Reach Out

  As the holidays quickly approach, I'm reminded of how blessed I am, of what an awesome family I have, amazing friends that are always there, and what a great community I live in! Along with that, I'm also reminded of how hard times are during the holidays. For people who have lost loved ones, for the men and women fighting for our freedom, who can't get home, and for the people who may not have families to go to. This community is so tucked in the mountains, that kids get bored, and end up in places they shouldn't; and because holidays are hard, there is a high risk of suicide. I have had quite a few people die that I knew, or a close friend new, due to suicide. It really upsets me and hurts to see so many kids hurt, that they feel nothing is worth it anymore. It makes me want to do something serious. Makes me want to erase all those negative feelings away. Tell them they matter. That they have a purpose.

   Around this time, I like to send out hand written letters, to my friends. Thanking them for the wonderful friendship they have given me. Telling them how much I appreciate them. Telling them that they matter, that they have a purpose, and their a blessing. Sometimes all that's needed to stop someone for leaving what they were meant to be is a simple smile, or complement. I have been working on trying to Complement people, give a friendly smile to a stranger in the store as were passing each other, because I might never no what that person is going to, and sometimes... that's all they need. Reach out guys. Get out of your comfort zone, and go tell somebody how much you appreciate their friendship, and give a complement.

     There is a story my youth pastor tells often, and I want to share it as an example...
There was this guy (Ben, naming him for easier understanding of the story), who walking down the street, who had an arm full of coats, books and all this stuff, coming home from school one day, he was a mess, out of it and not paying attention. Well as he was walking down the street he bumped into another young guy, (John). Ben's books went everywhere, John helped him pick it up, and carried some of his books to his house, helping him. The boys became close friends, and that later John noticed, that Ben was much happier. Never knowing... John saved Ben's life. See that first day they met, when Ben was a mess, it was because when he got home from school that day, he was going to commit suicide. He had all that stuff in his hands because he had just cleaned out his locker, so his mom wouldn't have had to do it.
     Moral of the story, John saved Ben's life because of a simple, easy, random act of kindness. You might never know, but would you rather risk an awkward moment to save a life, or risk your 'reputation'? Guys this is a serious thing, that we have the power to change. I believe we are all here for a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 says
 ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is my favorite verse. If God is taking care of us, and he has a beautiful plan laid out for us that only He knows. We should hold that knowledge close to our hearts. I'm tired of seeing hurting people, so lets help them, and share a special gift, that someone mighty to save has offered. We can't save them, but we know someone who can, and we are here to be the Lord's messengers, so let's do our jobs! Let all the people around you know, that they are loved, and that they matter... every single chance you get; and don't take the time you have with them for granted. 


"It will all be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end"