You wouldn't think that seeing your friend going through horrible things would be all that terrible.

It is.

Me and this particular friend have kinda known each other for several years, never really close though. Until last year. We had classes together, homeschool classes, when I saw her. I know it would be silly to say it was a connection, but it was. From the second I saw her, I wanted to get to know her more. We went on a field trip to New York together, which opened the opportunity more. Over the summer last year, we hardly stayed apart. We saw each other every week doing this or that. I went to Fiji for a missions trip over the summer and she left me Facebook messages everyday like "Come home!" or "I miss you!"

She knows how to make a person feel special.

She had had problems with her eating for many years, but as I wasn't around then, I only heard of such times. I would encourage her to eat when she was around me, but she was constantly counting calories, not eating a lot, and I got worried. 

Then this school year came.

I knew it would be difficult, but not this difficult. I could tell that she was struggling, but I didn't know how to help her. Until that fateful day a couple weeks ago. She had been wanting to share some issues she was dealing with to her mom, and I of course cheered her on, not knowing what would come of it, or even what she really wanted to tell her mom. I waited up late, waiting to hear back from her.

She never responded until the next morning.

I woke up to the sound of my phone going off. I quickly grabbed my glasses, knocking something over in the process. Her text said something along the lines of "There's something I didn't tell you. You have to promise you won't tell and you won't think of me differently when I tell you and you'll understand I did something in weakness and I never wanna do it again." I promised her with a anxious heart I wouldn't tell anyone and prepared myself emotionally for a rollercoaster ride.

I got a text back that said she had cut herself.

I was devastated. I told her I wasn't mad, that I cared. The only thing I wanted to do at the minute was be with her. I asked her why? You see, I had been going through a lot too, and had confided in her. I blamed myself. She told me it was because of other personal issues, but I didn't really believe her.

I talked her through it, encouraged her, while all the while fearing for her.

The next day I saw her, in her long sleeves, and just hugged her.

I held her so tight I was afraid she would break. You see, I don't have the greatest family in the world, neither does she. So we cling to each other, like sisters. I continued to text her whenever she needed to talk, or be with her when she didn't want to be alone. I tried to tell her that she was beautiful, just the right weight, talented, and smart. I think she only half believed me.

I wish for all the world I could take the pain of her family, her cruel friends and enemies, and the whole world away. I would take it. It hurts to be the friend. Its worse than being the parents. At least the parents are able to help their daughter, but when you hear that the parents aren't helping but hurting, it is the worst feeling of hopelessness in the world. I have never really had any friends, not because of me, but because of a dis-functional family. So when my not-by-blood sister came along, I grabbed her up.

I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world.

I am glad, so glad, to be next to her in this process and I'll never, ever stop cheering, praying, and pushing her towards everything God has in store for her. I can't wait for us to get older, and go to college, where we'll call each other once a day. Or when she'll be my bridesmaid at my wedding. Or any other incredible life events. We are going to follow God's plan for our lives, and root each other on. 

So I write this story for you. That friend, sister, brother, or person who sees someone you care about going through a difficult time. I know what it feels like. I've been there and I'm still there. You have to believe in them, pray for them, and encourage them to do the right things. All the while engross yourself in God's Word so when the time comes, you can comfort with Scripture. 

Never abandon. Never despise. Never lose hope. Never lose trust.

"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17 a

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Author guidance for This story

This could be you in this position. And for the sister, brother, or friend in this position, I love you and you are incredible. Never look down on that person, always build them up.

Comment: This is mature because I know that some people can have triggers when reading something like this.

updated Feb 1 by RosalynLivna