When all else fails, can someone count on you?
It is not a popular subject, but unfortunately in today’s society and with cyber bullies and the like, suicide is on the rise. It is an act of desperation and hopelessness. Sometimes there are no outward signs, and the act is devastating for those left behind. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined. Over 3000 attempts of suicide happen every day from youths, ages 10-24.
As shocking as that number is, it may alarm you to know that white males account for 7 out of 10, of this desperate act. There are over 42,000 suicides each year, that is 121 per day. Have you ever known anyone who committed suicide? Does it leave you with a lingering question, was there something I could have done? Most of the time the answer to this question is no, other times the answer could be, did I ever have the opportunity to share my faith with that person?
There are ways of sharing your faith without even knowing a person. Live a life that leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that you stand for Christ. It may surprise you how often people will approach you and ask you why and how you live like that. Acts of kindness is another way to help people. Stop bullies in their tracts by standing up for the underdog. Don’t be one of these people with cell phones that will record the acts of ugliness, but don’t get involved in the messiness of life. If you suspect a person is depressed or going through a bad time, pray for them. You don’t even have to know their name. The Bible tells us to pray continually, well this might be one of those times, when a short prayer for someone you see crying on the bus or street, might save their life.
Life is messy, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. A gentle prodding of a friend, asking if everything is all right, may be just what they need. Just to know someone in this world cares enough to ask. Then you may have the opportunity to tell them someone out of this world cares even more! The love of Jesus Christ is greater than everything! So let go and let God help you!
As parents it is important for us to teach our children about the sanctity of life. That their bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and to treat it with respect. Teach them that God has a plan for everyone in this world, and they should never make fun of one of God’s creations. Remember, God doesn’t make mistakes.
We as writers have often used this vehicle to dramatize the state of desperation, in one of our characters. Let’s be careful to handle this subject with the respect and seriousness it deserves, and never glamorize it.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you
I Corinthians 3:16
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Ecclesiastes 7:17
The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psalms 34:17-19
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jerimiah 29:11
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
I Corinthians 6:20