A teen in my community committed suicide this week. I did not know him. But after counseling with teens who did, and, after attending a celebration service where I listened for well over an hour as friends and family shared funny and intimate stories about him, I feel like I have known him a lifetime.
I have known three people in my life who ended their own lives. You too may know someone who has done the same. Those of us left behind to try and make sense of it all are often left with a mix of emotions and questions for which it seems there are no answers. There is no way of ever fully knowing why a person chooses to end his/her life. But, I do know this – in most (if not all) cases, the person choosing to make this horrifically irreversible act is in pain.
Suicide doesn’t have to be the “way out.” If you or someone you know has these feelings, know this: God doesn’t want anyone to end his/her own life. Never. Ever. Not for any reason. He created everyone for purpose, great purpose. And, all suicide does is immediately end that purpose.
If you ever have feelings of considering suicide, go talk with someone immediately! Don’t wait. There is help. You can always call The Hope Line: 877.254.REAL.
You may know someone who has talked about suicide. If so, take what he/she says seriously. Allow this person to talk. Listen. If you are with this person, don’t leave him/her alone. Make a call and get help for him/her. Tell a friend, pastor, parent, or teacher. Call the National Suicide Hotline: 800.273.TALK.
