Suicide Prevention
There have been at least two people in our church who have committed suicide. A gentleman; a lady; both of whom were more acquaintances than friends. As I recall, their death occurred within a couple years of each other. I know both of their families well and see them often.
Their families are now real friends of my family.
The young lady had two surviving minor children, a boy and a girl who are being well cared for by their grandparents. The gentleman left behind a greeving wife who had also lost a son to drugs less that a year prior. Her husband, the father of the deceased son, overwhelmed by the death of their son, took his life at the son's grave site. It is very difficult to think about, but the surviving wife and mother is such an inspiration.
I have never studied anything about suicide, and have not directly done anything to prevent it. Regular attendees of our church, both parties mentioned above were very loved by their families. Our membership is about 700 people consisting of many small groups who gather for study, prayer, and fellowship. Somehow, they fell between the tracks; we failed to prevent it; nor did we even see it coming. I do not sense that there was insensitivity nor an insufficiency of love. So often 'life and death' are filled with complexities and complications. It is very difficult to prevent something you have no idea is about to happen. My experience in this area is very limited. Would to God there was more that I could say or bring to this table of despair.
Suicides; can we prevent them? Some, we can; most, perhaps not; but we must never cease to try. In the darkest places, there is somewhere a light. Somewhere, there is a spark to ignite a troubled soul, and to shout out the love to ignite the light.
The one suggestion I offer is that we dare to engage and connect with people of all types and persuasions, whether they are socialites or loners. Nothing fights and conquers fear and loneliness like love; and although love indeed projects emotions; it is 'an action word' with far more 'prevention power' than any other word in existence.
09152017 PS Contest, Suicide Prevention Month, Laura Loo
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