Tuesday; January 21

          I recently read a headline about a certain extra-curricular activity being criticized for not being (or doing) enough to help prevent suicide.  No, I didn’t read the article, but it did cause me to think about who or what we blame for suicide.  I realize that the topic of suicide is typically so frightening that it has become taboo, but we – as a society – cannot ignore it.  Unfortunately, through the years, I have been around way too many suicides and there is one thing I have learned – suicide is not a simple, single-cause issue.  It is an individual’s decision that, more often than not, comes from a complex blend of stimuli.  It can’t be universally blamed on bullying … or alcohol and drugs … or depression … or limited healthcare … or financial insecurity … or any other single issue.  Each choice to end a life comes from an individual’s unique situation and personal perspective.  The same set of circumstances that might cause one person to have a bad day might be enough cause another person to seek the ultimate escape by taking their life.  There is no blanket statement that covers all suicide attempts, but one of the most common is that a person doesn’t necessarily want to end their life, often they just want the emotional hurt to stop.  When people get to this point they are typically just so emotionally overwhelmed that this permanent solution to their temporary problems seems to be a viable choice.
          I know very few people who feel comfortable discussing suicide, but with its continued presence in our community, we need to do something.  With this said, I would like to offer up some suggestions on what can be done, but I have run out of room for today.  With this in mind, I will leave you with a preview of coming information, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
          Think About It!

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