I needed a place to share some things that have been on my heart regarding HW lately, and this seemed the place to do it, so here I am.

Before I start--understand that sharing my heart publicly on certain things does not come at all easy to me. But... some things are troubling me, and I feel the need to say something about it.

Lately, we've had a number of people speak of leaving HW because they feel they are a burden, and people wouldn't miss them if they left.

I'm here to correct this misconception.

Oh, I understand how you feel. Everyone probably feels this way at some point, and me possibly more than most. You don't want to know the depths of my insecurity, the months I've spent feeling worthless and burdening, and feeling quite certain that everyone would be better off if I were gone. It's not that I don't understand.

It's just that--announcing it, and leaving, is not the answer.

Feeling this way is natural! But do you know what announcing it does? It doesn't help anyone, and it only hurts. Every time I said something to a friend about not believing they really loved me, and not believing them when they said I was not a burden, it did nothing but hurt them. It hurt them that I could doubt their word.

So what is the answer?

The answer is to get on your knees and pray to God that He'll show you your worth, and value, and the very special place He has for you in this world. He brought you to HolyWorlds for a reason. He has a special part for you to play here, and in your lives. If He calls you away to focus on other things, by all means, go, though we'll be sad. But don't go through doubt of how we feel.

We love you. Each and every one of you. Most of you don't even bring any burdens, but you know what? Even if you do... that's what friends are for. We are commanded by God to bear one another's burdens! How can we do that if you won't share them with us?

We love you. We want to be there for you, through thick and thin, to love at all times. You are wonderful. God made you for a reason, He placed you in your own unique life for a reason, and He brought you to HW for a reason. Anything that tells you otherwise is a lie from the devil.

Don't believe it.

We love you.

And He loves you more.

And that's what matters.

Awww, thank you, Ani. *hugs* I've dealt with this a lot too. But your post is a wonderful encouragement, thank you.

Thank you, Grace. In regards to this I've been thinking about this scripture recently:



We are all precious, needed, and all have our part to play. You mustn't feel that you aren't needed, you are. Everyone has a different role to play; we may have a common goal, but the roles played in reaching that goal are all very different, and yet they help individually as we move towards it. We care about you, very much so. You are greatly needed, and we love and appreciate the work every single member puts into these forums. Every post you make helps keep this forums alive, moving towards the purpose that God has planned. Every prayer you pray helps build up, encourage and uplift. And God does have a purpose and a plan for us. And it's for every member on Holy Worlds, not just one.

*hugs back* I love you so much, little sis! We must chat soon. *smiles* I'm so glad it encouraged you.


What a fitting scripture, Elanor! And you are so very right. *hugs* I love you, my dear friend. I love you very much.

*Smiles and hugs Grace* I love you too, dearest.

Amen, Grace.

You people out there should know that this is absolutely true, we don't want you going anywhere. We're thankful to God that He has blessed us with knowing you. So don't be afraid, any burden you share is an honor to share with you.

This was beautiful, Grace!!! And very timely, in light of discussions going on higher up. Thank you for sharing the depths of your heart. I know it took a lot of courage and reliance on God. *hugs you *

*hugs Grace* You, my dear friend, are a blessing. Love you.

Thanks for posting this. It's something that I'm sure a lot of us need to hear. (Myself included. I struggle with this far more than I care to admit.)

Very well-spoken, Mike.


*smiles, and hugs back* Thank you, Airi dear.


*smiles softly, and hugs back* Love you, too.

I'm glad that it blessed you.

Thank you so much for posting this, Grace (and for making sure I found it!). I've also struggled with this, and your clear words have spoken to me--I'm sure they will come in handy when I'm struggling later on, as they are helpful now.
Thank you again.

*smiles* I'm glad it helped you, little brother.

Very good thoughts, Grace.

*smiles* Thank you, Jonathan.

Thank you for this, Grace. *is reminded of Josh Groban's You Are Loved*

You all are loved, appreciated, wanted, and needed. You are special, you are unique, and I consider it an honor to know each and everyone of you.

I agree. And don't think this means you should just leave without telling anyone, either. It is a very high probability that by doing so you will, in fact, hurt other people. And make them worry. And stuff like that. Not that you can never leave, but if you're leaving because you think people will be happier then... Well, I've met people that I don't much like, and people that I don't really care about, because I'm being horribly lame about it and not really doing a good job on this 'love your neighbor' thing. But I've yet to encounter anyone here whose leaving would make the place better. If you think you're being a burden, talk to someone about it, and if it's actually a problem, try to figure out what you can do about it. But back to the ellipsis that I took a tangent from, don't do it. No one who is willing to leave a place he likes (and if you don't like it, that's a different matter) for the benefit of others is going to be such a problem that it's better for that person to leave.

Thank you for writing this, Grace.

Thank you for writing this, Grace. It was a good reminder, even though I wasn't thinking about leaving.

An excellent and much-needed post, Grace. Thank you so much. Speaking from experience, it saddens me to see people talking of leaving because they feel uncared for. To every member of HW, know that you're a special part of the community here, and that we all love you, burdensome or not. As Elanor's scripture reference aptly put it, we're all part of one body. So just remember that, and know that the less recognized and undervalued parts are often the most important.

Wonderful post, my dear Grace. I'm so glad this is something you have learnt to recognize and are willing to share with others. You are a blessing.

I would also like to add that it is perfectly understandable to leave for a period of time if you are dealing with something. I have done this before, and sometimes it can help to focus your attention back on God when you need Him most. However we are all here for whenever you need support and encouragement. We are brothers and sisters, for goodness sake! It's what we are here for. If you are here, you are an awesome child of God who we love and desire to help, and have no greater joy in doing so.

I love that song, Aravis! And yes, it's very fitting indeed. *smiles*

Very wise words, Arien. Thank you for posting.


You're welcome. I love you.


I'm glad, Milly little sis. *hugs*

I'm glad you liked the post, Tarin, and I thank you for what you added -- very true.

*smiles at her Bush* Indeed--there is nothing wrong with leaving for a bit if God leads, or if one needs to focus on something else for awhile, etc.--but no one ought ever doubt our love. *hugs*

I'm so enjoying seeing what you all have to add on this subject... it is encouraging to me. Thank you.

We're glad to be of help.

These are very good thoughts, Grace. Thank you for being willing to share them. And thank you to all the others who have added thoughts here, as well.

While I'm here, I'd like to thank HW (that means y'all..the lovely members who make HW more than just a website on a screen) for being such an awesome community, always ready to share its love with another new member. That's meant a lot to me--more than I can express. I'm thankful y'all put up with me and care about me, even on my worst of days, and you never stop loving.

Yes, thank you, Grace! You are so right: member, please never tell us you're a burden, because it simply is not true! Being here for you is a privilege! Seriously, it's awesome.

*smiles* Amen to both Nicole and Aemi.

Thank you Penny for writing this!

I had just recently looked over the last year I have been a member and wondered if I should stay. I love you all, but I feel like a burden, never having anything beneficial or helpful to say, but only taking from others. I want so much to pour into this forum the way others have

*squishes myth* By being my friend you do much more than "taking from others". Just seeing you around makes me happy, and WWing yesterday was awesome fun. And I'm sure I'm not the only one that has enjoyed seeing you around and talking with you.
(and I don't often have much to say on the more serious threads, either, so you're fine)

Riah dearest, you feel so much like a little sister to me! You're so sweet and kind. Never having anything beneficial or helpful to say? One only has to look at your posts to see you're encouraging people, offering prayers, welcoming people, sending birthday wishes, joining in with the weekly challenges - need I go on? You have given so much, you give so much and we appreciate your presence so much. You have lots of helpful things to say, and don't feel that you don't!

You do pour into this forum, did you read my scripture? Everyone has something to give, and a role to fulfill. And you're doing that, hun. Don't worry and don't try and change. We love you just as the lovely person that you are.

Thank you Lycanis! *cries happy tears* I always enjoy WWing and talking with you Thanks for being my friend!


Thank you dear Elanor! *cries more happy tears* I feel like you're my sister too! Thank you for all your encouraging words *hugs*

I'm so glad. And thank you.

I'm an HRM, and I still feel that way sometimes. And I know I've not been around here often to know, but it looks like you do pour into it, in a way that's just as important as the people who can write multiple essays on a theological concept.

Thank you Varon

You're welcome.

*Smiles and hugs* You're most welcome!

*breathes in deep* Just before I read this I was considering leaving the forum without saying anything. I've struggled with feeling like I'm a burden alot in my life. I am so introverted, I hardly ever talk, especially not about how I feel. *doesn't want to cry* *doesn't want to cry* Thank you so much for this!! :' )

Oh dear... I'm so glad that this came at just the time you needed to encourage you! *hugs* I know just how you feel, but keep looking to Jesus and remember we love you!

Hey, just a couple years ago, this was me. I never shared my heart on things, and never let people look deeper than the surface. It was joining this site that actually helped me open up. First of all, hiding behind a computer screen made it easier to talk, and second, I found that the people here liked me, just for who I was, no matter what I showed them of me. Gradually, strengthened by encouragement from here, and helped by new real-life friends, I am opening up in my real life, too.

Oh, Grace dear, that was wonderful. *hugs warmly*
I myself have never felt that I should leave, but I know of a couple people who have, and it made me very sad to think of HW not having them anymore. Each and every one of you is a blessing. A blessing from God. And we're so thankful to have you. No matter what burdens you carry, we're here to share them with you.

Same story for me, y'all. God is good.

Thank you from my heart Lady Grace.

Thank God that this thread is here; this is why Holy Worlds is his forum. I want to help.

I am hurt when I see this feeling of uselessness in my friends. I really do not understand it, but I do not have to: I can see the evil in it from here. *lifts rifle * Ironically it is this feeling that makes it dangerous or impossible to be better. It must be rejected first.

It is wrong, and it has blood on its hands. *points *

I beg you, be here, stay: that is a gift; ask for help, because that helps us to see. We need you. It is the people who have nothing to give that I want: give yourself; I want to show you how to fish. Be strong! God has given you that choice.

That is right Arien.

Thank you all. I have to say that this is one of the few places I don't feel like a burden, and it's because you people are all so good at showing you care.

This was beautiful, and something I really had to hear. I'm not going to go into detail, but... yeah, I needed to hear this. Thanks for posting it, Lady Amaris.

*smiles, and hugs*