(The rest of Emily's email says this: "I don't want her to do anything that might result in some very serious consequences. I don't see her often but when I do, I think that she is getting farther and farther away from where she REALLLY want to be. Some of her friends scare me and I just wish there was a way I could help her.")

I have been thinking about you and your cousin a lot. You said she is your same age. 13 is young...and there is a whole life ahead...a whole life of really great and good and happy things. But, we also are smart enough to know that life can be hard and  sad things can happen that cause pain. When we don't know what to do with that pain, sometimes we seem to turn that pain on ourselves.

The fact that you have noticed your cousin is in trouble says so much about you. And OF COURSE you want to do something to help. 

The best thing you can do, and I know this sounds like the "easy" answer but it really is the best thing to do, is to pray. I think we underestimate the power of prayer. Do you remember the story of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah? They were in real trouble and were definitely getting farther and farther away from who they really were. But the Lord intervened and helped them and said it was because of the prayers of the people and Alma's father (Mosiah 27:14). So if you are not already praying, start now. Pray hard. Pray that your cousin will get the help she needs. Pray that her parents will know what to do. Pray that YOU will know what you need to do to help.

It sounds to me like you think a lot of your cousin and she obviously isn't thinking very much of herself right now. Think of how much it might mean to her to know you are concerned about her...to know you are praying for her. You might want to write her a letter and share with her who you know she is. Sometimes we need others to remind us that we ARE daughters of a Heavenly Father who LOVES US. Look for scriptures that are a reminder of our identity (one of my favorite things to do...Romans 8:16-17 is a classic) and create something for her to put in her room that she will always see.

Ultimately though, Emily, your cousin really needs help. And she probably needs professional help beyond anything else you might be able to do to for her. Talk to your parents and tell them you are concerned. Counsel with them about what you can all do to help her. With your parents and the Lord involved, you'll find your own answers.

Because the bottomline is that God is aware of your cousin right now. He is totally aware of this situation. He is concerned too. And He will do whatever He needs to do to help her...He just might be planning on using you to help her... so talk to Him...and listen.

I'm praying for your cousin...and for you too!

Keep me posted.