By Nancy Virden (c)2023

A boy of about 10 years worked hard to raise enough money to own a bicycle.  He mowed lawns, ran errands, washed cars, and saved every penny. Months later, he sat atop his new 20″ freestyle BMX, ready for his first ride.  His heart filled with joy,  his feet could barely keep up with the peddles as he sailed downhill on a city side street.

Suddenly, a group of teenagers surrounded him. Searing pain consumed his face; blood ran from his nose. They left him on the cement with a broken jaw and no bike.

The boy stood up, saw a police car, and ran toward it.  Between sobs and bloodied teeth, he tried to tell the officers what had happened. He was scolded, “Go home and stay out of trouble.” They drove away having collected no information about the bike or the teenage assailants and thieves.

Helpless isn’t all …

That true story hurts my heart every time it comes to mind. It is sad to think of the grave disappointment, anger, and confusion that must have enveloped that boy. Unfortunately, he is not alone in that sense of helplessness in a world where people often hurt others. 

When life isn’t fair and injustice seems to have the upper hand, an anchor for the soul is Jesus. I know not everyone who reads my blogs is “religious” per se, yet my story is incomplete without telling of the One who has been my strength and inspiration with every broken heart. 

…There’s real hope

Last week, a stranger felt it was acceptable to interject herself into a private and sensitive part of my life. Twice I felt invaded as she justified being the one to inform me of a personal family matter.  This triggered days of anxiety (due to the family issue), tension, and fatigue. No one can make anyone else feel a certain way, however, her lack of compassion was extraordinary.  

I feel better today because my anchor reminded me nothing is bigger than he is. He dwarfs fear and exists beyond the reach of human error.  When people hurt me, in him I trust. In him, a sense of helplessness is replaced with security. His embrace never fails.

As the anchor of my soul, He carries me in every kind of storm.   

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Hebrews 6:19  

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}