Hello addie56,
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. After reviewing your post, it seems like you are running into some issues with your iPhone and the Messages app. We definitely understand that can be a concern and we'd love to help. Let’s start by taking the following steps, which may help with this unexpected behavior. Restart your iPhone, make sure it is up to date and close/reopen the Messages app.
1. Restart your iPhone
2. Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
3. Close an app on your iPhone or iPod touch
This article is very helpful when considering this issue, as well: If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Please let us know if you have follow-up questions about this issue, or if the issue remains unresolved. Have a great day!