Death...Reflections...

This weekend, we learned of a sad situation regarding a local community member.  He took his own life on Saturday.  He had been married twice, has two boys and a couple former step daughters, and had suffered with demons of his own for a while. 

Apparently, he'd had all he could take, and ended his journey on this earth.  He is now pain free, and has been set free from the handcuffs of his earthly vices.  I'm told that interventions were attempted many times, but to no avail, obviously. 

It is so hard to hear things like this as a Christian, and as a community member.  Yes, we are relieved that he is with our Savior and is released from his bondage, but there is eternal hope and sanctity in having a good relationship with Jesus.  I find it hard to believe that he really was able to absorb the Word in its entirety.  Why would he take his own life if he truly understood it?  Clearly, I have not come to terms with someone nearly my age (or any age) leaving the planet by choice...

I just can't help but wish there was something more I could have done to help him in his journey.  And I suppose there are many who are feeling the same way.  I am truly saddened that I didn't do more, that I didn't know more, and that I didn't pray more.

My prayers and thoughts continue to go up on account of the family and friends affected by the loss.  Suicide (attempted or succesful) is an illness.  I am not tremendously familiar with the issue (and hope to never be!), but I guess I just feel like our community let him down.  Is this right?  I know it can't be prevented because he made the choice, but it is something totally foreign to me!!!!

My heart is heavy for those who are left behind to mourn the loss, and I wouldn't want his death to be in vain.  What can our community learn from this?  What signs or symptoms can we recognize earlier on?  How, if in any way, could we have stepped in?

Clearly, this has raised some questions in my mind...  I stand tall in my faith, strong as ever, but just wish that I had His divine wisdom. 

I will pray that God gives strength to those left behind, that they may learn of His goodness and abundant love.  I will pray that God walks with them in this journey of healing, and carries them through the "muddy spots" in the path of life...

Comments

Barb Burke said…
Yes Jess, I think we all feel the same way, we have seen too much of this in Alliance. I woke up to this on the news this morning . . . too sad for all that were touched by him!
January 31, 2012 at 7:29 AM
Debbie said…
My heart goes out to all who have been touched by this death. I have had two really good friends decide to end their life.I can't image what they must have gone through to make that decision and I always wondered if I could have made a difference? I think everyone carries that burden with them when there is a death and especially one like this. May God Bless him and be with his family and friends.
January 31, 2012 at 3:13 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nada

Image
Really not much going on here today. I've been studying like a mad man, it's cold here, kids are busy, same old same old. I did find out yesterday my Aunt Marlene (Mom's sister) has non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She is doing some chemo treatments in the next couple weeks, and we'll see where it goes from there -- please keep her in your prayers. I also need prayers for my friends still struggling financially. Times are tough, and we all have to make sacrifices we typically wouldn't, but hang in there -- it will all be worth it in the end. One resource I can recommend on money expertise is DaveRamsey.com -- he's the guy responsible for the Financial Peace University that Jason and I took a couple of years ago. We wouldn't be where we are today if we hadn't taken advantage of that valuable resource. There is a link on the right side of my blog to his website -- check it out. I'd also be willing to talk to you about his information, too. Let me know! ...
Read more

Christmas Lists

I finally took a few moments and got the Christmas lists posted for our family!  I find it hard to believe we are at this point in the year already.  This has been a crazy year, full of roller-coaster emotions, such busy times, a few slow times, losses for some, gains for many, but it has been another year passed nonetheless. This year, we've seen many changes, and with each change, we learn a little bit more about who we are and what we're capable of. I'm going into this holiday season with a warm heart, and I hope you will too.  God has great things in store for all of us, and I can't wait to see each morning what He's prepared for me. Happy Holidays! Side note about the lists -- This is verbatim what the kids had on their lists, and I did not split the list between any of the family, so plan accordingly.  We won't be concerned about duplicates, as we enjoy shopping for ANY reason.  We're grateful for the thought you put into each gift, and are tha...
Read more
Image
   This past weekend, we traveled to Deadwood with my “work family”, and had a great time. Some of the guys went golfing up near Sturgis (Boulder Canyon) during the morning, but most of us ladies had spent the morning checking out the sales in the citywide garage sales. We started off the trip by meeting together at the office and “caravan-ing” the ladies to the Prairie Berry Winery. With Jason’s back being injured recently, he wasn’t up for golf, so he decided to be our “DD”…          I had never been to a wine tasting, nor a winery, and never had been to Prairie Berry.  It snowed on us on the way up (see photo at right). What an enjoyable experience it was! We were allowed to try up to five wines, (only a half an ounce each), so I tried a variety, albeit most of them were the sweet wines. I am just not a fan of dry or bitter wines. I ended up purchasing some of their infamous “Red Ass Rhubarb” and some “Calamity Jan...
Read more