How to overcome the "Amalayer" situations in your life
Her name is Paula Salvosa. Five months ago while catching a ride in Manila's LRT this young student had no clue that her life was never going to be the same again.
Paula ran into a "skirmish" with a lady security guard. Unknown to her while she was berating the guard someone caught the episode on video and uploaded it on YouTube. Within hours Paula's video was buzzing on the world of social media, she would become the "Amalayer Girl."
Netizens jumped on the bandwagon that led to a severe case of mob bullying. People lashed out at her as if she killed someone. What followed was a barrage of insults, humiliating remarks, jocular mimicking, teasing songs and a shower of curses. By the time the dust settled, Paula was the brunt of everyone's joke and became the most rejected citizen of the nation.
You would think there would be some form of mercy from a country that prides itself as the "only Christian nation in Asia," but the pelting continued. You couldn't whisper the word "amalayer" anywhere without provoking a snicker. I tried it at church yesterday and ignited titters at the mention of the story. We live in an unforgiving world.
What is it about us that rejoices at the failure of others? It seems throwing rocks at people is not just biblical but something very real, even today. I guess other people's failures help us feel better about ourselves. The only problem is it it goes against the very grain of what Jesus taught - "Do to others as you would have them do to you" - Luke 6:31
What many did not realize was what ensued after the onslaught. Paula drowned in depression. Distraught about her future, she thought, "Will I ever have a school? Will I ever get a job? When someone Googles my name I am branded for life as 'amalayer.' No one will want me." Imagine your teenage child, brother or sister going through all that turmoil.
Cyber bullying is not new. There have been several cases where young people like Paula have committed suicide because of depression and hopelessness from the mindless crowd roughhousing, if not hatred.
Thankfully this story did not end in tragedy. God is bigger than our darkest of nightmares. While the world may endlessly accuse and condemn us, God is constantly in the business of rescuing us. I thank God for Paula's friends who reached out to her with the Gospel.
This two minute video captures how God apprehended her heart and brought her peace in the midst of the darkest moment of her life. (Paula, if this post gets to you make sure you read my personal message to you below).
Paula Salvosa's Testimony from LifeBox Creative on Vimeo.
Paula, my prayer for you is that one day as you tell your children this episode of your life, you will be able to laugh at the insignificance of the moment. I pray that your children will say "what a brave mother we have and what a great God she serves."
And as you sit and chat with our Lord you'll be able to take a deep breath and have a silent smile that says, "even though no one liked me, Jesus, You have chosen to love me unconditionally. It is well with my soul."
Paula I thank God for your humility to recognize your mistake. I am so glad you're smiling again. Thank God for the Gospel of love in Christ Jesus.
Are you facing a dark moment today? God is able and ready to fix your situation - put your trust in Jesus today!
(with special thanks to purlp.com for picture above)
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