they are. :-) The likes are still coming in, too, and she's been amazed at who has liked her photo. Such a confidence-booster!

      Delete
  7. Tired TeacherJuly 29, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    Facebook is not always a healthy environment, so I'm pleased to read about the positive impact it made on your daughter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJuly 29, 2015 at 10:33 AM

      Like many things, it is a tool, and can be used for good or for ill. I was just very happy with how it was used in this case.

      Delete
  8. UnknownJuly 29, 2015 at 1:31 PM

    What a beautiful picture and what a warm and happy smile! You've obviously raised her well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJuly 29, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      I hope that each of my children know how much I love them and believe in their abilities to make good choices. :-)

      Delete
  9. UnknownJuly 29, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    How lovely is that?! I don't use my Facebook much other than to view sphynx cat photos that kind friends post...so I get how she feels...what a nice surprise... Of course she generated that response because of who she is...those were truthful comments.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousAugust 3, 2015 at 11:46 AM

    I saw a bit of this go by several days ago. It's good to see positive spewing from Facebook for a change.

    ReplyDelete

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