Diezel Robinson is a young author who wrote the book “Helping Others” after experiencing bullying at the age of eight. The book conveys a message of kindness and offers examples of how to assist others, drawing inspiration from his own experiences.
“When I was eight, I got bullied a lot,” shared Robinson. “My mom and Uncle were big supporters who helped me throughout it. I wanted a way to show others how to help instead of being rude.”
Robinson’s book, “Helping Others,” reminds readers that simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
“You should treat people how you want to be treated,” explained Robinson. “And try to make people smile and have joy. Hold the door for someone or tell someone you like their clothes or something simple like that.”
It took Robinson two years to write, illustrate, and publish the book. Within those years, his Uncle and mother, Tammy Sharpe, helped him harness his faith and writing skills. Throughout that time, many things changed within his circle of friends.
“Diezel shared with us that a boy in our neighborhood wasn’t being kind. The young boy was really bothering him and saying very hurtful things,” shared Sharpe. “As his mother, your heart hurts, but as a Christian, you have to understand that hurting people hurts others and needs prayer.”
Robinson continued to be polite if their paths crossed, but maintained distance. Robinson and his mother also took to their faith and started praying for him on a nightly basis.
“We expected the young boy might be experiencing the same thing at home, being bullied or spoken poorly to,” shared Sharpe. “So we started to pray for him every night and kept treating him and his family with kindness.”
Over time, the young boy softened, and a genuine friendship emerged.
“He ended up apologizing to me,” shared Robinson. “After that, we started to talk more at school, and started back playing in the neighborhood, and playdates at my house.”
Since the release of “Helping Others,” Robinson has been featured at author signings and story times at various libraries and bookstores, including Barnes & Noble and the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. Students of all ages should learn to set examples for other children, helping them to encourage being a good person, as Robinson believes everyone deserves to be treated equally.
When asked if he had more books in the works, Robinson didn’t hesitate.
“I started on a book at the Mississippi Art Museum, and it is about hamsters who have a love of ice cream, hoping to rule the world!”
You can support the sharing of the message that kindness matters by purchasing a book at diezeljrobinson.com or at select local stores in Brandon, Mississippi.
It is worth noting that every bullying situation is unique. Students and parents should be encouraged to handle individual matters appropriately and promptly alert the relevant authorities when necessary. Not all stories of bullying will or should end in friendship. However, all hearts and minds can be positively changed when prayer and acts of kindness take center stage.
