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In a couple of weeks, it will be February 20th, Tempest Smith Day. This year, we are observing the tenth anniversary of her passing. She was twelve years old, talented and intelligent. She played the flute and wrote poetry. She was also learning about Wicca, considered herself to be Wiccan, and because of that she was bullied by her classmates until she finally died by her own hand.

I'll say more about Tempest Smith on "Mass For The Shut-Out" Right now, I want to talk about what we can do as a lead-up to Tempest Smith Day. In the Christian calendar, lead-ups to major occasions are even given names, such as Advent leading up to Christmas, and the "infamous" Lent leading up to Easter. I say infamous for Lent because I see Lent as a perfect example of form taking over for substance to the point that many people have lost sight of its actual purpose. If you want to see what I mean, ask a Christian child about Lent and you'll be told about all of the things you can't have and can't do because of Lent - and nothing about getting yourself spiritually ready for the holiday which, in essence defines Christianity.

And so, what can we do as a lead-up to Tempest Smith Day? There has been much said in the media lately about bullying. I recently wrote a very nice email to the superintendent of the school district where I graduated from high school, and I asked about what is being done there about bullying. It is true that they have written policies in place for one and all to read, but what are they actually doing? As of this writing, it has been a week and I have received no reply.

And for those who wish to see people of all faiths working together, this should be a most blessed opportunity. A Christian should not be bullied for being Christian any more than a Wiccan should be bullied for being a Wiccan, and the fate of the bully in either case should be the same.

So, let's do this for Tempest Smith.

Blessed Be!