Stick With Me (Part 2)

"I'm going for a walk." Mel's attention shot up at Owen's announcement as he entered the kitchen. He still had his hoodie on, but he was actually wearing jeans, not sweatpants. "You want to join?" Mel nodded and jumped to her feet, and within a minute they were out the door.Mel loved walking in their neighborhood downtown. She liked the scrunched-up houses and how close they lived to their neighbors. As she and Owen walked in silence, Mom's words from a couple weeks ago telling her that Owen had depression echoed in her ears. She kept glancing over at her brother, and eventually he asked, "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Mel kicked a rock instead of responding. "Mel, what's wrong?"Finally, she looked up at her big brother. "I just don't understand," she began. "Can't Jesus heal people? Why doesn't He heal you? Will you be sick forever?"This time Owen kicked the rock before replying. "I believe Jesus can heal me and take away my depression. I'm not sure why He's not doing it now, but I know He will one day.""One day like in a few more weeks?""Maybe," responded Owen. "But maybe not. It's complicated. Jesus promises us that when we trust Him as our Savior, He will save us from our sins so we can be with Him forever. But not everything is perfect--yet. It won't be until Jesus makes everything right when He comes again.""What do we do until then?" Mel asked.Owen took a deep breath. "We have hope. I know with certainty that God is faithful and incapable of breaking His promises. Having hope is having confidence in God."Mel took in the sight of her brother. He was in a good mood today, but would he be tomorrow? Before she could say anything, Owen continued. "And when it's hard to hope, I take comfort in knowing that Jesus is still with me and can give me hope and peace."Mel found another rock to kick, then looked to Owen and said, "Would it help if I made a sticker of Jesus's hope for your door? That way it'll be easier to remember."Owen grinned. "I think that's a wonderful idea."–Zoe Brickner