Place of Employment, Grocery Store, Gas Station, Beach, Amusement Park, or every and anywhere you may turn. Unwanted and solicited advances occur. An utterance or action will quickly turn to a negative, uncomfortable, and unpleasant experience. Essential point, this behavior is harassment.
"Harassment is governed by state laws, which vary by state, but is generally defined as a course of conduct which annoys, threatens, intimidates, alarms, or puts a person in fear of their safety. Harassment is unwanted, unwelcomed and uninvited behavior that demeans, threatens or offends the victim and results in a hostile environment for the victim. Harassing behavior may include, but is not limited to, epithets, derogatory comments or slurs and lewd propositions, assault, impeding or blocking movement, offensive touching or any physical interference with normal work or movement, and visual insults, such as derogatory posters or cartoons." Harassment Law & Legal Definition
Inappropriate words that are offensive, disrespectful and do nothing to uplift the kingdom of God are words that discourage and tear down others. Sometimes, the offense may be wrapped in a joke. However, this is serious subject and never a laughing matter. We are accountable for every word we utter. Proverbs 18:21 explains, "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.". Also Matthew 12:26-37 warns, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” We live in a day and time filled with individuals both men and women who will speak ridiculous nonsense attacking character or beliefs. n text communication or in a verbal setting they hide behind LOL or just kidding. Not acceptable! In fact, we are instructed in Proverbs 4:23-24, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips." 1 Corinthians 15:33, And Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."
I often wonder this: how would the perpetrators feel if this was done to their Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Wife or even them? If you partake in any of the following five behaviors, STOP immediately:
1. Licking
Yes, to lick: The act of "a stroke of the tongue over something." In this cause, the body part of another individual known or unknown by the victim such as face, arm, or neck. Gross, disgusting and demeaning. Stop IT!
2. Touching by Massaging or Rubbing
Rubbing or massaging shoulders neck of someone who is not a willing participant. Also, he or she may continue the offense of touch, rub or massage after requests are verbalized requesting am immediate cease of activity. Stop IT!
3. Groping
Grope defined: "feel or fondle (someone) for sexual pleasure, especially against their will." Stop IT! This is a deplorable violation.
4. Questioning Intimacy / Sexual Activity
All lines of verbal communication that either alludes to or directly questions details regarding sexual behaviors or appetite. The offender may also imply, accusing, or associating a sexually transmitted disease. Examples: the kissing disease mononucleosis or herpes because of a visible bump.
5. Describing lude and explicit sexual acts involving you and the offender:
Verbally describing sexual activity or sick desires that the offender wants to partake in with the victim. Stop IT!
Finally, If you are reading this and you realize you have participated in one of the described, known or unknown acts. STOP IT! If you need professional help, get it. However, keeping your mind on things that are pure is always a great start. Meditate daily on Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." And if it does not honor God, STOP IT!
