For over a year, I woke up each day wondering if that day would be the day I would receive a call telling me that my son had committed suicide…
Thankfully that call never came.
My son is alive today I believe for two reasons: God’s awesome grace and two special people who chose to walk beside him and help him see the lies he thought were true.
Words are powerful. And when those words create lies in our minds, it can be devastating.
My son, for some reason, believed the lie that he was better off dead. It has taken a lot of counseling to get past that lie.
While he is still struggling with depression, I think he is beating his battle with suicidal thoughts. He talks weekly with a counselor who is helping him see the lies for what they are.
Another essential part of his recovery is his pastor. This person has gone beyond “pastor duties” and chooses to be there for him like a true friend. He is walking beside him and is there for him when thoughts start to overwhelm him.
In a recent post, Jacob Schwer talked about what giving to the church means. I would add that giving to the church saves lives.
As a mom, I was devastated that I couldn’t help my son. But this pastor’s actions proved priceless and God used him to help save my son’s life. I truly believe that. He helped my son in ways that I couldn’t.
Giving to the church is much more than just giving money. It saves lives! It allows people to be available to show others they matter and that the lie “you are better off dead” is just that – a LIE!