 |
 |
 |
| Dear Help My Friend, I read your letter and wanted to answer it right away. Usually, after I recieve an advice letter, I let it sit a little while before I answer it so I can come up with the best answer. But I knew exactly what to say to you and I can TOTALLY relate to you! And you sounded in so much distress... First of all, I applaud you for loving your friend as you do! Throughout the letter, you sounded genuinely concerned for your friend. And many people in the world today have a hard time loving. And you are being a loving person. God wants us to love everyone and you are doing a good job! You go, girl! As for cursing and chewing gum, I would suggest telling her that you are uncomfortable when she curses or cusses. Ask her to stop, at the very least when she is around you, because it offends you. Maybe she'll stop. And for gum, remind her that gum isn't allowed at school. Advise that she should spit it out and chew later so she doesn't get caught and in trouble. Make sure you don't tell her but make suggestions. And be kind and loving about it. Don't get discouraged if she doesn't take your advice. It may seem trivial to her. About procrasinating, the same thing. Suggest she'll get better grades if she doesn't leave it until the last minute. Overall, I think the main thing you need to do with all of these things that you worry about (violence, procrastinating, etc.) is just to be an example. It says in the Bible that we need to be lights for Christ. Shine for Him and be a good example of what a Christian SHOULD be. About her suicide problems, I am not specialized in this area. I suggest talking to an adult, counselor, or pastor. Ask them what you should do about her statements about suicide. In the mean time, be a continuous, loving friend and PRAY. Know that these statements shouldn't be taken likely. They are a sign for suicide. I wouldn't overlook them. About moving, I would let that pass. Just know that you won't know if she will move or not until it actually happens. Perhaps she is just saying that to get attention or something. I wouldn't worry too much about that. I think the main problem your friend has is not having God in her life. Get her a student Bible and encourage her to read. Ask her to take it, even if she doesn't read it. Tell her about what Jesus' did for us and that she is special and wanted in this world. SHARE THE WORD OF GOD WITH HER. and make sure you walk the walk. If you don't walk the talk, then what you say will make NO impact. Again, be a light. Be a good light. Witness to her. Love her. AND PRAY. Prayer is a powerful tool. God will hear you and give you chances to share the Word with her. It may get frustrating and tough. But no one said that a Christian's life is easy. In fact, it's probably harder than most. But stay in there. God promised us that He would always be there to help us through. Continue loving your friend. God is smiling on you for what you are doing for your friend. Good job. |
| Miss Weird, I am having a problem with one of my friends. My friend curses excessively, she also procrastinates, and she chews gum in school. I am worried that she will get into trouble for cursing and fail because she procrastinates and doesn't get her work in on time, and she will also get in troublt for chewing gum. She also never does her homework, and always asks me for it. She is also violent. She slaps and kicks her friends. I know she doens't mean to hurt them, but I'm worried about her. She hasn't hit or kicked me, but I am worried. Not so much about me, but about her. My friend also talks about suicide often, and how much she wants to die. I don't want her to die. No one does. She also talks about moving away. I don't want her to move. I do not know how to get through to her, and let her know that people care about her and she matters. She is not Christian, but I know God can help her with her life. She currently doesn't have a religion, and says that she does not want one. Please help me Miss Weird. I am worried for her about these things. She doesn't seem to care. Please help. Signed, Help My Friend. |