It started out the same as every other Valentine’s day. Okay,
it was really the same as any other day. I was going to go to school, go to
work, and then go home to prepare for all the half price chocolates I was going
to buy myself the next day. Typical single girl Valentine’s day plans. But then
something happened that forever changed this day for me.
Last year, a student in south Florida walked onto his high
school’s campus and opened fire. The numbers don’t matter because one student
lost is too many. Hearing news like that is shocking no matter who you are or
how close you are to the situation. But something more bothered me. This
student picked today on purpose. This was his way of announcing to the world how
unloved he felt. He must have cringed every time he walked past red and pink at
the store during the weeks leading up to today. This was not an accident. He
hated Valentine’s day. And he wanted everyone else to hate it too.
That evening, I had the privilege to speak to a number of
young people. Every time tragedy like this happens, we always debate what our
role is. Do we acknowledge that it happened and risk frightening those who didn’t
know? How much time do we spend on heavy topics like this? I couldn’t shake the
fact that even though I spoke to this group regularly about how I am there for
them, I knew I needed to express this same message again. I reminded them how
special they are. I reminded them how loved they are. I pleaded with them to
share with someone if they are in a place of deep hurt. Not really expecting
anything. Definitely not expecting this.
A young person I had spoken to before, but honestly not extensively,
came to me and shared a plan they had to end their life the next day. Because
they were heart broken. Because they hated Valentine’s day. The flood of emotions
I felt is something I will never forget. What was I supposed to say? What could
I say? What if I said everything I knew to say and it still wasn’t enough?
Let me be clear, this was not a pat on the back moment for
me. I have never been so afraid in my entire life. I literally do not remember 98%
of the words that came out of my face. For over 2 hours, I sat on the floor with
this person I barely knew, internally weeping and praying that God would take
over this conversation. I knew I needed Him at this moment more than I ever had
before.
(“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather
boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore
I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with
persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I
am strong.” -1 Corinthians 12:9-10)
I remember telling them what anyone who has experienced
heartbreak before would have told them: you are going to make it. That pain is
so real. I would never try to act like it wasn’t. Being rejected by someone who
you thought loved you is the worst feeling. But one day, it will get better.
For sure not overnight, even though sometimes that would be nice. There is nothing
you cannot overcome. How sad it is when we choose a permanent or life-altering
solution to a feeling that is so temporary.
It’s not new information that there are hurting people in
our world. Heartbreaks, tragedy, and disappointments are all things we will
deal with at some point in our lives.
Your hurt is not too extreme for someone to understand. You
do not have to fight these feelings alone.
Please don’t ever be too busy for someone who needs you. We all
need someone to talk to. Be willing to be that person. I’ll be that person for
you if you need it!
And if you are involved in our DNow this weekend, first of
all, get SOO excited!! This weekend is going to be amazing! But even though we
would love to make it an isolated bubble of fun and protection, there are going
to be students there dealing with the worst of life. A simple reminder of “you
are loved” may mean the world to someone. My request for this week is for us all
to be praying that God continues to work in spite of our weaknesses and that no
student will leave Sunday unsure of their worth!
Darkness will not win this weekend. Not today Satan!
