You’re not alone. I’ve been where you are. When I've shared what I've struggled with, I've found that many other people have struggled as well. One of the reasons we feel so alone is because nobody wants to talk about it. It’s uncomfortable to admit that we struggle with a problem. We’re scared of what people will think. So, that’s why I’m writing to you today. It isn’t an easy topic, but I want you to understand that you are not strange. You are not crazy. You are not a freak.
Many, many people have struggled with self harm for many different reasons. For some, it becomes an addiction. For me, it was a way to deal with my pain. As strange as it sounds, I felt like I could forget about my emotional pain that I had no control over by focusing on the physical pain that I could control. Even though I knew I had people I could’ve talked to about what I was going through, I was overwhelmed by my circumstances and I felt so alone. I thought I could deal with everything on my own.
But at the end of the day, while my physical wounds were healed, my real pain remained. I was looking for healing in the wrong place. I was looking to fix myself and didn’t see that I couldn’t. There was only One who could take away my pain. I found that healing in Jesus. He didn’t look down on me for trying to fix myself. He didn’t make me feel like a freak. He just loved me where I was. He healed my emotional wounds that I couldn't possibly heal myself.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
While my emotional scars are healed, some of my physical scars are still on my body. I used to hate them. They reminded me of what I had done and the weakness that I had felt. But, I’ve come to love them. Not because of the pain I once felt, but because of the healing they represent.
Now, instead of feeling pain, I feel the healing that Christ has given me! And because of my experience, He has allowed me to share with others who have struggled with the same thing. He’s allowed me to share with you that you are beautiful. You are priceless. And if you let Him, He can use your scars to share with others who are still struggling that they are not alone and that there is hope and healing for them, too!
Accepting the healing that God offers is the best thing we can do for ourselves. However, it doesn’t mean that life suddenly gets easier. Things still happen. Trials still come. And those thoughts of hopelessness sometimes still try to creep their way back into our minds. But now we know where to go with those feelings. We can give them to God and He will remind us of who we really are: His precious children! I’ve found this verse to be very comforting in those times:
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalms 46:1-5
So if you are struggling with the weight of this world and you just can’t bear it… if you’re feeling alone and hopeless, turn to the Lord! Find someone that you trust (your parents, a friend, a pastor, a counselor). They love you and want to help you. Keeping those feelings locked up inside doesn't help you. Please don't try to fix it on your own. You simply can't do it.
If you see a friend who is struggling, reach out to them. Tell them that they are not alone. Check up on them and remind them that they are loved and that you will be there for them as they get through this. Remind them that despite all the pain they feel, there is healing in the name of Jesus.
