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Mountainview Family, 

 

I’ve been thinking… and praying… and journaling some thoughts I want to share today about a difficult subject –– suicide. 

 

There are families in our schools, our workplaces, and even our church who have been forever re-shaped by suicide. In just the last couple of weeks, I have heard more news of suicides, attempted suicides, and suicidal considerations. A Gresham elementary school teacher was found dead. The family reported that the cause was suicide, in hopes of sharing a message of warning for other families.  

 

My first thought is a simple one… Jesus said, Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. (Luke 5:31). This is a great reminder. Jesus came to bring healing to the sick, whether spiritually, mentally, or physically, not to those who are “healthy”, the self-satisfied, puffed up and complacent. 

 

Another thought is this… Jesus answered some difficult “why” questions. One of these questions is In John 9 when Jesus and His disciples saw a man who had been born blind. His disciples asked, “Why was this man born blind?” Their real question was, “Whose fault is it?” Their assumption was (and we can make similar assumptions) that the man’s blindness had to have been the direct result of a specific sin, either his or someone else’s. Jesus’ answer was succinct… 

 

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:3 NLT

 

I love what Jesus said here. The darkness that exists isn’t any one person’s fault. We don’t always have to find someone to blame the darkness on. 

 

But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.

John 9:5 NLT

 

And then He healed the blind man… He brought him light…

 

If we have mental health struggles, depression, or anxiety, it may or not be our fault. Mental health challenges are a sure sign that the world is broken and falls short of what God designed it to be. But one thing we know, Jesus is the answer.

 

I believe Jesus is the light of the world. His light still shines into the broken, dark and sinful world through me and you. Therefore, we don’t give those who struggle empty words to hold onto. We don’t pass on some frivolous cliché. We don’t make ridiculous excuses so we can turn away... Rather, we become safe people who are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to pass judgment or assign blame. We create a space where people can be vulnerable to acknowledge deep pain.

 

As people who bear the light of Jesus, we can come alongside people who struggle with hurts, pain, and horrible memories. Just because the world is broken doesn’t mean we get to check out or stop showing up. Why? 

 

…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NLT

 

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. 

Multnomah County Crisis Line for Mental Health: (503) 988-4888

 

I’ve enjoyed listening to Ellie Holcomb’s song Marvelous Light. If you have a few minutes, listen to the words. "Marvelous Light" | Ellie Holcomb | OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

 

Please join us in person or online at 9:00 or 10:40 Sunday. Keep on shining the light of Jesus.

 

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tom