Someone To Listen

We often say that we are helping teens and young adults "within a yard of hell". This is a phrase taken from a quote by CT Studd found on another part of this blog. Well, when Jennifer called it became clear to the HopeCoach right away that she was one of those teens "within a yard of hell". She had been raped as a child by her uncle - often. Her mom knew it was going on but did nothing. The pressure, abuse, and guilt eventually took Jennifer's mom over and she committed suicide. This left Jennifer, already scared, absolutely devastated. On top of all that, a while later her brother had run away leaving her feeling utterly alone. The loneliness and terrible memories of her mother and her abuse drove to her to find away to escape. She found that escape in cutting (where a person will take a knife or razor blade and routinely cut themselves, usually on the arms and legs). Jennifer, like many who call in, had no one to talk to so when she heard about the HopeLine she called in hopes that she could find someone who would listen; someone who would care. She found it. The HopeCoach listened to her as she shared about her awful past. He knew that he would not be able to fix these problems but he could be there to listen. He also knew that this young girl needed to know about the incredible love that God has for her. After she had told her story and the HopeCoach did what he could to encourage her he began to share the gospel. When he started she told him that she was a Mormon. He asked if he could be honest with her and share a truth that might offend her. Jennifer responded by saying that she would listen because she trusted him and because he was the only one that had ever really listened to her. He shared the truth about Mormonism and the truth about the amazing love of the one true God shown in Jesus Christ. When he finished presenting the gospel she said that she had always thought God hated her and was angry with her because she cut. Jennifer began to weep. She was overwhelmed by this God who wanted to have a relationship with someone like her. Through her tears she accepted the love of Christ, renounced her Mormon beliefs, and said she was going to start living for the one true God. This story shows the wonderful power of God manifested through someone who was there to listen to a broken girl who had no one else and simply tell her about a God who loved her.