It takes wisdom to know how to respond to the bully. Most of us have been bullied at some time or another, and some of us more violently than others. But what do you do when you are violated?

I was thinking about the situation in Ukraine and decided to write a song in support of them. My thoughts turned from Putin to bullying in general, and the connection with the abuse of women and children, in particular, which we have become more conscious of through the advocacy of 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame.

Here is the video of the song, with musical arrangement and recording by Rod Boucher.

The War in Ukraine, abusive culture in the armed services and the exposure of sexual abuse in Federal Parliament, Churches and Schools points to the seeming widespread propensity of bullying by men. Putin epitomises this. Bullying is rife in our corporates and institutions – and too often is directed toward women. The International Women’s Day Breakfast in Adelaide this year has brought this into focus. This song is a song of resistance: to hold on to our integrity while exploring creative non-violent resistance. It begins by calling out perpetrators for who they are, to expose their secretive manipulations, and to bear the cost of their vengeance as a community of peace.

I came across some thoughts about ‘Love your enemies’ by the late Canadian theologian, Walter Wink, which I have posted below. While I think there is much more to say, here is a PDF of Wink’s work. I think he is on the side of subversion.

I’d love to hear what you think.