Galvin is the star football player and the biggest bully in school. Davey is one of the smallest kids in the 8th grade and the team’s kicker. One day at practice, Galvin trips over Davey’s football helmet and the entire team laughs at Galvin. Galvin gets really angry and tells Davey that after practice, he’s going to hammer him. Davey’s smile quickly fades and is replaced with absolute fear. His face turns white as the blood in his head drops to his chest. His head spins and Davey feels like he might puke. The team continues to laugh, this time at Davey. Davey knows he’s no match for the biggest player on the team that towers over everyone. His only hope is prayer.

After practice, Davey runs to his locker, grabs his cell phone, and calls his older brother, Sal, for advice. Sal tells Davey that middle school fights can be brutal. He tells his little brother to kick Galvin in the knee and run for his life. Davey feels overwhelmed and even more afraid than when he first called Sal. He quickly hangs up the phone and prays about what to do. He remembers from youth group that the right way to handle things is to kill people with kindness. Davey feels like kindness might not work on Galvin though.

Davey leaves the locker room and heads toward the bike racks to grab his mountain bike and go home. Maybe Galvin won’t see him or will have forgotten all about the incident on the football field, Davey thinks.  As Davey begins to ride away from the school, he hears his name cut through the air.  Davey turns around to see Galvin punching the palm of his hand with his fist. A small voice in Davey’s head says, “stop and trust me.”  Squeezing his brakes, Davey leaves a long black streak of tire on the pavement.  

Davey pedals back to Galvin and the waiting team. Shaking, he climbs off his bike and approaches Galvin. Galvin asks, “where were you running off to?” Davey, trying to make light of the situation, says, “I was just trying to let you off easy here man. You know I’m known for my extreme strength around the school. I just didn’t want to ruin your street cred.” Galvin and the team roar with laughter.  He puts a hand on Davey’s shoulder to brace himself from falling over. “Seriously though, Galvin, I’m like an ant next to you.  You’re the best football player on the team and I’m no match for you. If you want to give the team an entertaining match to watch, I suggest we thumb-wrestle.” The team again explodes with laughter. Galvin and Davey then ride off on their bikes together cracking jokes and throwing fist-bumps.  

Weekly Bible Verse: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. -Ephesians 6:18 NIV

Note to Nibble: When you’re in a tough spot and don’t know what to do, remember to pause, seek God and pray, then listen.