God of the Bright Colors, Hopeful Futures, and Messy School Days,

We know the Regina Georges live in our world,
Demanding full reign of whatever earthly empire we’re a part of.
We cringe at her (or his, or their) power filled with piercing words
And a dominance that we can’t name.

We fall to their needs.
We follow their ways because it’s easy,
And more importantly-
We stay in line so that we remain on their happy sides.

They won’t come after us.
They won’t embarrass us. Right?

But mean girls exist.
Telling us what words work or don’t.
Deciding what we should wear
And how to eat and style our hair.

Oh mean girls come in all shapes and ages.
So, Dear Holy One-
Who gives us wisdom like Ms. Norbury-
May we see your image in all the others in our schools,
And in our workplaces, our organizations, our neighborhoods and churches.
May we seek to understand their lives
And judge less as we cringe at criticism.

May we see the ways of Cady Heron,
The good and the ugly.
May we refuse to expose others weaknesses,
Stepping away from the ways of the crowds,
Embracing ourselves and shining our gifts.
Not sabotaging others – even the ones who have sabotaged us.

May we share our crown with our siblings out there
Because our souls are fabulous.
And maybe one of these days.
Mean Girls will be a piece of the past
And we can live in a harmonious siblinghood-
But still wear pink on Wednesdays.

Amen.

(c) 2025 Michelle L. Torigian. Permission to use with attribution.
Image from Netflix South Africa on Instagram
October 3 is considered Mean Girls Day.