From Great Heights
Kris was in church when he realized that if he had to endure something, he would rather endure it surrounded by people he loved, who loved him. It was better to be supported, in any circumstance. So, when Kris inexplicably began dealing with anxiety and depression, he immediately sought out his friends at church to help him.
But their response was far from what he expected. They were having Bible study together, everyone taking turns sharing some version of a struggle that they had, and everyone immediately responded with encouragement and support.
Kris had stayed quiet, mostly because he didn't feel like bringing everybody down with his bad mood. Nothing in his life was turning out the way he wanted it to. He was ready to give up on music altogether if something didn't start happening.
But music was where his heart was, and Kris didn't know how he would ever be happy doing something that wasn't music for a living.
He clasped his hands loosely in his lap and bowed his head, preferring to deal with his problems between himself and God, but taking comfort that around him were friends who would be there if he needed them.
"Kris, how can we pray for you?"
"I'm okay," Kris assured softly.
But the rest surrounded him anyway, determined to pray for something.
"Guess I'm dealing with a little anxiety about my future," he admitted. "Some depression."
The bowed heads raised. Eyes studied him critically. "How's your relationship with God?"
Kris shrugged. "Fine. Steady."
"Well, anxiety and depression don't just happen. You have to give the devil a foothold and then he has full access to bring them to you. How's your faith?"
"My faith isn't the issue here," Kris insisted. "You wanted to pray for something and I'm telling you what I'm dealing with. I didn't let the devil in my life."
"You know, you need to take a little responsibility here."
"Come on." From beside him a familiar voice had spoken up softly.
Katy took his hand and together they left, walking outside in the dark for a while, before finding her house and climbing up on the roof.
It was their secret place, and Kris loved to lie up there and look at the stars, but he didn't see the point in appreciating them tonight.
Katy studied him, reading the hopelessness in his eyes and threading her fingers through his. "You know what they say. 'If suffer we must, let us suffer on the heights.'" She squeezed his hand.
And Kris squeezed back, grateful to have somebody who understood his darkness, and instead of wishing it away, came inside, and tried her best to light it up with the stars.