The following material is very sensitive. It’s a very dark article that involves suicide. I’m writing this not to force anyone to lose hope. But as Christians, we need to talk about these things. To go to church with a fake smile is absolutely absurd, notably because there are real people in real pain. Let us acknowledge reality and comfort one another. Let the truth be what it is, and let’s find the truth for ourselves.
Mental health awareness is very important. To choose between physical illness or mental illness is like asking which eye to pluck out. I’ve confessed my struggle with C-PTSD. And back when I met with a counselor, she taught me a thing called ‘mindfulness.’ Just to explain, let’s visit what it means to be happy. What do you think comes with happiness? Money? Education? Fame? A dream job? Family and lots of friends? Imagine having all of that… Now imagine a person without all of that. To be alone, broken, poor, and in a hopeless situation. Do you think that person has any chance of being happy? Yes, they do. It’s called ‘mindfulness.’ All it takes is to have the knowledge and skill of applying it to our lives.
I hesitated to make this blog because I have a friend who lost someone to suicide. I don’t mean to offend anyone or bring up bad memories. My answer to them would be one of comfort and assurance. Their loved one was not in their right mind at the moment. It was nothing about what his family did. It was simply a mishap of chemicals in his brain, irrational thinking, and a choice that he thought was the right answer. I would know because I once stood on a five-story parking structure and thought of jumping. Everything inside me said to jump. The answer I can provide to my friend is one of validation. It hurts, and we must acknowledge that. But I would like to remind my friend of a hope that Christ gave us. Yes, this is a world of pain and suffering. Jesus would certainly know about that. And my message to that friend is that I know it all seems to be in vain. It seems nothing could ever be right again. But I’m here to tell you all can be renewed. Trust in God. He cries with us. He sees our pain. This world is a shadow, but God will one day bring us in the light. One of truth and love. Let him be the judge of our time to go.
Mindfulness is the key that brought me out of my mental illness. It’s all about putting the past in the past, not fearing the future, and focusing on the moment. It’s a miracle-worker. And that’s why I and my brother are going to include it in project #CrossingBorders. If you’re going through a difficult time and think you might have an illness, please talk to a professional. If you know a friend whom you suspect is suffering, there are hot lines to help you. The suicide prevention hotline is 1–800–273–8255.
There is a river that washes you clean,
There is a tree that marks the places you’ve been.
Blood that was spilled, although not your own.
All of your tears, love will atone.
God bless.