You matter. So does she.

I spend a lot of time on the phone at work. Yesterday I was talking to someone and the following conversation took place.

Me: Let me know when you are ready to write this down.

Her: Oh! My friend just died!

I paused. Awful. Thoughts of the recent news of missing people, accidents and suicide ran through my mind. How to respond?

Me: I am so sorry to hear that.

Her: It’s okay. Like most people, I have 99 others.

I paused again. What kind of sick cavilear person is this? I want off the phone. Or I want to explain how people are precious and she should honor her friend.

Her: Oh gosh. This one is out of ink. Hold on a sec.

Me. Pen! Pen! Her pen died. Not her friend.

Yikes. My poor brain.

But seriously - let me tell you something.

You are precious. One of a kind. You should be loved and cheered and held. Your friends and family are blessed by your life. Your absence would leave a hole so wide it would affect generations. We need you. We want you.

If you are in a dark place where running or stopping or ending are desolate thoughts listen carefully. This my plea- do something wild and desperate. But make it be life giving.

Call 911. Go to ER. Call your doctor. Tell your friend, aunt, pastor, neighbor, sister. Ask them to help you get help. Go to counseling. Try celebrate recovery. Hang on.

Yesterday I was so grateful to two of my friends who made a point to ask how I’m doing. One stopped by my office to give me a hug and tell me how my friendship matters to her. Another friend sent an email in the midst of a crazy busy work session to check on me. I was good. But the care touched my heart and made me want to check on all of you.

You know the Bible story of the lost sheep? There was a shepherd who had 100 sheep. One was lost. The shepherd didn’t shrug his shoulders and remind himself he had 99 more. The shepherd went to work finding the lost sheep.

Make it a point today - check on someone. Tell them you love them. If you need help- ask today. We need each other. All 100 of us.