Since the last time I've written, things have definitely changed.

I've been working quite a bit lately which is keeping me busy and helping earn some pocket cash for college...speaking of, I'm so excited about dorm shopping!

Other than that, I'm really enjoying summer thus far. Especially on nights like tonight when the weather is absolutely gorgeous. I could probably sit here forever. 

But I'd be lying if I said things were as perfect as my view tonight.

I recently found out that somebody very very Close to me has been self harming. Upon finding out, my heart shattered in a million pieces. I was in shock, completely distraught. I hugged him for what felt like an eternity and it wasn't long enough. Like I've said many times before, I would never ever wish depression on my worst enemy. It's self destructive. A complete nightmare. And without help, it's even worse. 

I know that there are even more of you out there like this individual. While my Scars are no longer visible, there are occasions when I can still feel the numbness on my upper thigh. Sometimes I get flashbacks of wincing through the initial breaking of skin, bandaids, and limping when I walked. My heart goes out to those of you who have struggled or continue to struggle with self-harm. You are beautiful despite your scars. You are loved by someone with His own scars. 

I titled this post "From Cuts to Calvary" because I recently thought about the crucifixion of Christ and just how physically unbearable that would be. Christ, because of His great love for you, was beaten and tormented...covered in countless wounds. For me. For you.

Nails pierced through His hands, a spear to the side. The sins of the entire world on the shoulders of the innocent One. Forsaken by His own Father, Jesus Christ did it all. The suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lamb gives us hope. 

Through Baptism, we are washed clean. Scars of sin, completely gone. Redeemed children, loved in such an unfathomable amount, we now given the gift of eternal life. We suffer now, but the pain is temporary, as He has prepared a place for us where our physical scars will be removed and our illness can no longer hurt us. 

You have been healed, washed, and made new in the body of Christ. I pray that even on the darkest of days, you still remember that. 

To close up here, I have a lot of ideas running through my head. Having mental illness strike so close to home here again, I'm really really pushing even more awareness. I have some free time this week so hopefully I can do some more advertising and work with other mental health bloggers. In the meantime, I'm praying for all of you.