WHO Suicide Facts:
- More than 700,000 people die from suicide every year.
- For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide.
- Globally the most common methods of suicide are ingestion of pesticides, hanging and firearms.
- Every suicide affects families, communities and entire countries, leaving long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
From https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
These facts about suicide are devastating. Suicide is a prevailing issue globally, but honestly the topic of suicide was something I still took rather lightly. I was basically desensitized since I’ve never had suicidal tendencies. So, it was not until the subject of suicide hit close to home that I was awakened to the severity of suicide and how it is a lethal sin. I now have deep concern for every person who battles with suicidal thoughts, especially the person who does not know Christ. I think we all (Christians and non-Christians alike) forget that there truly is life after death because society teaches that “YOLO!” meaning “You only live once, so live life to the fullest.” and “You can rest when you’re dead.” But, the reality is that although our physical bodies die and are no longer present here on earth, our souls live forever – thus there isn’t any rest when you are dead if you’re separated from God (Read the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 NKJV). Suicide might be a temporal result to a person’s misery on earth, but it is not the end result for one’s eternal fate when you don’t ask God for forgiveness and to spare your life during your last moments of consciousness (Romans 10:8-13 NKJV). Therefore, my heart aches more for all the people who are lost, hurting, confused, and contemplating suicide throughout the world.
On Monday, February 13, 2023, I was taking an afternoon walk with our family’s Boston Terrier and I noticed a bunch of people and policemen at one of the neighbor’s houses across the street. This was very unusual, because I never see anyone else at that house, except sporadically the single male homeowner that lived there. The people and police were there for hours. Finally, that evening we received word from my relatives, whom live directly across the street, that the neighbor had committed suicide. Upon hearing this news, my heart literally skipped a beat and I felt like I had to catch my breath. I couldn’t believe that a horrific act such as this happened in our peaceful neighborhood. To make matters a little worse, I guess the shock struck me with a feeling of guilt too. The day before I had noticed the neighbor’s garage was left open all day and throughout the night. I didn’t think much of it at the time but now that I recall it, it was something abnormal. I should’ve told my parents sooner and had my dad go check on the neighbor since he kind of knew him. But, I didn’t and now I can’t help but feel a bit culpable and somber about the neighbor’s death. Obviously, I know that we cannot be somebody’s savior, only Jesus can, however maybe if my dad or another neighbor had gone to check up on him and tell him about his garage it could’ve intervened with his suicidal plans. It could’ve made him see that there are still good people in the world, that there are still people who care for you and notice you. These simple acts of kindness can be an opening gesture of sharing God’s grace, care, and love for others (Galatians 5:22 NKJV). To this day I can’t help but ponder “What caused him to end his life the day before Valentine’s Day?”. Although I’ll never know the answer as to why, my heart still breaks every time I see his house.
Thursday morning, March 2nd, as I was walking out of the house to the car to go to work, I looked up and saw two people in white hazmat suits covered from head to toe carrying the neighbor’s mattress out of his house. Upon seeing this site, I was reminded of the tragic death and it made me stop in my tracks, I felt as if my heart skipped a beat again. Slowly I got into my car and sat there for a few moments just staring at the house, watching the people placing the mattress next to the dumpster trailer, then going inside and coming back with other parts of the bed. I couldn’t watch them actually throw the mattress and bed frame into the dumpster, so I drove off to work. On the drive to work, I couldn’t help but think about the neighbor again and how it had been two weeks since his death. I couldn’t help but wonder if the people in the hazmat suits knew what happened and if they genuinely felt sorry for the neighbor. I couldn’t help it, and I got teary eyed at the thought that I am alive, the neighbor is gone, and there are other people within my community, and even throughout the world, that are alive and dead or contemplating suicide today. I assume I am so emotional and empathetic now because I realize how precious a person’s life truly is. We are made from flesh and blood that decays over time but the soul lives on forever. Our lives are like a vapor here today and gone tomorrow (James 4:14 NKJV). What gives me some peace of mind though is that a co-worker told me someone sent in a prayer request for my deceased neighbor’s family and co-workers to the Christian radio station where I work. So, hopefully the neighbor heard about the gospel somehow and knew God in order to ask for forgiveness before his last breath and heart beat, such as the thief hanging and dying on the cross next to Jesus “[…] said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 NKJV).
Through this tragic incident there are three lessons learned – at least for me and I hope for you as well:
- If you see something unusual, say something. Don’t assume everything is fine. I believe the Holy Spirit gives us discernment and internal instincts on what to do in certain circumstances; it is that urging gut feeling to do something.
- Love and care for others like Jesus did; give those individuals a sense of belonging and help lead them to Christ. In Christ is the only way each person will find true purpose, contentment, and fulfillment in life.
- If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or know of someone who is suicidal, seek help immediately. It is okay to cry out to God and confide in people you trust for help. Please, don’t stay silent – you’ll be surprised how many Christians actually suffer with similar thoughts, emotions, and situations as you.
If you made it this far and are still reading this, know that you are alive today because God still has a plan and purpose for your life, whether you believe it or not. Stay strong, cling to Christ and the cross, and be blessed!
I’ve never shared what I am about to share with anyone but I feel the need to now. I wrote this song over 10 years ago based on a friend’s experience, observations from people within the society, and lastly, personal thoughts about questioning God’s existence. I hope it speaks to you in some way.
Revived By Your Presence
By: INF
Verse 1:
Here I am feeling lonely again
Enclosing myself from others
Crying in silence and nobody even bothers
But there You were always watching me
Waiting for me to come to You
Chorus:
Because You are always there when nobody cares
But sometimes it is so hard to believe since You’re not able to be seen
Verse 2:
So I reach for the blade wanting to get rid of this pain
Then I feel You come to my aid whispering don’t be afraid
And telling me I’m not made for this
So I refrain
Chorus:
Because You are always there when nobody cares
But sometimes it is so hard to believe since You’re not able to be seen
Verse 3:
Now I feel so shamed since I questioned Your name
I doubted Your existence but You are patiently persistent in reviving my life
Bridge:
Because You are always there when nobody cares
And now I trust to believe in You, the great unseen
