From My Perspective - - -

Ridicule, Bullying, Taking Advantage of Another – all of these things occur among and in the interactions of person to person situations, or by a group toward a deranged, pitiful or helpless individual. Children in school are often subjected to being bullied or ostracized by another, or a group. It seems to be great sport to some if they can manage to cause another additional hardship and deprivation. An example of this is mentioned in the British Publication, Mail Online (an entertainment report of The Sun) for September 21st, 2011, where the following entertainment report is given regarding the program – X-Factor. “Last Sunday, viewers watched...as Ceri Rees was subjected to her fourth rejection from the panelists - having made several attempts to reach boot-camp over the last six years in 2005, 2006 and 2008. The 54-year-old widow from Bridgend, Wales came under fire for her tone-deaf performance and was given a resounding chorus of 'No' on the final show of the audition rounds. She was allocated a generous seven minutes and 11 seconds of broadcasting; a sixth of the entire  show's running time.” An observer said she “…was sickened by the producers decision to keep the scene in for entertainment value, saying: …they shouldn't have aired that audition, she's clearly ill.”

In defense of their decision and action to have this person on camera and the telecast, but with words that are somewhat hollow and devoid of compassionate meaning - Mark Davies, director of communications at Rethink Mental Illness, told The Sun: “While we can't speculate on Ceri's mental health, she does appear vulnerable and it was clear she'd been set up to fail.Producers have a responsibility not to put vulnerable people in the spotlight when it's clear the intention is for the public to ridicule and laugh at them. It could be seen as a form of bullying. Neighbors in the South Wales area said Ceri lived in a world of her own in a one-bedroom bungalow since husband Clive died in 2007.But last night an X Factor spokeswoman insisted Ceri was happy with her television adventure.She said: The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance. We have psychologists to provide expert opinion if we have any specific concerns, or if the contestant raises any issues.”
 
In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus gives an illustration of a person in need of help and compassion. The man’s situation is dire. Jesus describes it: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” The thieves were doubtlessly given to ridicule, bullying, taking advantage of another, and cruelty. The thieves left this man “half dead.” On that road were – A Priest and A Levite – people who should’ve been ready and willing to make a difference in what remained of this “half dead” man’s life. However, they excused themselves of any personal involvement, crossed the road and passed him by. Jesus continues His illustration: “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he…gave money to the innkeeper, and said to him: Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.”Then Jesus asks this probing question: “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" The applicable question is: What would you have done? What have you done in the past? What are you doing now to make a difference in the life of the less fortunate and those suffering abuse at the hands of others?

The answer to the question Jesus asked was:"He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Your response might be – “Who?” “Me?” – and Jesus responds – “Yes!” “You!” – Get out of your comfort zones and be an individual who will make a difference in the life of another for Me - the one who is ridiculed, bullied, disenfranchised or set up to fail. Oh -  by the way, that’s part of the Great Commission duty, opportunity and privilege! Consider these things with me!