June 26th marks ten years since my dear younger brother, Travis, took his own life. I still vividly remember the morning I received the call that he was no more. I couldn't believe it! The words are still indescribable. Travis had finally been doing well for several years, moving on with his life, and then, out of nowhere, he was gone. His decision was an act of desperation and the wrong one. Indeed, God had been patiently trying to help him through his profound pains, inner struggles, memories, and hurts. However, he chose not to accept God's help and instead opted to end his life.
Oh, how I miss my brother! We were friends, and he enjoyed talking to me. I miss our conversations so much, praying with him, and discussing God's promises in the Holy Bible. I only wish I had recognized the signs that he might be suicidal. But God has taken my deep pain and grief and used it to equip me better to encourage and help others who are contemplating suicide.
Suicide has not just hit home for me and my family, but it is a devastating trouble that I know many of you are facing across the United States. I understand the loneliness and the feeling of being unable to persevere through your problems. Loneliness is a heavy burden, and it can make life feel unbearable. And in these dark moments, it's easy to believe there is no way out. But I want to tell you that there is hope, there is light, and there is a way through the darkness.
Suicide is a lie from Satan. It is never the solution to our afflictions and distress. Those who take their own lives deny themselves the opportunity to learn the grace of God; they rob themselves of witnessing how God takes affliction and turns it into something good. They deprive themselves of the wisdom and glory found in the sufferings of bearing our cross with Christ Jesus.
My brother's death has taught me so much about the importance of paying attention to others and offering support, of being present for one another, and of recognizing the signs of deep despair in those around us. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone. There is no shame in asking for help; it is one of the bravest things you can do.
Even in our darkest moments, the Lord Jesus has a plan for each of us. God is ever-present, offering His love and grace with unwavering patience. If you find yourself in a place of hopelessness, I urge you to turn to Christ Jesus. Quietly sit at His feet and give Him all your grief, immerse yourself in His Word, and open your heart to Him. Allow Him to bring healing and show you the way through your pain. His love is a fortress of hope, guiding you through the darkness, and His presence brings peace even in the midst of turmoil.
To anyone who is contemplating suicide, please hear me: your life is valuable. You are loved. You have a purpose. There are people who care about you, even if it doesn't always seem that way. Most importantly, God cares about you. He wants to help you through your struggles, to persevere you through your despair, and to show you the significance of your afflictions.
It's also important to reach out to someone. Isolation will only deepen the sense of hopelessness, but sharing your burdens can lighten the load. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a pastor. There are people in your community who are willing to listen, who will be there for you, and who can offer support and comfort. Sometimes, simply having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
If you feel alone, please remember that there are many organizations and helplines dedicated to helping people in crisis. Please reach out to them without hesitation. They are not just there to listen but to genuinely understand what you're going through and provide immediate support. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this fight; people are ready to stand with you.
In the Bible, God encourages us to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). This means we are meant to support each other and lift each other up in times of need. Let someone be there for you. Let others share in your struggles and help you find your way back to life. Your life is a precious gift from God, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
For those of us who have lost someone to suicide, we intimately know the pain and the lingering questions. It is our responsibility to use our experiences to support others and to be a light in their darkness. We, too, need to reach out with compassion and understanding, offering a listening ear and a loving heart. We can be a great support to those thinking about suicide because we deeply understand the devastating consequences of Satan's lies.
My testimony is one of transformation through Christ Jesus. Over the years, God has taken my pain and grief and used it to mold me into someone who can help others facing similar struggles. I am here to tell you that there is hope, that life can get better, and that you are not alone.
In memory of my brother and in hope for all those suffering, let us pray together, support each other, and spread the message that there is always hope, help, and a way through the darkness. Jesus Christ loves you very much, and I love you too.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
Oh, how I miss my brother! We were friends, and he enjoyed talking to me. I miss our conversations so much, praying with him, and discussing God's promises in the Holy Bible. I only wish I had recognized the signs that he might be suicidal. But God has taken my deep pain and grief and used it to equip me better to encourage and help others who are contemplating suicide.
Suicide has not just hit home for me and my family, but it is a devastating trouble that I know many of you are facing across the United States. I understand the loneliness and the feeling of being unable to persevere through your problems. Loneliness is a heavy burden, and it can make life feel unbearable. And in these dark moments, it's easy to believe there is no way out. But I want to tell you that there is hope, there is light, and there is a way through the darkness.
Suicide is a lie from Satan. It is never the solution to our afflictions and distress. Those who take their own lives deny themselves the opportunity to learn the grace of God; they rob themselves of witnessing how God takes affliction and turns it into something good. They deprive themselves of the wisdom and glory found in the sufferings of bearing our cross with Christ Jesus.
My brother's death has taught me so much about the importance of paying attention to others and offering support, of being present for one another, and of recognizing the signs of deep despair in those around us. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone. There is no shame in asking for help; it is one of the bravest things you can do.
Even in our darkest moments, the Lord Jesus has a plan for each of us. God is ever-present, offering His love and grace with unwavering patience. If you find yourself in a place of hopelessness, I urge you to turn to Christ Jesus. Quietly sit at His feet and give Him all your grief, immerse yourself in His Word, and open your heart to Him. Allow Him to bring healing and show you the way through your pain. His love is a fortress of hope, guiding you through the darkness, and His presence brings peace even in the midst of turmoil.
To anyone who is contemplating suicide, please hear me: your life is valuable. You are loved. You have a purpose. There are people who care about you, even if it doesn't always seem that way. Most importantly, God cares about you. He wants to help you through your struggles, to persevere you through your despair, and to show you the significance of your afflictions.
It's also important to reach out to someone. Isolation will only deepen the sense of hopelessness, but sharing your burdens can lighten the load. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a pastor. There are people in your community who are willing to listen, who will be there for you, and who can offer support and comfort. Sometimes, simply having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
If you feel alone, please remember that there are many organizations and helplines dedicated to helping people in crisis. Please reach out to them without hesitation. They are not just there to listen but to genuinely understand what you're going through and provide immediate support. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this fight; people are ready to stand with you.
In the Bible, God encourages us to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). This means we are meant to support each other and lift each other up in times of need. Let someone be there for you. Let others share in your struggles and help you find your way back to life. Your life is a precious gift from God, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
For those of us who have lost someone to suicide, we intimately know the pain and the lingering questions. It is our responsibility to use our experiences to support others and to be a light in their darkness. We, too, need to reach out with compassion and understanding, offering a listening ear and a loving heart. We can be a great support to those thinking about suicide because we deeply understand the devastating consequences of Satan's lies.
My testimony is one of transformation through Christ Jesus. Over the years, God has taken my pain and grief and used it to mold me into someone who can help others facing similar struggles. I am here to tell you that there is hope, that life can get better, and that you are not alone.
In memory of my brother and in hope for all those suffering, let us pray together, support each other, and spread the message that there is always hope, help, and a way through the darkness. Jesus Christ loves you very much, and I love you too.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
