"Box Out" By John Coy
Bobby Sweet
Don't be a bystander; Stand By yourself and others
"Box Out" A Sports Fiction Novel showing the importance of taking action By John Coy
"Change doesn't happen when people sit back and wait. It comes from people with the courage to step forward and act."
(Indent) by·stand·er - /ˈbīˌstandər/ - Noun - a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part. Stand by - Verb - to support or remain loyal to someone, typically in time of need. These two words are totally different yet in some ways similar. In the context of my message "bystander" means to stand and watch an event that you know is not nice or wrong in some way and “stand by” means to stand by the victim of this act or event and help them through a difficult time. Although it is good to help others, what do you do when you're the one that needs help and everyone has deserted you? It is when you feel most alone that you need to stand up and defend yourself. While people may not agree with you at first, in the end they will recognize your cause and understand what you have been through. Hopefully that will inspire them to do the same. Because "Change doesn't happen when people sit back and wait. It comes from people with the courage to step forward and act." Change comes because of those who understand their problem and not only see what needs to be done, but have the courage and perseverance to execute it. Change happens when you know not to be a bystander, but to stand by yourself and others. You know you need to stop being that person who stays back and watches what is happening and start being that person who steps in to help the dorky kid with the ugly glasses pick up his books that have been knocked out of his hands by a bully. You will probably get accused of being friends with the dork and probably get made fun of too, but some will see you as an example of courage and kindness and try acting the same way. That is when they will realize how good it feels to be kind and courageous and they will continue to make the world a better place by spreading the kindness. Just remember - it all starts by having the courage to stand by the victim and stand up to the bully, liar, or jerk trying to bring you down to their level of meanness. Don’t drop to others levels just so you don't stand out. Everyone is meant to shine. When you release your inner kindness, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same. So next time you see someone being mean, step in and do the right thing. You know what needs to happen, just have the courage to do it.