Keep Hanging On

It’s a tough concept. A tough word to say or hear or think or even imagine. It’s real though. Very real. It happens: Suicide. Hard to wrap your mind around it. It breaks my heart that people think they have to commit suicide when they’re going through hardships in life. We think that what they’re going through is just a phase. That they’ll one day get over it. They may even think that about themselves. Until one day, things get worse. One little thing sets them off. One tiny button is pushed and it takes them to the thoughts that they can’t go on anymore. They feel defeated by hurt. They feel defeated by pain. They feel like no one cares for them anymore. So, they don’t think twice anymore. They don’t stop themselves this time. They do it.

“One bottle of pills and the pain will be gone.”

“One deep cut in the perfect spot and the hurt will go away.”

“One bullet is all it’s gonna take to finally be free.”

“One rope is all that I need to find peace.”

“One jump is all I need to get out of this madness.”

They don’t think of the toll it takes on their friends and loved ones. As far as they were concerned, no one cared about them. Was that not the whole problem?!

It makes you think, doesn’t it. It makes you want to show your family and friends just how much you truly care for them. It makes you think about what you say to people and how you say it. It makes you watch your actions a little closer. It makes you pray a little harder.

Some people blame God when it happens. They question Him as to why He didn’t stop them. Truth is though, maybe it’s you. Did you ever think that maybe God was trying to get your attention?! I bet not. Maybe He wants you to cry out to Him in this time of need. Maybe it’s His way of saying, “Hey you! Time and life is precious. Choose who you’re gonna start living it for.” Maybe it’s His way of telling you to share your faith a little more. Who’s to say that if you would’ve shared your faith with that certain person, then they wouldn’t have killed themselves?! Did you ever think of that?! It’s God. He’s trying to give us all a wake up call.

I read and hear stories about how often people commit suicide. It breaks my heart. Those people were crying out for help, and no one helped them. No one thought they’d actually do it. I can almost guarantee that the guilt turns on almost immediately for those people who realize that someone was crying out for their help.

Let me tell you this: I know what it’s like to feel alone. I know how it feels to be hurt. Pain sucks whether it’s physical or emotional.

Just know that you can get through whatever obstacles that life throws your way. With strength and with prayer and with faith through God, all things are possible.

And, if you need to talk to someone, don’t hesitate to seek a counselor or a mentor or anyone who’s willing to listen.

It’s okay to feel pain. It’s human. But, when it happens, always remember that God won’t give you anything that you can’t bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Stay strong.

Keep faith.

Always pray.

I love you and I care for you. I’m praying, too.

Just keep hanging on.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide,

contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-

273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). 

Here's a little song to let you know that it's okay to feel worn. God is in control. You can make it. I promise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUEy8nZvpdM