Suicide

Robin Williams last film Boulevard is out, and while the content and theme of this movie makes me shudder, the popularity of Robin Williams has once again given rise to casual conversations about suicide.

Read my previous post about Robin William’s suicide here.

Sadly, at least one person in all of my varied social circles has been personally touched by suicide’s poison apple. Like the Queen turned Witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, suicide makes many promises, but delivers none.

As a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, I have clients who have lost loved ones to suicide. They come to me broken and bewildered, often blaming themselves for not preventing their loved ones death.

“Guilt implies intent to harm. Since you [grievers who have lost a loved to suicide] had no intent to harm can you put the “G” word back in the dictionary? You are probably devastated enough by the death of your loved one, you don’t need to add to it by hurting yourself with an incorrect word that distorts your feelings.” –The Grief Recovery Handbook

CONSIDER THIS

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I did just that yesterday with an acquaintance. She told me her story, I listened, and then I asked her if she’d like to pray. Thankfully she agreed, and the sweet presence of the Divine Life Giver filled the room.

Can you look for ways to offer the same?

Living every day with Jesus, isn’t about wearing a Jesus Badge and waiving a flag-size Bible. No, it’s about showing love, offering compassion, and being full enough of the Spirit that you can readily pray with others as the need arises.

LET’S PRAY

“Giver of Life, will you minister deeply today to all those who have lost a loved one to suicide? Will you remind them of Your hope, Your comfort, and Your love? Will you make us willing and sensitive vessels that can be used to pour balm on the wounded hearts around us? Teach us to think of others Lord. Forgive our tendency toward selfishness. In your precious name, Amen.”

Scriptures on Suicide

Suicide Prevention Lifeline