- I’m sick of it all. Why should I bother trying anymore? I’m not even afraid of dying.
- I can no longer go through this any longer. I will take my own life.
- I guess I’m writing for prayers because I know I shouldn’t kill myself but…
Three emails crying out desperately for understanding and hope. I was fervently praying for three miracles yet I had no idea what to do or how to begin. This problem was too big for one person.
Bianca Tate of the Trauma Resource Network wrote: People consider suicide because they don’t know or believe God loves them. There are so many lonely people in the world today clinging to everything but God. People who are suicidal need the love of God… for once you know and feel His love, you will never be incomplete again! Everyone’s life is valuable for it was worth the blood of Christ. Just see the cross! It’s all there. Bianca (mailto:ufo99@worldnet.att.net)
Later that same night, I sent an email to our Sowing Seeds Ministry subscribers: Here are three prayer requests that need your closest attention. Each person is seriously considering suicide and urgently needs your prayers and possibly an email offering encouragement. Will you bow your heads for a moment? “Dear God, we need a miracle for three precious lives. Show us the way to get involved and let us trust in your love and power. Amen.” The response was immediate and effective…
I went online to write my final farewells. Imagine my surprise when I found 60 emails from people I’d never met before. The tears flowed as I read the words of encouragement for me… someone I didn’t think mattered. Do you know how long it’s been since I cried? I can’t remember the last time.
Sixty emails! Can you imagine receiving that many letters offering encouragement and love? One example: “We haven’t met but I offer this prayer: May Our Lord bless you. May Our Lord hold you tight. May a Host of Angels hasten to your side. May your heart slowly open to good things? May your pain decrease as your amazing grace increases. May you be surprised with tiny bits of joy. May you look at a mirror and smile at the precious image. May you picture yourself wrapped in a Heavenly Blanket of Love, Calmness, Gentleness, Understanding, Peace, Patience, STRENGTH and Openness to better days ahead. May you embrace the prayers that are being said on your behalf. May you go forth with renewed faith. May you remind yourself that you are SPECIAL. May your tears wash your soul clean. May your happiness sneak around the corner and pop up when you least expect it.”
Guess what? I have decided not to commit suicide. Everything was planned and I wanted to end it all, but after all the many, many emails and words of encouragement received by literally hundreds of praying friends, I decided to give life another shot. I know it won’t be easy but I am willing to try. I have a lot of hurt and problems to sort out but praise God; I know they will come out right. I didn’t know God and so many others cared about me! Please keep praying and don’t stop those encouraging emails!
Other letters shared their own tragic stories: “I understand how it feels to be at the bottom of a deep dark well with no hope of getting out. My grandma passed away and I went through a heartbreaking split. I was lost and felt so alone. I was ready to die. When a roommate found me, I was unresponsive. They did not expect me to live through the night. I wondered why I was still alive and tried to accept the struggles ahead. I heard Michael W. Smith sing “this is your time.” The words struck and I fell on my knees and prayed God would forgive me. I have now fully recovered and given my life back to the Lord. An 18 year old friend of mine was contemplating taking her life and came for help. We spoke for hours, talking and crying. She called me two days ago so that we could go shopping. Shopping!”
Larry there is no way to express how opening your note today touched me. I have felt SO alone in this struggle. I can’t lean on those around me because they all look to me for their strength. NOTHING compares to the feeling of knowing there are prayer warriors out there on my behalf.
How do we help someone who may be considering suicide? 1. Watch for signs. If someone speaks of ending it… they are usually serious. 2. Pray for guidance. 3. Get involved and offer encouragement. 4. Ask for help. 5. Continue to pray and follow up. 6. Whatever happens… don’t blame yourself.
“God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” (2 Corinthians 1:4) Is this God’s answer for getting involved? “Maybe there is a purpose for all my suffering… maybe someday I will help someone else. I would certainly like to try. It seems the only time I’m happy is when I help others.”
Hi Larry… just wanted to let you know I’m still around… still praying. Things are still hard, but hey, God never said it would be easy… only that it would be worth it.
Our website has helped many who have considered suicide. Click here to read more.
If you are considering suicide or know someone who is… call for help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or click on www.suicidehotlines.com
For an article that will answer the question: Why Live? Click here
