real poem: questions

questions_bj_hamrick

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

Here I am again

Back at square one

I thought this would end

It’s only begun

This circle of grief

Traced into my soul

Cracks open and bleeds

I long to be whole

(more…)

real crazy: banana underwear

bjhamrick_banana_underwear

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

One of my friends recently called my boy and I “green”. I wasn’t sure if she meant we were naïve… or eco-friendly. Of course those two labels are synonymous in our small town, where recycling places you in the same gossip category as an eco-terrorist.

I have to admit – my boy and I are slightly on the green side. We’re not obsessed with it, but we try to do things like wash our tin foil, scrub our cat litter, and fertilize our garden with our own septic system. Just kidding about the tin foil. (more…)

real story: the scar

selfharm_bjhamrick

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

The scar on your arm

Is only a clue

Of the scar inside

That once terrified you

The fear is gone

The scar remains

A reminder of loss

And the power of pain

Love is a man

With a scar on His arm

It runs deep like yours

He understands harm

The scar on His arm

Is only a clue

Of the scar inside

That He bears for you

****

I wrote this several years ago for a friend when he told me he struggled with cutting himself.

At the time I didn’t tell him that I understood how he felt… I couldn’t even admit to myself that I struggled with self-harm.

Eventually the day came when I was ready to ask for help…

If I knew where he was today, I would tell my friend — you are not alone, and you can be free from this.

I know.

Your journey starts with finding a safe place to be vulnerable…

Contact me or Halee at realteenfaith[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Real Poem: Love Web

web

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

You’re tangled in her web
It’s obvious to me
There’s nothing I can do
To make you feel or see

She’s bringing you down
Pulling you deep
‘Cause you’re tangled in
Her web of deceit

You’re hanging on her words
Her every phrase so sweet
You’re dancing to the sound
Of her mysterious beat

When the music ends
With weary, tired feet
You’ll despair and die
In her web of deceit

“…for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.”

- Proverbs 6:22

****

A note from B.J.: I know this is a weird poem, but I wrote it a few years ago when I was sad about the path a friend of mine was taking. It was hard to watch him make choices I knew were hurting him… and I know a lot of you are in the midst of similar choices.

I’ve been there. And I want you to know the web is never inescapable. I would love to encourage your heart if you are struggling today. Email me at realteenfaith[at]gmail[dot]com if you need to talk.  -bj

real story: my broken heart

broken heart_ bj hamrick

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

My True Love,

Why did you leave so soon? We were so close. I spent all my time with you. I told you all my secrets.

You were the first one to know when I had a new story. The first one to know when I had late-night insomnia.

I ate with you. I cried on you. I was entertained by you. (more…)

real advice: depression

realadvice_depression

Dear BJ,

I think my friend might be depressed but I’m not sure. He cries a lot and acts tired all the time. Should I be worried about it, or is he just going through drama?

- Worried (more…)

real questions: we want yours

couple

Hey everybody!

Over the past couple of years we’ve gotten a lot of questions from you guys. Questions about relationships, self-injury, sex, suicide — you name it. Each time we hear from you, we remember why this site is here — because of awesome people like you.

So we just want to remind you that if you have a question, we’d love to hear from you. No topic is off-limits. We would also love to share your question on the site, but you can tell us if you’d rather that we didn’t (we will never share your real name).

So go ahead and unload your problems in the contact box or email us at realteenfaith at gmail.com. Just put “advice” in the subject line.

Drop by every Friday to check out this new feature! Until then, we’re looking forward to your questions!

Halee, BJ, and E.

PS – We’re especially looking for your relationship questions for February!

real story: boyfriendless

angst

By RTF Editor B.J. Hamrick

A few years ago I was walking along the sidewalk of a public building, minding my own business, when a woman came flying up to me and skidded to a stop. I swear — there were skid marks from her tennis shoes on the pavement.

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