You are not alone: Depression and Suicide

 


This was my Uncle Keith. He had a successful military career and Boeing career. He had a gorgeous house in Arizona. His family and friends loved him. His dogs adored him. He had a savings account, stocks and bonds, retirement. He was what everyone would consider successful. But he had depression and was an alcoholic. Some said he was a “functioning alcoholic.” When my Grandma, his mother, was dying he couldn’t handle it. Less than a month after her death, he shot himself at his home. The night before his death I was on the phone with him making plans for his next trip to visit. We were looking at tickets to see Little Big Town at the Grand Ol Opry. He was laughing, he was so excited, and he was planning for the future. The Boeing plant he worked at shut down, had a memorial service and brought in counselors for his coworkers. He was loved!


“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).


My mom spent countless hours on the phone praying with him, talking him down from suicidal episodes. I prayed with him and for him. I don’t know what held him back from surrendering to God and getting break through. Uncle Keith didn’t know the toll that his death would take on his family and loved ones. 


Earlier I read a news article that Kellie Picklers husband had died from a self inflicted gun shot wound and my heart immediately broke for her! I know that pain as someone who’s life has been affected by a loved ones passing from suicide. I also know the deep despair that someone feels in that moment when you feel that you can not carry on. In 2018 I myself was suicidal. I sought medical help and the support of my family. I had fallen away from God and was not in church but God still held me. He had a plan! 

Corey has felt that deep despair also. He sat in his truck as a teenage with a gun to his head when he heard God speak to him. “At the age of 19, during a suicide attempt, I heard the voice of the Lord call out to me saying, “I have a purpose for you.” Immediately I put down the gun and repented of my sins, turning back to Christ as my Lord and savior.” 


“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

While depression can make you feel lonely, God is still there with you. And he’s not going anywhere.


“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremy 29:11

God has a plan for you, even if your current circumstances are proving difficult. He is the giver of life, peace and hope! 


“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Depression can be a heavy burden, and many people make the mistake of thinking it’s a burden they must carry alone. This verse serves as a reminder that Jesus is there to lift your burdens and provide relief. you never have to carry that burden alone! 

(800) 525-5683 is the KLOVE prayer line number. They have dedicated staff and pastors who will listen and pray with you! 


988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.


When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.


Joshua 1:5

“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” 


Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”


No matter what your believes are, no matter what your job title is, no matter what your family life is like, no matter what your social status is, no matter your age, no matter your race, no matter your gender; YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Do not believe the lies of the devil! There is always hope! There is always a future! Jesus died on the cross to deliver us, he shed his bled for our sins and our healing. Your life matters! You matter!

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