Several months ago one the Kids for Christ USA Team informed me of an issue that I hate to admit I did not know about, so I more or less blew him off. Just a few days later a Father told me about a situation involing a friend of his daughter. Within days of that two moms from the same school called me about the same topic.
The issue is refered to as "Cutting" among the kids (primarily grades 6-12) and in the media as "Self Mutilation". Kids, as a means of trying to cope with the stress of life take earasers, paper clips, scissors, razor blades... and cut themselves in various places on their bodies. Chances are teens you know are involved in this unbelievable practice. To me this makes teen drug and alchol abuse almost seem like a child's play.
According to Eddie Green, Lead singer of the Christian Hardcore Metal Band known as "Recycled Souls" the number of kids involved in this is astronomical. Somewhat by accident he stumbled into this issue and as a result of that situation He wrote a song about the issue. He and his band now work with kids regarding this issue via internet on a daily basis. I had Eddie speak to a Jr. High Group today (4/21/2005) and the response I saw was amazing. When he asked the 100+ students with eyes closed and heads bowed if they or anyone they know is involved in cutting, because he wanted to pray with them over 2/3 of them rasied their hands. Tears flowed from the eyes of some of the kids as they prayed with Eddie. I felt compelled to share the text from a packet he gave out this morning called "A Message of Hope from Recycled Souls". I am posting the message as a "Devotional Item" on our Devotionals page so that if you know someone who needs it you can print just that message without my story. I am also posting it below, it also includes the lyrics of the song he wrote:
Trying to Cope A message of hope from Recycled Souls
In speaking with youth all over the United States, we have found that cutting, a form of self-injury is in epidemic proportion. It is being used as a way to cope with life's struggles, a way of controlling the pain that people feel inside, and to release it. You may know of someone who practices this, or you may do it yourself. We want you to know that you are not alone. We want you to know that there is a better way.
Cutting starts as a way to deal with pain, the bleeding becomes a release, and only by seeing the blood, can release be achieved. It normally starts with a scratch from a paperclip, maybe some scissors, or a pencil, but as with any addiction, one cut is not enough. One cut becomes 2, 3, and so on. Rather than trying to find an alternative to dealing with the problems, cutting becomes the only release, becomes another problem. People will find alternative areas to cut, to conceal their addiction, moving from their arms, to their legs, their hips, anywhere that can be easily hidden from parents and peers. Some people may even start cutting, just because their friends do it, or as a way to fit in with a certain group of people. Cutting transcends all genres; it is not specific to a certain group of people. It's not just the emo kids, punks, hardcore, or alternative, but it's all types of people, each with their own problems. You are not alone, your problems are not unique to just you, and we're here to listen, to help, to offer some advice, if you're willing to listen.
If you're reading this, chances are, you're ready to stop, or help the person you know that cuts to stop. Jesus Christ loves you.. .that was such a huge revelation to us, the Son of God, creator of the universe.. .God loves me. He loves you so much, that He sent the only child he would ever have, the only Son, to endure ALL of our sin, to take ALL of our problems, and ALL of our pain to the cross so that you can have peace, love, and everlasting life. Jesus wants you to have peace in your life - "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Mat. 11:28-30 This takes a commitment from you, one that I know you are capable of making. You can commit to the cutting, now commit to stop, make a choice for YOU, make a choice to not hurt, to surrender this pain to Christ. In fact, he tells us to give our problems to Him, let Him handle them: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid ". and to "Cast your cares upon me for I care for you". John 14:27 What exactly does the Bible say about cutting? Some may think that God doesn't really care if they cut: Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord." Lev. 19:28
Addiction is something that is nearly impossible to beat on your own, and after spending countless hours with teens, Recycled Souls cares about you and your cutting. We would love to help, because we understand exactly what you feel, what you're going through, how helpless and enslaved you feel. How this is the only thing that makes you feel in control. We would love to pray with you, right now, so if you're dealing with this, pray this simple prayer with us: "Jesus, I need You, I need Your help. I can't do this alone, and I call out to You, to take this pain away from me. I need Your peace, Your love, Your healing in my life. Take this addiction away, cleanse me, take over my life, my problems, I surrender it all to you, and ask you to make me a new person. Thank you Jesus for going to the cross for Me, please forgive me of all of my sins, and help me everyday. In Your precious name I pray....Amen" If you prayed that prayer, you are healed, you are forgiven, and your life is going to change, starting right now. 3 things have to happen from you: 1. You need to BELIEVE that this change has taken place, you need BELIEVE that you're forgiven and healed. 2. Pray everyday, talk to God, the more you befriend Him, the more He can operate in your life. 3. Find a church, get plugged in, so that you are getting the Word of God on a consistent basis, and spending time with those that can build you up.
Please email us should you ever need us for prayer, or just to say hi: We are attaching the lyrics to our song "Trying to Cope" which also addresses this issue, and you can hear the song online by going to: www.recycledsouls.com
You can also call S.A.F.E. for more information - S.A.F.E. stands for Self Abuse Finally Ends, and they would love to help as well. Call 1-800-DONT CUT that's 1-800-366-8288
Trying to Cope Writen By Recycled Souls Copyright 2004 - RS Music www.purevolume.com/recycledsouls
Verse I Well I'm broken down, It seems I have no voice You've given me no choice...again
I bury my anguish in my pillow and scream with all my might Get back in touch tonight. I stare down at the gleaming peace upon my desk I feel the glide of the blade, see the blood confess.. .my sin The only thing I feel is the pain that is there
Chorus:
Take this all away.....I'm running inside with nowhere to hide Slam the door, throw myself on the floor and cry out.... Take this all away....take this burden I cannot bear The only thing I feel is the pain that is there. You've got to take it away!
Verse II:
Well another day comes, and I put on my cosmetic smile
Face the day, coping for awhile.. .it seems
What will push me over the edge...
What's sad is that I would rather die.. ..than live.
Push back the sleeves to reveal the scars of emptiness I feel
Oh God, can't you hear me, what do I do?
I'm so lost without You, without You!!!!!
Bridge:
Tell me You love me, that it will be all right, please forgive me tonight. Tell me You're there when no one cares, God I surrender, I cry out.....
