Someone Cares

Hannah took a swig from the can. It wasn’t like anyone cared what she did
anymore. Her parents were caught up in dealing with her little sister’s
illness; they wouldn’t notice if she came home drunk.

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“What are you doing?”

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Hannah startled at the sound of a voice. She spun in a circle but didn’t
see anyone near her. “Who are you? Where are you?”

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“Hannah, what are you doing with your life? Stop.”

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As she heard the words spoken directly to her heart, Hannah felt comfort
settle over her like a blanket. Still, she said, “Whoever you are, you know
nothing about what is going on.”

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“There are people who care about you. Your parents care—even though
they’re busy helping your sister. You can find someone to talk to about all
of this. You are loved, and you are not alone.”

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Hannah lifted the can toward her lips but paused without taking a sip. She
wasn’t sure if the voice was in her head or where it was coming from, but
the words were getting to her. Her eyes filled with tears. “I just want my
parents to pay attention. I want them to notice that I’m hurting too. I
want them to remember that they have an older daughter.”

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“I love you. Bring your hurt to Me. I am here. Even though your earthly
parents are not paying attention, I am. You are My daughter.”

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Hannah brushed at her eyes when she heard the voice again. Maybe she wasn’t
as alone as she felt. Maybe she really was cared for and loved. • Emily
Acker

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• Have you ever dealt with parents who were distracted? Maybe you had a
sibling who was sick, or your parents were facing marriage issues or the
loss of a job

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• Read Matthew 28:20, John 11:33-36, Hebrews 4:14-16, and Revelation
21:1-5. Jesus knows what suffering feels like, and He came to the world to
live among us, die, and rise again to make all things new and free from
brokenness. He is with us through everything we face. As Christians, when
we experience abandonment and loneliness, how can these truths comfort us?

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• When you feel alone, who are trusted people in your life (such as
counselors, teachers, pastors, parents, etc.) that you can reach out to?

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Read Verses:

Matthew 10:29-Matthew 10:31; Hebrews 13:5