Outgrown: How We Outgrow the Bullies Who Once Defined Us

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The late Eugene H. Peterson, a professor and lecturer turned church pastor, authored a readable Bible version called The Message, and one of the many letters that the first-century apostle Paul wrote to the residents of Corinth, Peterson has translated into words for the typical reader. The biblical text informs us why Paul was discussing his thorn in his side, or it could have been a particular ailment. Scholars agree that it was some form of affliction we can all relate to, meant to keep Paul humble and prevent him from getting a big head or an overinflated sense of self-esteem because of his connection with God. If we are open, we all relate to the text that Peterson updated, that I have been given a disability in life, which reminds me of my personal limits and the necessity of God's grace in my life (Peterson, 2002, 2 Cor. 12:7). The point is that such times I believe situations, circumstances and what we experience from others like shrewd interactions, ruthless behavior, and tough challenges are part of shaping our character as we mature.

I am currently catching up on the series "Stranger Things". The Netflix show is set to release another season this Thanksgiving holiday, so we are revisiting the pre-pandemic episodes, and I've grown quite fond of it. The series resonates with those of us who grew up in the eighties; in fact, I recognize every song it references. The producers have creatively told the story of good versus evil through a Dungeons & Dragons lens, infused with an eighties twist. It's engaging and relatable.

Although I never played Dungeons & Dragons consistently, I did have a basic paper character profile with entry-level powers. I managed to earn some money mowing lawns in my neighborhood, which I used to buy some cool multi-sided, variously colored dice in the seventh or eighth grade. I role-played a few times with childhood friends who lived down the street, but I eventually lost interest and never picked it up again during junior high.

The series describes the lives of a few kids who live in a relatively safe town, but there is a mirror image of the city that is the underworld in the show, reminiscent of good and evil. As such, the goon squad of nerdy kids tries to figure out ways to battle the dark forces affecting their town, displaying true friendship, camaraderie, and a sense of community to ward off the evil spirits, which I believe anyone can identify with in the on-screen story. If you were born in the seventies and eighties, hints of The Goonies come through in the Netflix series.  

Netflix has captured the point of view of the nerdy kid facing bullying from popular peers, but showing that they can be holders of great resolve, character, and true grit. There is not a single person who will not be reminded of their personal battles and experiences in overcoming life's challenges from adolescence to adulthood. These themes are common across all cultures throughout human history. For instance, the Israelites cried out to God, feeling like grasshoppers compared to the surrounding tribes that threatened them (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Numbers 13:33). This illustrates that giants in our lives are a common experience. The stories in scripture highlight how we can overcome them with God's assistance.

Many people are familiar with the heroic story of David and Goliath. Goliath, the Philistine warrior, was more than two feet taller than Shaquille O'Neal, could carry over 100 pounds of armor, and had extensive combat experience. He faced David, a young and healthy farm boy, but was ultimately defeated by the strength of God (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 1 Samuel 17). This story reminds us that we often encounter challenges that seem overwhelming. However, with the support of friends, our faith, and God's strength, we can overcome these obstacles, endure with resilience, and grow from them. 

References:

Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message Bible. NavPress.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)