Addiction is a scary thing. Approximately 20 million Americans are battling drug addiction right now. Can you even picture what 20 million people looks like? How many people are struggling right now? Its a frightening picture, and not one I take lightly.

Yesterday, a news story came out about Demi Lovato. It is public knowledge that she struggled with drug addiction in the past, but she got help, and was sober for 6 years. Though, however unfortunate, she relapsed and was rushed to the hospital yesterday after suffering an apparent heroin overdose. Thankfully, she is recovering, but we all know that it could have ended much differently.

Since yesterday, I have seen many tweets and posts about the incident. Many are loving and encouraging, while others are pessimistic and condemning. These negative messages made me angry, and I felt a sense of disappointment in these people. All humans make mistakes. They aren’t things we can avoid. It is human nature to mess up and make mistakes, but it is not human nature to be mean and cruel. The absolute last thing that someone who is going through hard times needs is people bringing them down and hating on them. They need people to encourage and help them. Calling this incident “stupid” or “irresponsible” won’t change Demi’s situation, it will only further damage her already fragile headspace. The lyrics in her recently released song ,”Sober”, give us as observers a glimpse of what she is experiencing and how she feels:

“… Call me when it’s over ’cause I’m dying inside …

Call me when it’s over and myself has reappeared …

I don’t know why I do it every time / It’s only when I’m lonely / Sometimes I just wanna cave in, I don’t wanna fight …

I wanna be a role model but I’m only human …

I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore …”

Her song lyrics reveal to us that she knows that she made a bad decision. It shows us that she realizes that she is so severely struggling, and she feels she can’t escape her reality. The sad truth is that so many people, famous and not, battle with drug addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and so many more, everyday. We should not be bringing them down, belittling their conditions, calling them “stupid” and “irresponsible”… we should be praying for them. People who are hurting often can not get better on their own. They often need a support system to help and encourage them on their road to a better life. We should be praying to the Lord that He gives them strength to overcome their battles and helps them to hand all of their weaknesses over to Him. He is the only one who can heal them, and teach them a better way of life. The road to recovery is long and hard, but all things are possible through the Lord. Our God is good and gracious and merciful. He recognizes people who need help and His love. Our prayers show that we as children of the Lord are here to embolden others and give them our love, just as the Lord does for us.

Prayer is powerful. As John 16:24 says, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete“. Praying is our way of asking God to bring goodness down onto us and bless us with His grace and mercy. We need to pray for ourselves and for others.

So, today and everyday, I pray for all those suffering. I pray for all those who feel lost and hopeless. I pray for all those who have lost sight of their faith. I pray for all those who need help. Always remember, you are not alone. There is someone out there who loves you and wants to help you. You are important, and you can overcome all things. Put yourself first, and make happiness your number one priority.

We are all children of God; made in his perfect image, made to raise each other up, made to encourage and support.

It’s time we start acting like it.