"Why do I have to carry this burden?"

You used to think the world was a happy, safe place. Now you know differently. Among the many other things that were taken from you, your innocence was stolen too. Your eyes have been opened. You are now aware, and everywhere you go you see the danger. You see the leering stare of a possible predator; you hear the disgusting comments; you watch bold, wandering hands; you observe the nervous, downcast, defeated glance of a likely victim. And you will always know . . .

what's out there. It is truly a heavy burden to carry. Especially when you're only sixteen. And it seems like nobody else carries this burden. Your parents tell you you're imagining things. Your best friend tells you to get your mind out of the gutter. But they just don't see the world the way you see it.

You ARE very young for this, but I've watched some of you. You are the ones who will reach out to help a handicapped person open a door, 'cause you know what it means to feel helpless. You smile at a homeless lady 'cause you've felt worthless before. You LOVE abused animals. And you pay special attention to children 'cause you know it's scary to be small.

Your burden is exhausting and depressing and uncomfortable, but it has a good side. Along with the anxiety, your burden has brought you compassion and sensitivity and insightful kindness. You will grow up to be described as having a "special gift" - for mercy or wisdom or brilliant solutions to safety problems.

You've got to figure out ways to take a break from this. I know that seems impossible 'cause it's everywhere you look. But when you can't handle the pressure anymore, develop a strategy. If you see a bad situation at the mall, turn around and walk the other way. Go into a different store. Don't go punch the guy - you are not the person to fix it. Force yourself to breathe slowly and deeply. Stop gritting your teeth. Have a phrase you repeat to yourself over and over, such as, "I'm safe now." Choose to believe that if you can conquer your mountain, that hurting victim you see will someday find the strength to conquer her/his problems too. If you can do it, others can follow.

And keep channeling that concern you feel into positive directions - volunteer at a rape crisis center, run for political office and crusade for victims' rights, compose a song, write poetry, be a big brother/big sister to a child who's been abused. Take positive action and that fierce energy inside you will be easier to handle.

At the end of a very heavy day, run to your Heavenly Father's arms for refreshment and comfort. "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him . . . Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." (Psalm 103:11, 13-14)

He knows how hard this is for you.