In the last few weeks, two more celebrity suicides dominated news headlines, leaving many average non-celebrities to ponder, "what more could these people want from life?" From the outside looking in, fame is the golden ticket of life. With fame comes adoration of friends and strangers alike and enough resources to indulge almost every craving and desire.
In a materialistic culture, what else could anyone possibly want or need?
When one realizes suicide is the number 10 leading cause of death in America and many in the celebrity world succumb to or attempt suicide each year, one conclusion screams out: adoration and accumulation of possessions are not a pathway to peace and purpose.
In the subsequent days to the tragic and unexpected deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, calls to suicide hotlines increased 25%. This may be a cause for alarm or a sign of hope, depending on what is driving this number. Alarm if this increased 25% is a result of suicide contagion and hope if the increased 25% is the result of increased awareness and willingness to seek help rather than suffering alone.
While certain demographics seem more susceptible to suicide, no sector of society remains untouched. Rich, poor, religious, godless, married, single, young and old - despair and hopelessness is no respecter of persons. Over 100 hurting souls commit suicide every day. In 2016 over 44,000 Americans took their own lives and the suicide rate continues to climb. Most people do not gives much thought to suicide until someone famous falls victim to the darkness.
The list of musicians and actors who succumb to the siren call grows each year, nevertheless, the news is never less shocking. From Curt Cobain to Robin Williams, from Wendy O. Williams to Chris Cornell, high profile suicides always leave the public wondering what went wrong.
Suicide is the hidden epidemic:
Society is more medicated and connected (via social media) than any time in history, while suicide rates continue to climb. Depression awareness, anti-bullying programs and other tactics meant to stave off the flood of self destruction seem to be making very little progress, in fact, we may just find encouraging people to embrace impulse is counterproductive. Never before has transgenderism, for example, been more encouraged and accepted, yet the suicide rate among the transgender community continues to rise.
What is the answer? Ultimately, the answer is always God, but to abdicate our responsibility to love one another to God's sovereignty is gross negligence of the highest order. Despite our best efforts to walk with others through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, people we love may surrender to the despair and end their lives, this, however, does not relieve us of the responsibility to love others as God commands us.
Rather than throwing medicine at symptoms, maybe we could do a better job of dealing with the root causes of depression and hopelessness where medicine becomes a temporary bridge to true healing, not a life sentence to chemical dependency. Pharmaceutical companies have convinced the medical world pills are the answer to everything and have convinced the public to believe if I feel ok, I am ok. What happens when the medicine stops working or side effects cause other problems? More medicine?
The truth of the matter is, lives are transformed, healed, and set free by the power of Jesus Christ. If you are struggling, if you feel hopeless, if you feel as if you have passed a point of no return, these are lies told to you by the hater of your soul, Satan.
Suicide is a senseless tragedy that seems the only logical choice committed by those who feel helpless and without any other path. Those left behind, in turn feel helpless and begin the self blame game, what could I have done better?
Because high profile suicides get us thinking about an issue we would rather ignore, I would like to encourage you to take stock of those around you. Be aware of those who are hurting, those whose mouths say "I'm fine," while their eyes tell a far different tale. Maybe, just finding someone who cares would be enough in some cases.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone and you are not without hope, though it may feel that way. Reach out for help, ask God to direct you to the right person. If nothing else, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You may be amazed at how many others have been on the path you are on currently and have overcome the darkness.
Awareness is key. Be aware of those who are hurting around you, take the time to really listen, maybe turn off the TV and reach out to someone who needs a friend. Get out of your comfort zone be involved in someone's life. We cannot expect to do the same things over and over and expect a different outcome . If the problem is increasing, our strategy must change.
Love others toward the cross. You cannot make someone change and you may not, ultimately, prevent them from harming themselves, but you can point them in the one direction with the most hope and possibility. Jesus Christ offers hope and the power of the Spirit cannot be denied.
I Corinthians 1:18 - The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God
Faith based programs have proven to be far more effective than non-faith based or government programs because the power of God's Spirit to transform lives.
If you are struggling with thoughts of self harm, if you are in a dark place and feel there is no escape, if you feel isolated and alone, please reach out, please do not suffer alone and please know nothing you are experiencing is unique to you.
Believer in Christ, be aware of the suffering and hurting people around you. You may be the only lifeline to God they have. Offer the hope you have in Christ, be the bridge to someone's soul, care enough to make an effort. Love as you have been commanded.
Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
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