Today, March 1,2013 is Self-Injury Awareness Day(SIAD). Self-injury or self harming is when a person deliberately hurts themselves physically to deal with the emotional pain they are suffering. Self-injury does not see gender, age, or even race as a barrier. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds participate in self-injury. However, an alarming rate of young people partake in self-harm. Still the topic remains "taboo" in the church,our youth groups, etc. If we as the body of Christ continue to be silent about real life issues, we miss out on the opportunity to shed our God's love, hope,and truth in dark situations. We also harm those with in our community of faith who are hurting and struggling with the harsh reality of self-harm. Believe it or not, the girl you sat next to at Wednesday night Bible study could be self-harming.Would she be able to find refuge there if she admitted it? It saddens me to realize that she most likely would be ridiculed and/or associated with a stigma. It saddens me even more to see how we as Christian tend to ignore the very things that the adversary uses to plague those around us! We are the salt and light of this world if we don't speak and stand up who will? We cannot afford to be silent and leave so many in the dark and painful world of self-harm. Today is solely dedicated to making ourselves and others aware of self-harm and the stigmas associated with it. Yet, I am convinced that days like today are only the beginning. We must continue to educate ourselves and others on issues around self-harm. Most importantly, we have to use the power of Christ within us to get out and do something about it! As I always say, start small. Below I have listed some resources including helplines and websites. I hope that you will consider the impacts of self-harm today and everyday.
Peace & Love,
Brittany
***Start with the people close to you, ask the hard questions. Get the necessary help if you or someone you care about is struggling. Strive to be resourceful. There is hope and healing and the source is our Savior!***
Scriptures to Check Out:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13, 15, 16 NIV)
Websites/Hopelines:
http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/self-harm
http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/
http://bandbacktogether.com/how-to-help-friend-self-injury/
1-800-DON-TCUT
1-800-273-TALK
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