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“Suicide & Janice – Conclusion” “I know I just sent in a prayer request but I’m scared. I am not afraid to die. I’m afraid to live!” A real person sent this email seeking help and there are thousands of others around the world who feel exactly the same way. According to recent estimates, ninety-six people a day or thirty-five thousand real people a year in America commit suicide. Actually it gets worse because suicides are often falsely or mistakenly reported as automobile wrecks, household accidents and homicides. Also, for every death by suicide there are at least ten attempts made. As Christians… what should we say or do? Because there was a suicide in my family, I was confident in knowing the right answer needed to help her. I was wrong… so wrong! My mistake was in relying on my experience instead of God’s wisdom. I said many prayers for Janice but neglected the most important part of all: listening for answers. Paul wrote advice to a struggling church: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.” (Philippians 4:6-7) If I really wanted to help Janice and others, then I needed to spend more time listening to God’s direction and less time worrying about my response. So I finally slowed down and began to really pray and listen. During those quiet peaceful moments an idea began to take shape. “Share Janice’s story through email and allow a community of faith to pray and be used by God to reach out to her.” Within minutes, copies of Janice’s letter were forwarded over the Internet to thousands of people who promised to pray for anyone in need. The response was rapid and incredible. Many began to pray immediately. Soon, Janice received dozens of emails and even a few phone calls from people who shared their own struggle with pain and depression and how God guided their recovery. For example: U After my brother gave up his own life, I wondered if I should do the same, I even stared at my gas oven for a while. However, I know that GOD HAS A PLAN for my life (and yours), and that we are here for a reason. I am not a professional counselor, but I have been praying for you… that we would seek God's wisdom and allow His spirit to work in your life and mine. U I remember VIVIDLY what my struggle was like. I encourage you to hang on. God has heard the cries of your heart. You are important! You are unique. You are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and completely accepted. You might want to repeat those words. I had a "tape" running in my head, "It's hopeless, why keep trying?" We need a new message of hope. Remember John 3:16. "For God so loved the world..." Well, the world includes you and me. U I was touched by Janice’s story and felt the need to give her my phone number. She called once and we talked for several hours ... I don't know if I helped her or not but I did feel the need to reach out to her. Please let me know how she is doing. U I felt compelled to respond and send encouragement. I'm only 18 years old, but I've struggled with depression before. Everything was wrong with me, nothing was right. Someone told me..."When you are sad, Jesus is sad too. When you cry, so does He.” They told of God's amazing love for me, how NOTHING can separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39). It was what I needed to hear. Here's my prayer for you.... Father, I come today with a special person on my heart. I pray your love will surround and fill her heart. I pray that her hurts, sadness, feelings of unworthiness be taken away. May Your blessings be poured upon her and may her heart be touched with grace and mercy. Amen. You are special...don't ever forget it. Janice felt alone and abandoned so I responded to her plea… alone. In many ways, Janice and I both, needed to hear the same message from God: You are important but never alone. You are a unique and vital part of a vibrant community of faith. Learn to replace your worries with prayer and you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. Janice wrote: “I wish I could say your prayers are a success and I have won this battle. I wish I could tell you I feel joy and hope again. But I just can't, so I continue to pray for God to help me and He does by keeping me alive another day: one minute at a time. Thank you for your support and prayers.”
I have a personal reason for wanting help anyone considering suicide. Read "Suicide, Choices & 'The Dance.'"
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 http://suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/whylive.html
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