Day’s Journey Reflection
Scripture Anchor:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
This week, I read two different stories of young men who died from drug overdoses.
One was the son of a well-known pastor.
Another was an athlete from the community where I live.
As I spoke with our basketball coach about the young man’s death, he shared that his heart was filled with sorrow. He knew him personally. He had watched him train on our courts in the school gym.
I did not know either of these young men personally.
But I recognize the shock.
I recognize the grief.
I recognize the ache of losing a child.
And I recognize the quiet weight many young people carry.
Some carry pressure to perform.
Some carry expectations they do not know how to name.
Some carry pain behind talent, smiles, applause, discipline, and achievement.
Some carry loneliness even while surrounded by people.
I am not suggesting these young men took their own lives. Their stories are not mine to define. But I do recognize that addiction, despair, and self-harm can sometimes move quietly beneath the surface. Sometimes people are not trying to die, but they are also no longer protecting their lives. Sometimes pain becomes so heavy that a person reaches for anything that seems to silence it.
That should wake us up.
Behind every story is a cry.
A cry for mental health support.
A cry for families to listen.
A cry for coaches, teachers, pastors, and communities to notice.
A cry for young people to know they do not have to suffer in silence.
A cry for help before the grief becomes another headline.
As a mother who has lost a child and as a grandmother of an athlete, these stories alarm me. They remind me to keep speaking. To keep spreading awareness. To keep saying that the life behind the talent matters more than the performance.
The athlete matters more than the score.
The son matters more than the title.
The person matters more than the public image.
The soul matters more than the applause.
We need to ask better questions.
Not only “How are you performing?”
But, “How is your heart?”
Not only, “Are you winning?”
But, “Are you okay?”
Not only “What are your goals?”
But, “Who is walking with you when life feels heavy?”
Life is truly beautiful when walking alongside Jesus. But that does not mean life is never painful. It means we do not have to walk through the pain alone.
Jesus is close to the brokenhearted. He is not ashamed of the wounded. He does not turn away from those who struggle with addiction, depression, anxiety, pressure, shame, or hopelessness. He comes near. He calls us out of darkness and into life.
And sometimes, He sends helpers.
A parent.
A grandparent.
A coach.
A teacher.
A counselor.
A pastor.
A friend.
A resource officer.
A safe person who says, “You matter. Please stay. Let’s get help.”
May we become people who notice.
May we notice the quiet child.
The gifted athlete.
The smiling student.
The one who always performs well.
The one who suddenly pulls away.
The one who jokes but is hurting.
The one who says, “I’m fine,” but does not seem fine.
And may we never shame people for needing help.
Needing help is not a weakness.
Needing help is human.
Asking for help can be the doorway back to life.
Behind every story is a person God loves.
May we wake up before another family is left grieving.
May we speak life before silence wins.
May we protect the young, the weary, and the wounded.
May we point them to help, hope, and Jesus.
Sacred Pause
Who around me may be carrying more than they are saying?
Lord, help me notice with compassion, listen without judgment, and respond with wisdom.
A Gentle Safety Note
If you or someone you know feels hopeless, trapped, or tempted to self-harm, please do not stay alone. Tell a trusted person right away and reach for help.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services now.
Your life is precious.
Help is not shameful.
You are worth protecting.
Prayer of Repentance, Protection, and Hope
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the Name of Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have overlooked the pain hidden behind performance, achievement, smiles, or silence.
Forgive us for the times we have judged what we did not understand, or failed to notice those who were crying out without words.
Lord, have mercy on families grieving the loss of their children. Comfort mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, coaches, teachers, pastors, teammates, and friends whose hearts are broken.
Protect our children and young people from hopelessness, addiction, hidden despair, and dangerous choices made in moments of pain. Surround them with safe people, wise counsel, and strong support.
Teach us to ask better questions. Teach us to listen well. Teach us to speak life. Teach us to create spaces where young people can be honest and still feel loved.
Jesus, walk with the brokenhearted. Draw near to those who feel unseen. Let them know their life is beautiful, valuable, and worth protecting.
May many find help.
May many find healing.
May many find hope in You.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Amen.