Parent to Parent
Awhile back my son asked, "Why do I feel lonely when there are people all around me?" Wow, that was one of the biggest questions I grew up with. Another was why didn't anyone pay much attention to who I REALLY was and what is going on in MY life. I felt alone even in the midst of all my friends. No one seemed to care or even notice the inner turmoil I was feeling. I wondered if they really were my friends, why don’t they notice? Why didn’t my parents notice? I knew my attitude was different and I knew I was pulling away from my family and friends, so why didn’t people even ask what’s wrong with me.
Many times I would do things just to get attention. I it but I really didn't care. My inner self was screaming for someone to talk to but I just couldn’t get up enough nerve to bring it out, with even my best friend. Why should I, shouldn’t he notice and want to help?
Finally one day someone did notice. It wasn’t my best friend or even one that I would have considered to be close, just someone that was watching and saw a difference. The One Liner changed my life, he said, “I have been noticing that you seem distant lately. I wanted to say that if you need someone to talk to I would be willing to listen”.
It was like a huge weight of self pity, doubt and pain was taken from my shoulders. It only took a few words and the door was open. I poured my life out that afternoon and into the evening. What came out of my mouth was all that was bottled up from years of pain, years of questions, and thousands why’s. That One Liner FRIEND hardly spoke a word but just listened. He didn’t judge, didn’t try to understand, just listened and prayed.
Perhaps you have been standing and watching someone in the crowd or even your son or daughter. You have noticed a slight change in their attitude, the way they carry themselves, their smile isn’t the same. They seem distant and unconnected. You need to get into their inner battle, don’t stand on the side lines…GO… go to them in confidence and simply give them a one liner…you would be surprised how much it heals.
From Parent to Parent
Pastor Allen
Elementary Pastor
Journey Fellowship Church
985-882-4121 ext. 222