Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.
A college friend, who is now diagnosed with depression, recently shared her struggle with me. One might think that at a young age such as 4 or 5 years, a broken or an unsafe home might not have an effect on a child. But it does. And it’s not me, but science who says it.
So today, as you read this, please take a moment to celebrate the young people around you and across the world, who did or do not have the best of childhood experiences. Remind them that HOPE and LOVE is always available for them.
For the ones who feel unsafe
You sometimes wake up at night to the sound of gunshots or glass shattering in the kitchen. Or maybe its all white noise for you now. You find it hard to sleep in, because you don't know whether you will wake up at all later. You search for a place, a person, a relationship that feels like home.
Fact check: As you chase comfort, remember that God’s love can be your safehouse. It can make you feel warm on nights that are too scary to sleep and days that are too stressful to live.
For the ones who feel unloved
Sometimes you struggle to feel seen and appreciated and end up changing yourself to try and ‘fit in’. You've lost count of the number of times you tried to be part of the ‘in’ crowd. Here's your reminder: You are an amazing human!
Fact check: You will click with someone who accepts you the way you are. But while you’re on the lookout, don’t forget that there exists a love that is new for you. Everyday. God, not only loves but cherishes you, just as you are.
For the ones who feel unheard
Your opinions might have gone under the rug at family discussions, or team activities. Ignored because of your height, age or even specs! Maybe you’ve doubted your intelligence and think that it’s better to just stay silent. So you did. But now, that silence has turned into a burden.
Fact check: God loves to listen to all your tales. Sit down today maybe, and talk to him. One-on-one. Bring to him the things that wear you down today or that made you smile even. He is all-ears!
P.S. I often felt unheard. As the youngest at home, I always felt that my opinions never matter. I was always "too small" to have a say in a family discussion, even as a teenager. Maybe my family didn't do this deliberately, but somewhere in my heart, I grew up as the student who knew the answer but never raised her hand. What if it was wrong? What if nobody cared for my answer?
This fear of people not accepting my opinion made me shy and anxious of speaking in public places. But I soon discovered that God can listen to my darkest secrets and the most controversial opinions. He gave me the confidence to speak up, not only in class but in front of 500 students! Dear reader, if God can do this for me, He can do much more for you!
For the ones who had to grow up too soon
Maybe it’s the fights at home or absent parents. You learnt to cook for yourself at the age of 10. And now, as a young adult, you feel like you never really lived your childhood. As you read this, remember that love, good relationships, and a future filled with hope is there for you. God’s love is everlasting enough to still love and cherish the inner-child in you.
For the ones struggling with poor emotional health
Maybe getting out of bed is a battle. You are told to look at the ‘silver lining’ but where is it?! Your feelings are real, but not everything you believe about them is true. If your heart is broken today, you’ll find God right there beside you in this journey as you falter your way to the end of this long tunnel.
God holds your hand. Hope is there and you will get through this.
Today, the college friend whom I mentioned in the begining has a success story of 5 years! She tried to give up on life thrice, but powered through because she held onto Hope. That same Hope is available to you today too. Accept it. Believe in it. Cherish it.
Here is a small prayer that you can share with someone, or save it for yourself today.
Dear God, we thank you for the person who read this today and for those young people like me around the world. Thank you for blessing them with your eternal love. May they know that your Hope is always there for them! Remind them each day of your Father-like love and bring them your peace. Amen.
If you feel you have more questions than answers after reading this, drop us an email at contact@livejam.org