Hopeless?

If a person is inclined to feel hopeless and depressed, considering the national and international news would certainly deepen those "dark" feelings.  For a few years, there was the rash of school shootings.  Now it's ISIS and other terrorist groups posting their horrible videos all over the internet.  Today there was a young man arrested in Times Square, New York City, U.S.A., for openly recruiting for ISIS.  When will the violence end?

Evil as those large-scale events are, they are not the primary reason an individual feels so hopeless that suicide is planned.  A person planning to hurt themselves feels utterly alone in the world and/or there is no other option to a seemingly tragic situation.

Back after the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929, many men who worked on Wall Street committed suicide by jumping out the windows of high-rise buildings.  In our age, many veterans of wars with untreated P.T.S.D. (post-traumatic stress disorder) decide to end it all.

A person can function in a family, attend school or work well in a job, and still feel alone, like no one cares.  It's so sad to hear of a teenager - or anyone else, for that matter - committing suicide and no one knew there was a problem!  (IF someone tells you how they're planning to hurt themselves, take them seriously and get them help in a hospital!)

We must take time to connect with our loved ones!  We must tell them "I love you" frequently, daily.  We should never be too busy for this!  Having a cheerful attitude also helps.  We never know what burdens others are carrying.  A friendly smile would be welcome by everyone!

You've heard "OPTIONS" mentioned in this blog multiple times.  There are always options in every situation, no matter how grim.  If you or someone you know thinks they're 'at the end of the rope,' think again, see a professional counselor or your pastor or a trusted friend.  You may not like the options, but there are always options.

My atheist friend, Jerry, says, "When I think of after death, I think there will be nothing, just blackness."  He added, "I would like to believe like you, but I don't."  At least, he's being honest.

My religion is the comfort of my life!  I know that no matter what obstacles I encounter in life, the setbacks, the pain, the disappointments, God is with me, giving me the strength to bear them, and will use these things for my good.  I believe that life after death continues, in a different form.

In addition to God being with me in all things, my church friends also support me as I support them, when the need arises.  This is no small help!  Join a church community and find out for yourself.  You may have to 'church shop,' visit several churches to discover which you prefer; don't give up. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Dear Lord, You are timeless and have seen all our tragedies repeated countless times during the thousands of years of humanity.  Help us just do our personal best to care for, to love, all those around us in appropriate ways.  Help us spread Your Hope!