Suicide... At Any Age

This mix tape of DeGarmo & Key that I mentioned playing in my car the other day (which is still in the deck) continues to play in my head, even when I'm not in the car! For whatever reason, the song Teenage Suicide kept looping, as if the track on CD was on repeat. I know most of you have all switched to digital, but there's something about holding the case and cover in your hand while listening to great music!

As I considered today being our weekly focus on community and in light of Vacation Bible School starting on Monday, I thought how important we remember that we often how no idea what people are going through; what challenges they face; their story and why they are where you've seen them.

God, of course, has interesting ways of confirming directions in the spirit realm. Last night, as I sat on my couch watching Christian Rock concerts on YouTube and switching between Facebook & Craigslist on my phone, I read the story of a man... I don't know even know where to begin. He and his wife had lost a child at some point in their marriage. On a getaway for their 30th anniversary, they got a hotel room where they were going to meet, I think after work. She got their before him and could no longer cope with the loss of their child. He found her... OD'd on pills. He had gone down hill fast, ended up losing his job.  He knows who he is and where is at in life and is okay, but he has disconnected from his kids, as if he has some 'penance' to pay (his words). He lives in obscurity. But there could be so much more to his, despite this tragedy.

Meanwhile, also from last night's browsing, someone posted a similar message on the page of a popular pastor... feeling drained and considering a way out; yet she recognizes the whisper of God in her life, so she is mustering everything within her to stand one more day, by the help and grace of God.

I'll be the first to admit, I don't understand all that transpires when someone goes through this process. I understand we all have those days of frustration and you wonder for a moment, is it worth it all. It can be a difficult question to answer, for any number of reasons. On any given day, it can nearly be impossible to answer.

There is much to live for, however. And only One, Eternal, who is worth living for.

As I close out this post; read the lyrics of this song...

I don't want to hurt nobody // it's just that I know I've had enough
there's to much pain and hatred // I think I'd rather be dead
than to live without mercy, hope or love

so don't come any closer, i really mean it // yes I know you think I've lost my mind
my gun's here and I'll use it // and this time I'm gonna really lose it
listed as a teenage suicide

I can see you out there all around me // but it's too late to talk it out this time
I don't want to shoot you // I'll do what i have to do

listed as a teenage suicide

I don't think I can take it // I give you my heart to break it
listed as a teenage suicide

it could've been me // out there in the moonlight screaming
it could've been me // in a search for everlasting meaning
but i found all the pieces // deep within the arms of Jesus
it could've been me // out there in the night oh
till Jesus changed my life // ooh changed my life

So pray with me, this #communitySaturday, for those struggling to get through the day. Perhaps is shear frustrating and disappointment; perhaps they are on the verge of trying to figure a way out and are in desperate need. As you interact with those in your circle, as VBS events take place and the church comes in contact with kids and young people navigating through unbelievable difficult, pray the Holy Spirit would bring comfort and peace to these circumstances; and words of revelation that would point them to the person of Jesus Christ. May their identity be found in Him. May their hope and trust be placed in Him. May they sense and know that Christ died for them so that they may have life; His life resident in their heart. Pray this would be a day for the miraculous... and that even with a community focus, pastors too, are not are not immune to facing this subject in their personal lives.

May lives be changed
As the pieces are found
Deep within the arms of Jesus.

- PNC