A Letter for the Hurting

Dearest Friend,

I may not know you nor even your particular set of circumstances.  But I’ve been where you are. Something so shocking, so painful has happened—it’s been a GUT PUNCH!!  You’re dizzy from the news. You’ve lost your equilibrium and don’t know where to even look. Your natural response is to get alone. And that’s good.  It’s where you’ll find God and hear His words of comfort, truth, and healing. 

Just be careful.  It’s also where Satan wants you. He’ll terrorize you with thoughts of what’s happened and that there’s probably more to come. He’ll tell you that there’s no hope and no way out.  He’ll tell you that this is the biggest scandal since the Garden of Eden and that everyone is gossiping about it and has turned against you. He’ll tell you that there’s no hope for your future or for your children’s future.  He’ll tell you that all of your friends have turned against you—or would if they knew the whole truth!! Every word he whispers is vile, traumatizing, and hopeless.  

But here’s the truth. MANY of us have been where you are. We’ve had horrible things said about us. It’s true that there are people who want to talk about you and tear you apart.  But it’s just as true that there are those of us who want to love you, tell you the truth of God’s faithfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love!!  He’s waiting for you with open arms. Get alone with him and pour out your heart to him. Be honest about everything. Let him take away the pain, guilt, and shame. Open your heart to him for his abundant healing and words of life and affirmation.  Listen closely…in faith. Believe that God only wants his very best for you and your family.  

And then open your heart to those who care. Let them walk with you side-by-side. They want to encourage you and lift you up!  They’ve been there…or know they could be there. They know your pain.  They are life-givers and want to help carry your burden. They are God’s friends. They will point you to God and his great love. They will cover you. Oh…the goodness of that kind of covering…and the goodness of that kind of love. Lock your arm in theirs. 

Come into the Light. Hold your head up high. God loves you and has gone before you. He knows the way out. Trust him. There is LIFE ahead and it’s full of HOPE!

—Becky Dietz