Somebody Cares...

I was thinking back to my high school years the other day, and was remembering how much I felt like an outcast.  I didn't feel as if I was accepted by my peers, I always seemed to be crushing on the guys who had no interest in me.  I look back and realize how alone I felt.  It didn't help that I was not athletic, and I really was not thin.  I feel as if I was a social outcast.  People only tolerated me, because murder is illegal.

Now, I know you think that I am going to extreme there, but really I felt like everyone hated me.  I tried so hard to be liked that I even did my classmates homework. (Yes I know that I shouldn't have, but hey at least they were talking to me then!)

I was not involved in a church youth group.  I didn't really belong to any clubs.  I was a cheerleader, but that was so I wouldn't have to take PE.  I was really into theater, but theater in my little high school is nothing like theater is here in Fremont.  If I was going to be honest, I don't know that anyone I went to high school with was quite as excited about theater as I was.  The only time I really saw the people I went to school with, was as school.  I didn't engage in social functions very often, and when I did I felt very out of place.

I look back to this time, and I feel blessed that I made it out alive!  Seriously, I didn't take to cutting myself, I wasn't classified emo.  I was just there, and I felt like nobody cared.

Now that I am older, I realize that that assumption was wrong.  I had great teachers, and a few friends.  Somebody other than my family did care.  I also realize that even though I had no relationship with God, he cared! 

John 3:16 tells us that "for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son."  I am a parent now, and I don't know that I love someone enough to give up my child!  That is a crazy amount of love!  God was there when I was in high school feeling lonely.  He was loving me, even though I wasn't even acknowledging he was there. 

There are teenagers out there who feel like no one understands, no one cares, and that they are alone.  These people need to understand first of all, God is there!  Secondly, there is someone who cares: YOU JUST HAVE TO FIND THAT PERSON!  The person who cares is not necessarily going to be wearing a sign that says: "Hey!  I care about you!"  There are always youth group leaders, teachers, coaches, parents, friends, or other adults that care. 

I urge everyone to make sure they know who cares so that, when needed, you can reach out and get help with anything when needed.  Whether it be to just hang out, or to talk; find that person. People need people, believe someone cares!

Dueces!  ~Jennifer