When my daughter was in eighth grade, she would come home from school, curl up on her bed, and cry. I discovered that she was being bullied by someone at school—someone much larger and, in her mind, tougher than she. This person seemed to have all the resources—friends, popularity, and confidence—on her side, while my daughter felt overwhelmed, alone, and scared. 

My heart went out to my daughter. But she did not want to talk about it, nor did she want any help, no matter what form. But one way I could help was to pray. And even though she did not want to hear my words, I knew she could hear God, just as I could. 

As a child, I had been taught in Christian Science Sunday School that no one can be separated from God or from feeling His love and care. I remember learning and being assured that I could trust God always, and I felt comforted by Jesus’ promise “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:8).