Stay Alive!

Yesterday I was listening to a local talk radio show. They mentioned a new study that states Utah is one of the highest in the nation for suicide and is the top state for people thinking of committing suicide. There was a discussion about what caused this but I was lost in my own thoughts.

I have been in that dark place but have always been able to reach out for help. My children, friends, church and even professionals are there.

I've seen the aftermath of suicide. A friend whose brother returned from war and could not face what he had seen and perhaps done. A co-worker that took his own life to get even with his girlfriend and a relative whose father chose this route to end his suffering. The ripples of pain and despair that spread out from these incidents is unfathomable. I know those that died would think twice if they could see what they left in their wake.

I am not here to pass judgement. But I do want to encourage anyone that may be in that dark place to reach out for help. Friends, churches, therapists and even the emergency room can help you. The National Suicide Prevention hotline number is (800) 273-8255 Call if you need to. There are people that care and better days will come. You matter and whether you can see it now or not, you are loved.

I chose this picture from the movie The Last of the Mohicans. In this scene the stars are trapped behind a waterfall with the enemy approaching. The decision is reluctantly made that their best hope is to have the men escape and come to save the women later. Daniel Day-Lewis says to his lady, "Stay alive. I will find you. Do what you have to do to stay alive!" This line was so powerful. Sometimes all we can do is to stay alive. Plod forward until we have more strength. I promise it is worth it. You are worth it!