Nameless

By: Jerry Beasley

They seldom smile or they laugh too long, too loud. They are at the center of activity, effectively leading to accomplish goals or they are quiet at the perimeter, contributing little. Pretty, handsome, well-groomed, simple, plain; age, gender, socioeconomic standing—nothing appears to be a common factor. The sense of non-entity, loneliness, namelessness can happen to anyone, at any time, and for any length of time. Everyone is vulnerable. It’s part of being a human being.

Before retiring from teaching, Jerry Beasley observed the void, the emptiness in some of the high school students in her classroom, as well as in teaching peers and administrators. She witnessed the same emotional abyss in relatives, church family, neighbors, and friends, wordlessly screaming out for someone to pay attention, to care, to emotionally involve themselves, to name them as a peer, a friend, a family member, a mentor.

Times of despair come for everyone, but the God that created us is always with us. He will not forsake us. He will offer us the peace that passes all understanding. Peace that comes with having nothing between Him and us. When we seek professional or pastoral help, we need to remember He is only a prayer away.