February 12, 2007
~Real Question~
I know God loves me, but I’m going through a really rough time right now, and it feels like God isn’t with me anymore, and every day the urge to cut myself gets stronger. I know I shouldn’t, and I’m trying to resist, but i’m afraid that someday (soon) the pain is going to get so bad that I will. What do I do?
~Real Advice~
The first thing is to tell an adult you trust. I have written an article about self-injury that they can read to understand a little bit more about it. Print it out and share it with that person. It has helps and links where they can find out more about it. If that person doesn’t listen, go to the next.
Second, I want you to understand that we are not experts, and won’t pretend to be, but many who cut are doing so because it seems to make them feel better. It’s been pointed out as an alternative when you don’t have the right words to say, or you don’t know how to tell someone how you are feeling.
I interviewed a friend one time that used to self injure. This is a link to that interview and also a few more helps for you or anyone you know who is thinking about cutting (or doing it).
Last, you are loved by God, even when you are uncertain. You are loved by God, even when you don’t realize it. You are loved by God, and valued by God, even when you make a mistake or you are angry or you are unsure. According to scripture, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
(Go here to read more about these scriptures.)
We are praying for you, believing for you, and daring to believe that you will grasp that God isn’t afraid of the tough stuff. He cares about how you feel, has a plan for your life, and will walk with you through the good and bad times. He’s not afraid of your doubts. He’s waiting, because you are his and he loves you.
Jade says:
Dear Hurting Teen,
WOW! Your honesty totally amazes me! You are so brave to share your struggle!
When things get rough, it’s definitely not easy. But God does love you!
If you want to talk, feel free to email me: diamond_1190 @ yahoo.com
While I can’t take away the pain, I will listen.
Your Sister in Christ,
Jade
diamond_1190 @ yahoo.com
T. Suzanne Eller says:
Jade, you are awesome.
Lydia Rule says:
Hey!
Just wanted to let you know that there’s another teen out there that’ll be praying for you.
Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
-Lydia Rule