I think I first saw Demi Lovato in Camp Rock.
There was something so relatable, so likable about her. Maybe it was her full-mouthed smile that made you want to smile too or her unencumbered laugh that, well, made you want to laugh too…
…There was just something about Demi.

Her unabashed honesty about what she was going through (i.e. her psychological disorders) was refreshing and endearing. 
And I loved her. I prayed for her. 

Then, she began to veer off onto a path that, despite my love for her, I could not follow her on.

I could have prayed.

I should have prayed.

But I didn’t.

​I may have muttered a few half-hearted words to God on her behalf. Maybe.
I stopped following her. I stopped praying for her. ​
​
Hearing the news of her overdose last Tuesday hit me hard. Right in the gut. 
How dark of a place she must have been to forget about the last 6 years of her sobriety and use to a point of overdosing.
I was upset for hours. I am still upset, over a week later.

Oh, dear Demi, my heart cries out for you. Forgive its traitorous nature.
I pray to God that you are okay. And I pray to God that once more, you will find your way to Him – the only One who can truly satisfy you – mind, body, and spirit.

Dear Demi,
I love you. You brought laughter and hours of singing and dancing to my life. 
But God loves you more. He will bring laughter and hours of singing and dancing to your life, again. 
He promises. Just trust Him.  

Dear Demi,
Psychologists have a theory; they say “bad is stronger than good.” That is, our perception of negativity is stronger and far outweighs our ability to see what is good around us. It would be hard, during this time, to focus on the thousands of people who love you and want to see you get well. But try.
No, actually, scratch that. 
Don’t focus on them. They could be like me and desert you when they don’t like something you do. They are human. 
Focus on God. He loves you. He’s got you. He knows you – flaws and all. He will never, ever disappoint you. 

Dear Demi, feel better soon. ​
Picture of Demi above pulled from: https://bit.ly/2KkBJQe