Written during a Speak Up writing community workshop.
Prompt: “You wish everyone knew this..”
I wish everyone knew that they are not alone. You don’t have to struggle alone. You aren’t the only one who feels the way you do. You aren’t the only one who has been through those horrible things.
The worst thing about my childhood was the profound loneliness I often felt. No one understood. No one tried to. No one was there to hold my hand, dry my tears, give me a hug, listen to me, or just BE with me. I wish I had known then what I want everyone to know now. You are not alone.
As you sit waiting for that door to open and someone to save you.
You are not alone.
As you cry yourself to sleep at night because the pain hurts so deep.
You are not alone.
As your peers bully you and laugh at you and no one steps in.
You are not alone.
As you pick up that blade and contemplate leaving this world because you see no other way out.
You are not alone.
As the hunger sits deep in your stomach and you feel like a burden for even needing food.
You are not alone.
As you are slapped across the face at a time you need love and understanding.
You are not alone.
As your body chose to freeze instead of run and now you can’t escape the guilt.
You are not alone.
God is always with you.
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
He loves you.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from Gods love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to seperate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39
He has a plan for your life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11
So beautiful!
But I am alone. As much as I'd like to imagine a different life, it's not possible. I am alone.