LIFE OR DEATH?
Someone I know committed suicide yesterday leaving all who knew her in a stupifying fog to question WHY? Such a permanent solution, for what? Did she hope it would bring her peace? Did she think of the countless hearts she would leave shattered? The lives forever altered by her single selfish choice? Did she consider what she would miss in the future?
I suspect the answer to each of these questions is that she did not think of it. She must have been at the very lowest point of despair and hopelessness. Perhaps tormenting voices in her mind shouted for her to pull the trigger and end the pain. Instead of running away to talk to someone--to cling to life as the precious, fleeting valuable gift it is--she listened to the voices. Considering only the one solution: taking the gun in her hand. In an instant, it was too late for thinking.
This fragile gift of God, full of vanity and uncertainty, ups and downs, moutain-top experiences and wanderings through the valley of the shadow of death--why didn't her inborn desire to live override her desire to die? Had her life become so impossible and so completely without promise or hope?
True, age was creeping up--although she hadn't begun the full slide downward into decrepancy. True, the economy had gone south and the family business had financial trouble--not unusual these days. But consider all the things tipping the scale in the opposite direction. A loving husband, thriving children, and five lively perfect grandchildren. A cozy house and safe neighborhood. Health. Freedom in America. This woman had talents too. She could cook like a chef. Organized and efficient, she managed the business and the household without seeming to tire. Her grandchildren adored their Nonny. Always available for babysitting and helping out with family celebrations.
Family and friends continue to ask questions with no answers. What if I'd been there for her? What if I'd called her that day? Why didn't she talk about her problems? Her depression? Her worries? Or the big question: what if she'd had hope of glory in Jesus? Would her depression have been able to beat her so low? Or would she have gone to God with her burdens? Would He have carried them for her?
The Bible says He would. Over and over God calls us: Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest upon your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Why didn't I tell her this? Why didn't someone tell her this? There is always hope. There is always a way out. God promised to provide one. Who do I need to tell today? If you are struggling with hopelessness, please reach out. I am here. I would be honored to listen.
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Virginia Beach Roofing
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You are right. Life is so very precious. Every day on this earth is a gift from G-d to us. I mourn the passing of the person you wrote of. We need to be proactive in staying involved with our loved ones and within our community. We need to encourage one another and give a hug or provide a shoulder to cry on when needed. We need to focus on G-d and others. We need one another. Thank you for talking about this very sensitive subject.
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Thanks for adding to what I've written. Involvement with our loved ones and within our community is key. We need to keep communicating with each other and keep our eyes open to those who are hurting around us. There are legion. Our need for each other has always been great, but perhaps even more so as our world collapses around us. Jesus is coming soon and this gives me hope in glory. We need to spread that good news to everyone we come in contact with.
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